Just weeks after creating Disaster Management department in Gautam Buddh Nagar, the district authorities organised its first workshop on Tuesday. The awareness workshop was organised in association with Global Rescue Foundation in Noida. The workshop was organised for “Police Mitra” (civil society volunteers) to make them aware about the basics of disaster management and help them learn important dos and don’ts about various disasters. The disaster management experts also explained to the volunteers about various evacuation techniques. Rama Raman, Chairman and CEO inaugurated the workshop.
Rama Raman stated that the disaster management cell has very actively started its initiative and this workshop is another small step towards achieving disaster resilient twin cities and Gautam Budh Nagar district. Highlighting the vulnerability of twin cities and the district, Raman said that since the area falls under seismic Zone IV, it is highly vulnerable to earthquakes. “We are in the process of identifying about two acres of land in Noida for establishment of the NDRF centre. We are also in the process of identifying about 10 acres of land in Greater Noida for establishing the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) campus,” the Chairman cum CEO said.
Speaking on the occasion, District Magistrate N P Singh talked about the importance of disaster management in recent times and all of its four aspects namely prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response. He also explained the importance of capacity building to achieve a disaster resilient society and assured undertaking building initiatives which will very soon reach to block and village level. Identifying the need for gender empowerment in disaster management he suggested that out of every five volunteers from civil society, three should be women. Additionally, SSP Kiran S highlighted the importance of civil society volunteers in case of any exigency.