National Conference on Disaster Management organised at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok

Gangtok, 18^th September(IPR)

 The second and final day of the National Conference on Disaster Management organised at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok started with lightning of auspicious light in front of the plaque where names of earthquake victims were written followed by observing two minutes silence to pay homage to the earthquake victims.

The Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department in his welcome speech informed that prayers are being performed in the temples, mosques, monasteries and churches all round the state and commemoration programme are also being held at the district level as well.

The Chief Guest of the function NK Pradhan, Minister for HRDD during his address said that the biggest problem about disaster is the suddeness and swiftness in which it occurs and hence the response to it should be equally swift and properly managed. The Minister while assuring the gathering that the government is putting all efforts to see that the people and infrastructure of the state are protected urged the departmental officials to workout to include the subjects of disaster management in the school curriculum.

Prof. VK Sharma, Executive Vice Chairman, SSDMA  in his presentation on “Sikkim Earthquake: Relief Rehabilitiation and New Initiatives” while talking about the state disaster plan said that the plan envisages to reach to the last person in the society with the approach of block level, panchayat level and ultimately individual level plan. Terming the presence of students in the conference in such a large numbers very motivating Prof Sharma urged the government to find ways and means to reach the message of disaster management towards the students by incorporating in the school curriculum. He added that the students can be  good messangers provided we aware them on the subject.

Joint Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority Ms. Sujata Saumik during her address assured the state government of every assistance from the NDMA for the establishment of institute of disaster management in the state and further urged the state authorities to provide proper and speedy feedback to the central authorities which will help in the speedy disposal of funds to the state government. She also talked about the School and Hospital Safety Programme which has been initiated by the NDMA which should be incorporated in the state plan for disaster management, she added.

The Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso during his key note address underlined the importance of continuity of such programmes for the success of disaster management plan.

The programme also saw sharing of experience on earthquake 2011 by Miss Mayalmit Lepcha, student of Deorali Girls Senior Secondary School and release and show of documentary film on earthquake produced by Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim.

The inaugural function also saw presentation of appreciation certificates to various governmental and non governmental organisations for their service during the time of crisis in the state and distribution of prizes to the winners of the posters and painting competition organised to commemorate the earthquake.