Uttarakhand Sets February Deadline for Comprehensive Disaster Management Plans
Dehradun: In a significant move to bolster disaster resilience, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has issued a firm directive to all line departments across the state. Each department must finalize and submit their detailed, department-specific disaster management plans by February 28. This initiative is a critical step toward meeting the targets outlined in the United Nations' Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which spans from 2015 to 2030.
Beyond Formalities: Integrating Disaster Planning into Daily Operations
Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of USDMA, chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre, where he emphasized that these plans must transcend being mere paperwork. "Departmental disaster management plans should become an integral part of day-to-day functioning, not just formal documents," Suman stated. He stressed that effective disaster response is fundamentally dependent on meticulous planning, clearly delineated responsibilities, and seamless coordinated action among all agencies involved.
Suman elaborated that each department's plan must explicitly outline its roles and protocols for the three critical phases of any disaster: before, during, and after. This includes identifying specific officers or units responsible for executing defined tasks. "Alignment with the Sendai Framework's core objectives—risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery—is non-negotiable," he added, underscoring the global standards the state aims to meet.
Building Capacity and Resource Inventories
A major focus of the directive is on capacity building. Secretary Suman instructed all departments to prioritize comprehensive training programs for their officials, staff, and the general public. Each department is required to prepare an annual training calendar that schedules month-wise activities, including specialized training sessions, realistic mock drills, and widespread public awareness campaigns.
Furthermore, departments have been tasked with compiling a detailed and dynamic inventory of all available resources. This inventory must encompass:
- Human resources and specialized personnel
- Machinery and heavy equipment
- Technical assets and emergency gear
- GIS-based mapping of all these resources for precise location tracking
"Such a resource inventory is crucial for the quick identification and rapid deployment of assets during any emergency," Suman explained. Departments were also directed to proactively assess and plan for future requirements, including the procurement of new and modern equipment to stay ahead of evolving disaster scenarios.
Review of Preparedness and Inter-Departmental Coordination
During the review meeting, various departments presented detailed reports on their current preparedness measures. These presentations covered a wide spectrum of critical areas:
- Emergency response planning and activation protocols
- Decision-making and inter-agency coordination mechanisms
- Robust communication and information dissemination systems
- Relief and rescue operational preparedness
- Post-disaster recovery and reconstruction frameworks
- Early warning systems and risk assessment processes
- Community participation initiatives and loss-reduction strategies
Officials from key departments like Health and Education provided specific briefings on hospital and school disaster management plans, highlighting sector-specific vulnerabilities and protocols.
Secretary Suman articulated the expected outcomes of robust departmental planning: "Well-crafted plans will ensure optimal resource utilization, expedited decision-making, stronger inter-departmental coordination, and more effective relief and rehabilitation efforts during disasters." He added that this approach is essential for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into all development activities and supporting the global 'build back better' philosophy for resilient reconstruction.
Mandating Regular Mock Drills for Continuous Improvement
In a separate but related directive, Secretary Suman ordered all departments to conduct regular mock drills specifically linked to their disaster-response roles. These practical exercises are designed to be diagnostic tools, helping identify potential gaps in manpower, equipment, communication networks, and coordination protocols. The findings from these drills must lead to immediate corrective measures, ensuring that relief and rescue operations are flawless and effective when a real disaster strikes.
The review meeting saw participation from senior officials of USDMA, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), PITKUL, and departments including Urban Development, Animal Husbandry, Education, and various other line agencies, signaling a whole-of-government approach to disaster management.
