Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a high-level Disaster Management meeting at the state secretariat here on Monday, directed the concerned department to identify the areas more prone to earthquakes, particularly in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Kinnaur districts and prepare a detailed report of landslides and sinking zones. He also directed them to identify the black-spots, which were a major cause of road accidents in the state.
Taking cognizance of the recent incident of sinking of Joshimath in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Sukhu directed the officers to develop an advance warning system to mitigate disasters and improve the Disaster Management Response Capacity System.
Stressing upon adopting the measures to strengthen the Response and Awareness System besides preparedness at the institutional and individual level, the Chief Minister also examined the damages and loss to life and property caused due to various disasters occurred during the past few years.
The Chief Minister was detailed about the sinking zones and landslide prone areas in the state and also took information regarding the preparedness measures adopted from time to time to overcome such incidents. He also directed to enhance the support being provided to the state electricity board through the State Disaster Response Fund and for the necessary amendment in the State Disaster Relief Manual.
Directions were issued for mapping of glaciers through new and advanced technology and also asked to conduct a study and submit the report of the areas more prone to earthquakes.
The Chief Minister also asked them to make proper therapeutic arrangements for the snake bites cases and to make sure that the areas more prone to snake bites are prioritised on the list.
Principal Secretary Onkar Sharma informed the meeting about the earthquake prone areas and the state’s disaster management plan. A presentation was given focusing on the reasons behind the sinking of Joshimath, in Uttrakhand and also the relief and rehabilitation operations being carried out by the Uttarakhand government.
