HP SDMA facilitates formation of GO-NGO Coordination Platform for Disaster Response
5 Dariya News
Shimla 28-Mar-2020
Director-cum-Special Secretary Revenue and Disaster Management D.C. Rana informed here today that the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has facilitated the formation of a Government Organisation and Non Government Organisation (GO-NGO) Coordination Platform for disaster response (during and after disasters) and Disaster Preparedness (during normalcy).He said that Disaster Management Act 2005 mandates every state government, State Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority for collaboration with stake holder agencies including NGOs for the purpose of improving the effectiveness of disaster management. The Act mandates NGOs to act in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner for the purpose of assisting or protecting the disaster affected communities or for providing relief.He said that considering the current public health crisis arised due to Novel Corona Virus, it is important to involve the Voluntary organizations in the efforts related to emergency response for COVID-19.He said that State has the Inter Agency Groups (IAGs) at state as well as district level that can be of immense help in a well-coordinated emergency response at district level. As on today 51 NGOs are already part of this network (www.hpiag.in) He said that NGO Leaders from the District Inter Agency Group (DIAG) of the districts would be of great assistance in effective execution and coordination of response efforts.
He said that other than the NGOs many citizens are always ready to volunteer their service for the social cause and they should be may be encouraged to register online on www.hpsdma.nic.in. HPSDMA and DDMAs were training the volunteers at Panchayat level for disaster management and their data base is also available for utilization.He requested the DDMAs to make the necessary arrangements for the Convener of the District Inter Agency Group (DIAG) or a designated representative of the DIAG to carry out his/her functions from the DEOC for better coordination with the voluntary organizations in the district.He said that DDMAs would appoint a Nodal Officer from the Department of Youth Services & Sports or Department of Home Guards and Civil Defence to supervise the GO-NGO coordination for better facilitation of the emergency supplies and services in the district.He said that DDMAs would utilize database of volunteers of the SDMA/DDMA and those who have registered with NDMA specifically for COVID-19 (https://self4society.mygov.in/volunteer) who could assist in the door-step delivery of essential supplies to the public, especially the vulnerable ones, in coordination with the Convener or a Designated Representative of DIAG.He said that Shimla district could also activate and utilize the services of the Civil Defence volunteers of Shimla Town. He said that DDMAs could utilize this network to support in Public Awareness on Hygiene practices and promote social distancing measures and assisting District Administration in quarantine, home isolation and law and order arrangements, Disinfection and cleaning services, management and Transportation of patients.He said that the NGOs/Volunteers detailed for voluntary service are properly educated about COVID-19 hazards so that they do not get infected or become a source of infection.