District Magistrate’s Efforts Appreciated
Dehradun: Major General Sudhir Bahl, Chief Advisor of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provided crucial recommendations for enhancing safety during the Chardham Yatra after a mock drill exercise held on Thursday evening.
He emphasized the need for integrating feeds from the police and tourism department control rooms into the State and District Emergency Operations Centers to expand monitoring capabilities. He also suggested that all pilgrims should be encouraged to download the Chardham Yatra mobile app, which must provide real-time weather forecasts, weather alerts, traffic management updates, and information on landslide-prone areas. This would help travelers plan their journeys more safely, avoiding congestion and danger zones.
Further, Major General Bahl stressed the importance of identifying “holding areas” where vehicles can be stationed during landslides or traffic jams to minimize passenger inconvenience. Mandatory installation of clear signage in disaster-sensitive and hazardous zones was also recommended to ensure safer travel.
Highlighting safety measures, he called for:
Mandatory fire safety audits for hotels and dharamshalas.
Deployment of JCBs and heavy machinery within a 2 km radius of landslide zones to ensure quick clearance.
Alternative communication systems in no-network zones for emergency calls.
Strong healthcare arrangements for helicopter travelers prone to high-altitude sickness.
Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for helicopter and helipad safety, assigned to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UKADA).
District Administration Praised for Badrinath Arrangements
During the mock drill simulating a stampede at Badrinath Dham, Major General Bahl praised the Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari for the excellent disaster preparedness. Measures such as installing durable railings, arranging mats for pilgrims, setting up benches for elderly travelers in queues, and constructing additional toilets were highlighted as effective steps.
Focus on Schools and Hospitals
As part of the inspection, Major General Bahl visited the Bannu School at Race Course and Coronation Hospital. He instructed both institutions to prepare detailed disaster management and evacuation plans.
For schools, he recommended:
Organizing monthly mock drills focusing on earthquakes and other disasters.
Training students in first aid to empower them to assist in emergencies.
Installing earthquake sirens for timely alerts.
For hospitals, he directed the preparation of a robust disaster management plan to ensure a quick and organized response during emergencies.
The mock drill exercise was conducted under the overall supervision of the State Emergency Operations Center and monitored by NDMA’s senior officials. Incident commanders at different sites reported on the challenges faced, available resources, and response times, with Major General Bahl commending good practices while offering suggestions for further improvement.
