In view of the ensuing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, a table top exercise to review disaster preparedness measures was held in Pahalgam club under the supervision of Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd). Maj Gen Retd Sudhir Bahl (Retd) facilitated the exercise.
Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) shared his experience with the participants and directed all departments to review their disaster preparedness. He laid special emphasis on communication between various control rooms, departments and camp directors and said that effective communication is essential for minimizing casualties in a disaster. He was informed about the various disaster mitigation measures in place.
Maj General Sunder Bahl (Retd) put forth several scenarios and the departments were directed to share their responses. He said the main purpose of the table top exercise is to validate the efficacy of disaster management plans and to highlight roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders, to enhance coordination between the participating departments and address gap areas.
The disaster response strategy for different disasters was discussed and improvisations suggested. The roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders were thoroughly discussed. The participants were directed to maintain close contact with each other so that responses can be effectively coordinated.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr Piyush Singla gave a brief overview of the disaster preparedness measures put in place by the District Administration.He said that additional accomodation capacity has been added and around 10,000 yatries can be accomodated if need be.
He further discussed the location of medical aid centres, deployment of Fire and Emergency services, conduct of fire audits, security measures and sanitation measures that have been put in place.The responsibilities of various stakeholders like warning about impending disasters, installation of warning signages, track improvement, tent audits, etc were also discussed.
Some scenarios regarding bad weather, earthquakes, fire incidents, flash floods, landslides, accidens, disease among animals, etc were discussed and the departments briefed regarding incident specific preparations. Incident response teams were briefed about their roles and a brainstorming sessions were held to finalise strategies.
Commander of 13th NDRF gave a brief about the resource availability to tackle different disasters like landslides, flash floods. He said Doctors and Paramedic staff is on standby with sufficient stock of life saving medicine. He said that earthquake mitigation measures are also in place. Mahila rescuers have been deployed in Sheeshnag to aid the Yatries.
Additional DC Ghulam Hassan Sheikh highlighted the need to have effective co-ordination among different stakeholder departments while giving presentation on communication plan.CMO Anantnag said that 500 oxygen cylinders are in place, further 50 bedded hospital has been setup in Chandanwari with 25 oxygen supplied beds and 4 critical care beds. He said cardiac monitors deflator monitor, ECG, X Rays are in place at Chandanwari.
Camp Director Nunwan base camp said that regarding hygiene and sanitation, the workers have been deployed and the STP has been made operational.Camp Director Chandanwadi said that movement plan of Yatries from Chandanwadi has been put in place. He said that crowd management has been discussed and staff has been familiarised with crowd control measures.
Dy Commandant 1 RR said that sufficient personnel have been deployed from Chandanwari onwards and in case of any disaster, the Army will be available for assistance. He said that casualty helipads have been setup. Disaster Management kits have been prepared to equip Yatries in case of snowfall or heavy rainfall.
He said that three qualified avalanche rescue teams are on standby, emergency rations are available and stretchers and first aid is available on the higher reaches. The exercise will be followed by Mock Exercise to be held tomorrow. The table top exercise was attended by Dy Commandant 1st RR, ADC Anantnag, SDM Pahalgam, SE R&B, SE KPDCL, representatives from CRPF, BSF, NDRF, SDRF, Ex Engineer Jal Shakti Bijbehara among others.