All State Hospitals Directed to Submit Disaster Management Plans Within a Month: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan
While reviewing the status of disaster management plans in state hospitals, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan directed that all hospitals must submit their disaster management plans within a month. He also instructed the immediate appointment of a nodal officer for disaster management in the office of the Director General of Health. Furthermore, he directed the Health Department to hold meetings with Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of all districts regarding the disaster management strategies and working plans of district hospitals, and to sensitize the health sector on the issue.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan was reviewing the activities of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority at its office located in the IT Park.
Considering that the state is prone to earthquakes, the Chief Secretary instructed the Disaster Management Department to organize earthquake-related mock drills with the help of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). He also ordered that such mock drills be conducted at all district headquarters.
Highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness training at the grassroots level in a disaster-sensitive state, Chief Secretary Bardhan directed the Disaster Management Department to coordinate with the School Education and Higher Education Departments to ensure that all private and government schools and colleges conduct a mandatory quarterly mock drill, specifically focusing on earthquake preparedness.
In view of major disasters like landslides, the Chief Secretary also instructed the installation of a real-time warning system along the Char Dham travel routes to ensure the safety of tourists.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary directed the Disaster Management Department to issue strict guidelines to ensure compliance with housing construction norms.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary and Additional Secretary of Disaster Management, along with various officials and experts from the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority.
