The 120th anniversary of the devastating Kangra earthquake of 1905 was observed as Disaster Awareness Day across Himachal Pradesh today.The event was organized to raise awareness and enhance preparedness for potential disasters in the future. The statewide mock drills were also conducted in the State Secretariat as well as all offices and institutions of the Central and State Government.
Kangra earthquake was one of the most devastating natural calamities in the history of the state which occurred in Kangra district on 4 April, 1905 measuring 7.8 in magnitude and claimed the lives of approximately 20,000 people and 53,000 livestock. Apart from this, one lakh houses were completely destroyed in this catastrophic earthquake.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena while inspecting the mock drill organized in the Secretariat took stock of the firefighting equipments and personally tested fire-extinguishing procedures. Following the exercise, a presentation was held to promote earthquake-resistant building construction techniques and disaster preparedness strategies.
The Chief Secretary lauded the efforts of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and emphasized the need for continuous awareness campaigns to ensure greater public participation in disaster preparedness. He said that geologists were also making efforts to develop earthquake prediction mechanisms and preparing best safeguard disasters awareness and preparedness.
He said that traditional construction techniques such as the 'Dhaajji' wall and 'Kashthkuni' style must be adopted which have been historically used in the region to withstand seismic activity. Secretary, Secretariat Administration Rakesh Kanwar suggested the installation of an integrated public address system to facilitate communication and control during disasters.
Director-cum-Special Secretary, Disaster Management D.C Rana said that this event was an initiative to educate people about disaster preparedness. He said that as part of Disaster Awareness Day, a civil solidarity march was also organised at all district headquarters.
The student-centred activities, workshops, awareness sessions and evacuation drills on disaster preparedness were being conducted in educational institutions, health departments and universities until 5th April.He said that disaster preparedness and awareness have also been incorporated into the agenda of the Gram Sabha meetings scheduled for this month in all the Panchayats of the state.
The Panchayats would be encouraged to take proactive steps such as strengthening village drainage systems, preventing encroachments on drainage routes, halting construction in unsafe areas for stabilising hills and slopes.Special Secretary Secretariat Administration Harbans Brascon, SP SDRF Arjit Sen and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.