Namchi, 04 Oct (IPR): A preparedness meeting cum orientation programme on Action Plan for the upcoming Multi-State Level Mock Exercise scheduled for 10 Oct organised by District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) was held at DAC Conference Hall in Namchi, South Sikkim today.
The meeting had the presence of District Collector (South) cum DDMA Chairperson, Mr. Prabhakar Verma, Additional District Collector (South), Mr. Satyen Pradhan, Sub Divisional Magistrate (Headquarter), Mr. Hemant Rai, ADC (Development), Mr. Milan Subba, alongside SDMs, Block Development Officers, Head of Departments, NGO representatives, police and fire personnel and stakeholders from the district.
The DC (South), Mr. Verma, chaired the meeting wherein he briefed the gathering about the upcoming mock exercise. He stated that the entire exercise will be conducted under the principle of Incident Response System (IRS), which enumerates the immediate tasks that need to be performed once a disaster strikes. He also spelled out the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders and line departments for the mock exercise and gave comprehensive directions to the officials for the efficacy and efficiency of the programme. In addition, he also stated that this exercise will aid the district to be well equipped to tackle future disasters.
Training Officer, Mr. Abishek Kharel, also addressed the meeting wherein he elucidated the objective of the programme and informed that the mock exercise will simulate a scenario of a massive earthquake in the North East which has caused massive devastation. He also informed that DDMA has prepared seven scenarios in various location points across Namchi, Damthang and Ravangla. Therefore, concerned departments along with volunteers have been assigned specific roles to be performed during the mock scenario. He also urged the participation of NGOs for making the exercise successful in the district. He also reiterated the purpose of the exercise to sensitise and create awareness among public about earthquake induced disaster.
It may be informed here that National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with DDMA is conducting a mock exercise in all four districts of Sikkim on 10 Oct.