CS pushes for institutionalized, time-bound disaster relief mechanism
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday underscored the urgent need to ensure timely and effective relief to disaster-affected families while chairing the 4th meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R).Highlighting the vulnerability of communities impacted by natural calamities in Jammu & Kashmir, the Chief Secretary observed that such families often rely solely on government assistance for survival and recovery. He directed officers to ensure that relief reaches affected households without delay and emphasized prompt disbursement of financial assistance in all cases.The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, Home; Special Director General, Coordination; Special Secretary, Finance; senior officers from concerned departments; and officials of DMRR&R.Taking serious note of pending relief claims, Dulloo ordered immediate clearance of outstanding funds in favour of Deputy Commissioners of districts affected by last year’s flash floods. He sought a detailed compliance report to confirm that allocations were released strictly in accordance with assessed district-wise requirements.Stressing the unpredictable nature of disasters, the Chief Secretary called for a robust and clearly defined emergency response mechanism. He directed departments to strengthen preparedness and mitigation measures, and to institutionalize a standardized framework outlining roles and responsibilities for swift and coordinated on-ground action.Earlier, Principal Secretary, Home, Chandraker Bharti briefed the Committee on Action Taken Reports from previous meetings. He informed that the process of constituting Urban Disaster Management Authorities for Jammu and Srinagar is underway. He also stated that engagement of the United Nations Development Programme as a technical partner for Disaster Risk Management in J&K is in progress to help frame a comprehensive mitigation plan.Bharti further apprised the Committee that approximately Rs 96 crore had been released to districts under the State Disaster Response Fund following recent disasters. He also highlighted Post Disaster Needs Assessments conducted with support from the National Disaster Management Authority as per Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.To operationalize the Incident Response System at grassroots levels, the Committee approved a standardized IRS notification for divisions and districts. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Secretary called for building a resilient and responsive disaster management framework for the Union Territory.
