Chief Secretary calls for time-bound disaster relief mechanism

Jammu, Feb 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Monday underscored the need for 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).
Emphasizing the vulnerability of disaster-hit communities in Jammu & Kashmir, the Chief Secretary observed that families impacted by natural calamities often have no recourse except the support extended by the government. He stressed that relief assistance must reach the affected households without any delay and directed officers to always ensure prompt disbursement of assistance to the affected populations.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Home; Special Director General, Coordination; Special Secretary, Finance; senior representatives from concerned departments; and officers of DMRR&R.
Taking serious note of pending relief claims, the Chief Secretary unequivocally directed the immediate clearance of outstanding amounts in favour of Deputy Commissioners of districts affected by last year’s flash floods. He sought a detailed compliance report to ensure that funds had been released strictly as per the assessed requirements of each district.
Highlighting the unpredictable nature of disasters, the Chief Secretary called for establishing a robust and clearly defined mechanism to respond to such emergencies. He directed the departments to strengthen preparedness measures, undertake mitigation efforts in advance, and institutionalize a standardized framework delineating roles and responsibilities of officers to ensure swift, coordinated, and effective action on the ground.
Earlier, Principal Secretary, Home, Chandraker Bharti, briefed the Committee on the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) following previous SEC meetings. He informed that the process for constituting Urban Disaster Management Authorities for both Jammu and Srinagar is currently underway. He further disclosed that engagement of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a technical partner for Disaster Risk Management in J&K is in progress to facilitate formulation of a comprehensive and forward-looking disaster mitigation plan for the Union Territory.
The Principal Secretary also provided details regarding the release of approximately Rs 96 crore to districts under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in the wake of recent disasters. He highlighted various capacity-building initiatives undertaken by the department to enhance preparedness and response capabilities across districts.
He further apprised the Committee about the Post Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNA) carried out in the Union Territory with the support of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in accordance with guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The assessments aim to comprehensively evaluate losses and damages and formulate a structured reconstruction and recovery strategy.
To strengthen disaster response at the divisional and district levels and operationalize the Incident Response System (IRS) at the grassroots, the Committee approved a standardized IRS notification for both divisions and districts. This step is expected to ensure a coordinated, coherent, and prompt response during emergencies.
The meeting also deliberated on further strengthening the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs). It was informed that the Finance Department will provide necessary funds for hiring consultants to enhance the technical and institutional capacity of DDMAs across the Union Territory.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods, the Chief Secretary directed the departments to work for building a resilient and responsive disaster management framework for Jammu & Kashmir for the times to come.