Army organizes seminar on disaster management

MANGALDAI, Dec 13: Red Horns Division on behalf of Gajraj Corps organized a seminar on Disaster Management at the Rangiya Garrison on Saturday. Officiating General Officer Commanding Gajraj Corps Major General RS Chand was the chief guest amongst other eminent personalities while the Seminar was attended by approximately 100 officers including a few civil dignitaries. General Officer Commanding, Red Horns Division Major General SS Jog, VSM, during his keynote address said that world over look upon the armed forces as the first agency to come to their assistance when faced with any major crisis. He emphasized on the need for readiness of the armed forces and the requirement for a unified command and control to obviate confusion during such calamities.

The speakers from various fields presented their views on managing disasters especially in Assam and the road map for the future to tackle the menace effectively and efficiently. Amongst the speakers, Brigadier (Retired) Dr BK Khanna represented National Disaster Management Authority Delhi and spoke on the topic “An Overview on Disaster Management in India”. Nandita Hazarika, Project Officer, Assam State Government and Deputy Director of IIT Guwahati Prof Dr Chandan Mahanta, were also present as panelists to give his expert comments on issues related to the subject.

Hazarika, on the topic “Vulnerabilities in NE States with Specific Reference to Assam, State Disaster Management Concepts / Schemes, Shortcomings in Existing Procedures and Road Map for Future” delivered lecture in a comprehensive manner.

Humanitarian Response Manager of OXFAM India Zubin Zaman also participated in the seminar, who came all the way from Delhi to give a presentation on the topic “Role of NGOs and other Agencies in Disaster Management”. Colonel Aman Kaushal and Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav covered the topic “The Role of Defence Forces in Disaster Management” which was appreciated by all.

A static display of various facets of Disaster Management including photographs, video clips, various study materials, write-ups on life-savings and handouts were placed outside the seminar hall. It gave insight into depth of details on which the seminar was conducted.

During the closing remarks, Major General RS Chand stressed the need for preparation and planning in advance so as to minimize the impact of disaster and to ensure speedy recovery of their aftermath. He further emphasized the role and involvement of the armed forces on handling the disaster strikes. Armed forces are invariably the first to respond to reach in the affected areas and play a stellar role in mitigating the suffering caused by disaster. He also stressed that endeavour should be to synergize efforts in preventing disasters and minimize the effect with specific reference to Assam.

At the end, he conveyed his sincere appreciation and thanks to all the speakers and GOC Red Horns Division and his team of officers in making the event a success. THE SENTINEL