A disaster preparedness and risk reduction programme was Saturday organised by Army for the local populace with an aim to create awareness towards disaster management and prepare the locals to handle such situations in efficient and organised manner.A one week programme on Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction which was organised by Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development under the Ministry of Youth Affairs in collaboration with local Army unit at sports centre, Manasbal successfully terminated yesterday. Approximate 70 locals from districts of Ganderbal and Bandipora, trainers from various agencies including State Disaster Response Force, District Panchayat Officers and experts from Education Dept, Forest Dept, Rural Development Dept etc participated in this week long training programme.
The training programme comprised of guest lectures and mock drills in which impact of disasters on population; role and function of district disaster management authority, role of youth organisations in disaster, resource mapping, significance of disaster preparedness and vulnerability mapping were emphasized.
Two days Field level exercise was also organised at Uri Sector, familiarizations with disaster affected areas and interactive sessions with the local population for sharing their experiences during earthquake of 8th October 2005 was also organised. The entire exercise involved participatory learning action that enabled people to carry out their own analysis and develop improvised ways to restrict hazards from becoming disasters.The objective of the programme of disaster management was to train the local population to cope with natural disasters in times of crisis. Disasters could be substantially reduced, if people are well informed and motivated with a culture of disaster prevention and resilience, which can be achieved through knowledge and information on risks, vulnerabilities and capacities. The programme was a grand success and received an overwhelming response from the participants who appreciated the efforts of Army in gearing up the local populace to handle such situations in efficient and organised manner. (KNS)