Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 25

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday chaired the meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R) to review and approve a series of significant initiatives aimed at strengthening disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response mechanisms across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; the Principal Secretary, DMRR&R; the Commandant General, SDRF; the Commissioner Secretary, Law; the Secretary, Revenue; besides other senior officers of the DMRR&R.

During the meeting, the SEC deliberated upon several key agenda items concerning disaster preparedness and resilience-building measures in J&K and accorded approval to a number of important decisions aimed at enhancing the institutional and operational capacity of the administration to effectively deal with natural disasters and emergencies.

Among the major decisions taken was the formal approval for entering into a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the implementation of disaster mitigation measures in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Committee also approved the constitution of a Project Steering Committee to oversee the coordination and effective implementation of the programme. The committee will be headed by the Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, and co-chaired by UNDP along with several other members from concerned Departments.

To strengthen technological preparedness and scientific assessment capabilities, the SEC also approved the procurement of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) for vulnerable districts to facilitate simulation, prediction, and mitigation of natural disasters. The Committee further gave the nod for the procurement of satellite phones for high-risk subdivisions and tehsils across all districts to ensure seamless communication during emergency situations and disaster events.

The meeting also discussed the constitution of hazard-specific task forces for disasters such as earthquakes, floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), and landslides. These task forces would comprise experts and members drawn from reputed national and local institutions, including IITs, universities, and other technical organizations, to provide specialised inputs for disaster risk reduction and preparedness planning.

In another significant decision, the SEC revalidated funds amounting to Rs 10.69 crore for the procurement of rescue and emergency response equipment to ensure safe, secure, and efficient conduct of the annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for robust preparedness, coordinated response mechanisms, and adoption of modern technology-driven systems to minimize risks and strengthen resilience against disasters across the Union Territory.