PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
Amid preparations for the Char Dham Yatra, the Uttarkashi district administration has decided to organise a comprehensive mock drill on March 17. A day earlier, the officials concerned will be given detailed information about various disaster scenarios.
Explaining the need of the exercise, the district magistrate, Prashant Arya said that there is a huge increase in the number of pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra. “This district being a sensitive Himalayan district, landslides, heavy rainfall, road blockage, rise in river water level and other unforeseen calamities are quite possible. The mock drill is therefore not just a formality but a test of actual preparedness. During the exercise, the availability of resources of the departments, condition of relief and rescue equipment, efficiency of the communication system and effectiveness of mutual coordination will be evaluated. If any deficiency is found at any level, it will be fixed before the yatra starts,” he said.
The administration also clarified that this year’s mock drill would be monitored at the government level, ensuring accountability and transparency.
The DM directed that instead of limiting the exercise to departmental officials, active participation of social organisations, local voluntary organisations, NCC and NSS cadets should also be ensured. He said that disaster management is not solely the responsibility of the government machinery, but is made effective only through community participation. “The participation of youth will not only increase public awareness but will also ensure the availability of trained human resources in case of emergency,” he added.
Notably, Uttarkashi district has previously faced natural disasters and that is why the administration could not slack off this time, said senior officers present at the meeting.
