Chief Secretary assesses roadmap to strengthen disaster preparedness across J&K

Jammu, Jan 28: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Wednesday while reviewing the measures undertaken by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) to strengthen the Union Territory’s disaster preparedness, response and mitigation framework emphasises on anticipatory action, technology-enabled early warning systems, and seamless inter-agency coordination.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised of a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening disaster management across Jammu and Kashmir, which has been developed by incorporating lessons learnt from recent extreme weather events, post-disaster reviews and national-level consultations with agencies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Principal Secretary, DMRR&R; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Director General, Budget; Chief Executive Officer, Economic Reconstruction Agency, and other senior officers.
Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated virtually.
The Chief Secretary urged the department to take steps for implementation of the disaster mitigation framework without further delay, stressing the need for strong inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective execution of the roadmap on the ground. He also called for regular monitoring and close supervision at senior levels to track progress and ensure accountability.
He directed the Divisional and District Administrations to ensure timely updation of their respective District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs) and to periodically review the status of preparedness and mitigation measures undertaken at their level.
Emphasizing preparedness as the cornerstone of disaster management, the Chief Secretary underscored the mandatory conduct of pre-monsoon preparedness measures by all districts, particularly for floods and other weather-induced disasters during the April to September period, which has historically witnessed a higher frequency of such events in the UT.
The Chief Secretary called for RFID-based management of pilgrimages, particularly the Machail Mata Yatra, along with creation of the requisite supporting infrastructure along the yatra route. He also stressed the importance of conducting shrine-specific mock exercises, including at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, to ensure coordinated and timely response during emergencies.
He further enjoined upon the Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant in view of the risk of avalanches following recent snowfall and directed them to ensure the prompt restoration of road connectivity, drinking water supply and electricity to all affected habitations in their respective districts.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti, highlighted the critical importance of strengthening last-mile dissemination of weather warnings, enhancing public awareness and promoting the adoption of digital platforms such as the SACHET App. He emphasized that District and Sub-Divisional Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) must be made functional with redundant communication systems, particularly in remote and border areas.
The review highlighted a clear strategic shift from reactive disaster response to a more anticipatory disaster management approach, supported by improved early warning systems, preparedness planning and the integration of modern technology.
The presentation also captured key operational insights from recent incidents, including the Chasoti flash flood during the Machail Mata Yatra in Kishtwar, cloudburst impacts in Doda, and floods in parts of the Jammu region including Kathua and other areas. These experiences have informed a series of targeted improvements in planning, response and coordination mechanisms.
To enhance safety during major pilgrimages and other high-footfall events, the roadmap envisages systematic pilgrim registration and RFID-based monitoring, regular pre-monsoon coordination meetings at the UT and Corps levels, and the conduct of table-top exercises and mock drills at the district level. It also provides for clearly defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to regulate movement during adverse weather conditions and the establishment of Joint Control Rooms involving the Civil Administration, Army, CAPFs and SDRF.
Infrastructure-related measures include the construction of Yatri Niwas, comprehensive mapping of permanent and temporary helipads, pre-positioning of medical and engineering resources, and integration of civil helicopters into the overall disaster response planning framework.
The review emphasized the need for localized and valley-specific weather forecasting, deployment of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Doppler Radars in high-risk areas, and the use of drones for delivery of essential supplies and medicines to cut-off regions.
Moreover operational gaps identified during recent flood events, such as communication shortfalls, absence of sub-divisional EOCs and limited availability of satellite phones, are being systematically addressed.
Additionally it was highlighted to expedite the key strategic infrastructure projects including the Indri Bridge over River Chenab at Pargwal, river training works on Chenab and Tawi, and targeted mitigation measures to reduce flood susceptibility of River MannawarTawi, noting its strategic significance.
The roadmap clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities of the UT Government, District Administrations, IMD, NDMA, Armed Forces, CAPFs, BRO, NDRF and SDRF, and provides for strengthened inter-agency coordination.
Major initiatives include the conduct of an annual state-level mock exercise every June (pre-monsoon), organization of one-day IDRN workshops for Himalayan states, finalization of SOPs for drone usage in disaster response in coordination with the DGCA and Indian Air Force, pre-positioning of HADR equipment and bridging resources, and strengthening of ‘Aapda Mitras’, including engagement of trained local divers in vulnerable districts.
Sector-specific preparedness measures were also reviewed, including shrine-specific mock exercises for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, tunnel contingency drills by the Railways, and regional forest fire mock exercises by the Forest Department.
The Chief Secretary directed time-bound implementation of all agreed action points and reiterated that disaster management in Jammu and Kashmir must remain people-centric, technology-enabled and coordination-driven, with preparedness, rather than response alone, forming the cornerstone of the Union Territory’s disaster risk reduction strategy.