RAMBAN, JULY 08: The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gool, Imtiaz, convened a significant Disaster Management and Coordination Meeting on July 8, aiming to review and bolster disaster preparedness in the region. The meeting focused on enhancing inter-departmental coordination to effectively respond to natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in the sub-division.
Attending the meeting were notable officials including Tehsildar Harjeet Singh, SDPO Kuldeep Raj, Naib Tehsildar Inktikhab Ahmed, and Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) Sanjay Sharma. Representatives from several departments including Jal Shakti, PWD, Health, PDD, FCS&CA, and Police, as well as members from 23 RR Gool, Beacon Mahore, and Batote, were also present.
The meeting commenced with a comprehensive review of the existing disaster management plan, assessing the availability of resources, essential commodities, and the functionality of control rooms and communication systems in the sub-division. SDM Imtiaz urged all line departments to maintain a state of high alert, particularly in light of the impending monsoon season.
He highlighted the critical necessity for proactive measures and seamless coordination among departments to react swiftly to emergencies. The SDM directed the Jal Shakti, PMGSY, and PWD departments to identify vulnerable spots susceptible to disasters, ensuring that restoration teams and machinery are always on standby for immediate action.
The Health department received instructions to guarantee the availability of medicines, ambulances, and medical personnel at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Gool and Primary Health Centres (PHCs). The Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department was tasked with maintaining a sufficient buffer stock of ration supplies to meet any unforeseen demand.
Additionally, the Power Development Department (PDD) was asked to implement backup arrangements for power supply to ensure uninterrupted electricity during emergencies. The SDM emphasized that disaster preparedness necessitates vigilance and proactive measures, particularly during the monsoon.
Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars were instructed to conduct regular inspections of vulnerable areas, maintain updated lists of disaster-prone populations, and foster public awareness regarding best practices during disasters. Community involvement plays a pivotal role in disaster readiness, and the SDM urged locals to actively disseminate safety information.
The police and personnel from the 23 RR were tasked with assisting in rescue and evacuation missions as needed. Representatives from Beacon were required to ensure rapid restoration of roads in case of disruptions, further stabilizing access to and from affected areas.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to public safety, SDM Imtiaz stated, “The safety of lives and property is our top priority. Effective coordination, timely responses, and public cooperation are vital in minimizing the impact of disasters.” He further assured that the local administration remains fully poised to address any situations arising from natural calamities.