State level consultation held on Model State Disaster Management Plan

GANGTOK, 23 Apr [IPR]: A state-level Consultation on Model State Disaster Management plan was held at a local hotel, today with a view of making Sikkim a model state on Disaster Management.
The participatory meeting was attended by VK Sharma [Executive Vice Chairman, SSDMA], CT Wangdi [Relief Commissioner cum Secretary for Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department], SDW Chankapa [Special Secretary],  TW Khangsarpa [Addl. Secretary], GC Khannel [Joint Director], NM Prusty [Founding chairperson –Sphere India/ Director CDDMASS], Dr. Ashish Sutar [Disaster Management Programme Manager WASPA], Nodal Officers from various departments, representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations.
The programme was organized by Land Revenue and Disaster Department in collaboration with Sphere India (National Coalition of Humanitarian Agencies) to develop and restructure Disaster Management Plan incorporating valuable inputs given by various stakeholders, sectors and departments for the formulation of final plan to ensure disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and proper management in Sikkim.
Secretary, CT Wangdi addressing the gathering emphasized on the essential need of preparing proper plan to tackle any type of Natural Disaster in Sikkim. After the 18 September earthquake in 2011, the state has realized the requirement of appropriate mechanism to be developed through active consultation with different departments, he added. Highlighting that the population in the state is scattered in various parts he said that an effective plan is to be created which should be geographically relevant and applicable. Speaking about the post disaster situation he said, “If lot of materials come and these are not distributed or managed properly the entire effort will go in vain, so a concrete plan  needs to be formulated which can be submitted to the government for approval”.
Speaking at the programme, Executive Vice Chairman, SSDMA, Prof. VK Sharma stressed on importance of State Disaster Management plan and said that it is important that a dynamic document containing holistic components to address natural disasters be formulated. He informed tbat Sikkim has prepared a disaster management plan after the formation of Disaster Management Act 2005 and revision on periodical basis is needed for addition and deletion of elements. To have a plan in connection with the district plan is important in order for the state to go to every village at the subdivision and block levels, he further added.
NM Prusty, founding chairperson Sphere India shared his experiences in other states and said that it is a multi-sectoral and multi-structural subject. Disaster enhances migration and trafficking, so protection is important, he said.
During the programme Deputy Secretary, Pravakar Rai briefed on the existing draft plan and asked participants to give concise and appropriate suggestions to make it a model plan. He informed about the components and various subjects which were categorically specified in the plan. He further explained about the aspects like hazards risk and vulnerability profile of Sikkim, preventive measures, mainstreaming disaster management concern into development and preparedness measures. He spoke about the importance of the golden hour period where action has to be taken immediately in all situations. Rescue operation or rehabilitation work should be carried out without any discrimination of caste, creed, sex, religion, he added.
The Special Secretary also briefed on the State Disaster Management Programme and informed about its background for the consultation, risk reduction activities and achievements.