The earthquake that shook three districts of Jammu region, namely Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban in May last, has worked as catalyst to disaster management programme in the state on requisite lines. The observations of the National Disaster Management Authority that emerged after the foresaid earthquakes, has prompted the State Government to take immediate measures of streamlining the disaster management programme. Instructions have been issued to Deputy Commissioners to ensure that no infrastructure whether of public or private sector comes up in unreinforced masonry. They will have to ensure that the guidelines given by the NDMA are strictly observed in letter and in spirit. Besides, 18 crore rupees have been earmarked for upgrading the disaster management equipment in districts. Three districts are earthquake prone but disaster management should be the concern of each district of the State. Nobody knows when and where the nature may strike. Eighteen crore rupees is just peanuts for full fledged disaster management plan. The State Disaster Management needs to be galvanized into action and provided all wherewithal that would really help in managing the disaster. Many departments are involved when unfortunately a disaster takes place. There full involvement is necessary. A situation of disaster has not to be left to the Revenue Department only. Health Department, Social Welfare Department, Relief and Rehabilitation Department and many other agencies are to be harnessed for speedily overcoming the disastrous situation. The state level disaster management system is ill-equipped and ill-managed. There has to be very active rapport between the disaster management authority and the administrative authorities in the districts and at higher levels. Saving human lives is of great urgency in a situation of disaster. We hope that the guidelines proposed by the National Disaster Management Authority will be implemented in letter and in spirit.
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