Interactive workshop refines disaster and rescue management plans

GANGTOK, 19 Sept [IPR]: Marking the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake of 18 September 2011, the Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department organized another programme here at Gangtok today.
The programme had Rescue Global, a London-based Non-Profit Organization facilitating an interactive workshop on various aspects of disaster management and rescue operations. Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, KN Topgay and Deputy Mayor, Shakti Singh Choudhary also attended the programme.
The workshop was conducted by David Jones, the Commanding Officer of Rescue Global.
Mr Jones stressed that principles like compassion, integrity, and application of wisdom were the cornerstone of any disaster management exercise. He highlighted on the importance of proper co-ordination between the authorities at the National Level, State level, District level and subsequently at village level to understand and mitigate any disaster.
Mr Jones also took turns to answer specific questions put forth by the participants. The team then went on to demonstrate the elaborate technological tools used by them in their operations.
The opening and closing remarks were made by the Relief-Commissioner cum Secretary Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, KS Topgay.
The sensitization workshop had the participation of stakeholders such as officers and members of State Disaster Response Force, Civil Defense, officers from concerned Government Departments, Members of Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association, Chemchey, South Sikkim, representatives from Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, members of Helping Hands, and officers and staff from Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department and District Disaster Management Authority.