RAMBAN, JULY 08: Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gool, Imtiaz, convened a crucial Sub-Division Level Disaster Management and Coordination Meeting today in Gool. The meeting aimed to review disaster preparedness, enhance inter-departmental coordination, and ensure effective relief measures for natural hazards like floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in the region.
The meeting witnessed participation from key officials, including Tehsildar Harjeet Singh, SDPO Kuldeep Raj, Naib Tehsildar Inktikhab Ahmed, SDAO Sanjay Sharma, and engineers from various departments such as Jal Shakti and PWD. Representatives from local army units, police, health, and other line departments also contributed to the discussions.
During the meeting, attendees conducted a thorough review of the existing disaster management plan. They assessed the availability of personnel, machinery, essential commodities, and the functioning of control rooms and communication systems within the sub-division. The SDM urged all departments to maintain a heightened state of alert as the monsoon season approaches, emphasizing the need for 24/7 monitoring of vulnerable areas susceptible to landslides and flash floods.
Imtiaz stressed that proactive measures and seamless coordination among all entities are vital to manage any emergencies that may arise. He instructed the departments of Jal Shakti, PWD, and PMGSY to proactively identify at-risk locations and ensure restoration teams remain on standby for immediate intervention. Additionally, the Health department received directives to keep medicines, ambulances, and medical staff readily available at CHC Gool and various PHCs.
Furthermore, the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department was tasked with maintaining a buffer stock of essential rations. Meanwhile, the Power Development Department (PDD) was called upon to ensure robust backup arrangements for power supply in critical situations. The SDM highlighted that effective coordination and community cooperation are fundamental in minimizing disaster impacts.
The SDM further urged Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars to perform regular monitoring visits to at-risk areas, updating records of disaster-prone pockets, and raising community awareness regarding safety protocols during crises. He emphasized that local involvement is crucial for effective communication regarding essential dos and don’ts during disasters.
The roles of the police and army units were reinforced, as they were instructed to support rescue and evacuation operations swiftly. Representatives from Beacon were also directed to prioritize the quick restoration of roads in the event of blockades caused by natural calamities.
Imtiaz reiterated that safeguarding lives and property remains the administration’s top priority. He stated, “Effective coordination, timely responses, and public cooperation are key elements that reduce the impact of disasters.” He assured residents that the administration stands fully prepared to address any emergencies arising from potential natural disasters.
