State mock exercises to be held across the state on Oct 31: CS

SHILLONG, OCT 23: A State level Orientation and Co-ordination Conference on Multi State Mock Exercise on Earthquake Disaster organized by the State Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was held today at Yojana Bhawan Auditorium, Meghalaya Main Secretariat, Shillong.

Speaking at the conference, Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Y Tsering stated said that Meghalaya is prone to natural disasters particularly earthquakes as it falls under Earthquake Seismic Zone V, and called for the co-operation of all stake holders to ensure the success of the Multi State Mock Exercise slated for October 31, in all the District Headquarters across the State of Meghalaya. The Chief Secretary also informed that in the run up to the statewide Mock Exercise, mass awareness will be generated through different media platforms including the print and electronic media.

During the course of the conference, a presentation on the methodology and various steps required for the Multi State Mock Exercise was given by Senior Consultant, NDMA, Major General Dr. V. K Naik. The presentation covered modalities and logistics including roles of various stakeholders and officials at the state and district levels.

It may be mentioned that the aim and objective of the Mock Exercise is to review the disaster management plans of the State/Districts, to highlight the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders as per Incidence Response System (IRS) and enhance coordination among emergency support functions at District level, to generate public awareness through involvement of local bodies, NGOs, the youth etc and to identify gaps in resources, manpower and communications or in any other field.

  The conference was attended by Additional Chief Secretary in charge, Revenue and Disaster Management, P.W Ingty, Member, NDMA, Lt. General NC Marwa, Senior Consultant, NDMA, Major General Dr VK Naik, officials of the armed forces including the State Police, Army and Air Force personnel,  Civil Defence and Home Guards, officials of various line departments and others.

Also in attendance were Deputy Commissioners of all the Eleven Districts of the State along with respective District officials, through Video Conference.

By Our Reporter