- Important suggestions for flood disaster management
To ensure effective relief and rescue operations during natural disasters like floods in Chhattisgarh, and to establish better coordination between various departments and related agencies, a state-level table-top exercise was held today at the Ministry of Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur. During the exercise, flood management policies, the provision of prompt relief to flood-affected people, the necessary coordination between the Meteorological and Water Resources Departments, flood monitoring, warnings, and advance alerting of downstream villages through public information systems were discussed in detail. Similarly, coordination between the NDRF, SDRF, the National Defence Force, and other rescue teams during flood disasters was also discussed. Detailed information was also shared regarding the arrangements for relief camps for flood-affected people and the preparedness of medical teams to provide necessary health care for the affected people.
In the meeting, Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, Mrs. Shammi Abidi said that in case of a disaster, it is necessary for all personnel working at the field level to have a clear understanding of their respective responsibilities. She said that any lack or gap in coordination between departments should be removed in time and it should be ensured that each department can work effectively by clearly understanding its role. She laid special emphasis on quick decision making, better use of resources and strong coordination between all concerned departments during a disaster. NDRF officials provided important guidelines and information for flood disaster management.
The program was organized by the Chhattisgarh State Disaster Management Authority and the Revenue and Disaster Management Department in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. During the exercise, early warning and information systems, the state flood action plan, flood management, relief and rescue strategies, and the responsibilities of various departments were discussed in detail, keeping in mind potential flood situations. Discussions also focused on issuing timely warnings and ensuring necessary action based on weather and water level forecasts received from the India Meteorological Department and the Central Water Commission. Revenue and Disaster Management Department officials informed that a state-level mock exercise will be held on August 20th, in which officials from all districts of the state will participate.
The meeting discussed the role of various departments during a disaster, including Water Resources, Health, Telecommunications, Animal Husbandry, and Public Works. Also discussed were aspects related to the availability, prompt action, and coordination of Fire and Emergency Services, State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, Home Guards, Civil Defense, National Cadet Corps, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and Aapda Mitra.
Through the table-top exercise, the mechanisms for rapid information sharing, effective resource utilization, deployment of relief and rescue teams, and delivery of necessary assistance to affected areas were discussed. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring timely decision-making and coordinated action in various possible situations. The main objective of the exercise was to further strengthen the state’s pre-disaster preparedness, develop better coordination between various departments and agencies, and ensure prompt and effective relief and rescue operations in flood situations, while minimizing loss of life and property.
The meeting was attended by Senior Advisor of National Disaster Management Authority, New Delhi, Mr. Ravindra Gurung, Senior Advisor of Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, Dr. Jeevan Kumar, Senior Supervisor of CIF, Mr. Gajendra Pathak, Deputy Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Mr. Gajendra Thakur, along with officers of Water Resources, Health, Telecommunications, Animal Husbandry, Public Works Department, NDRF, SDRF, Army, Home Guard and City Army. Officials of Disaster and Management Department of the districts and other departments participated in the program through video conference.