Himachal Pradesh to Celebrate International Day for Disaster Reduction “SAMARTH – 2023

The HPSDMA has been actively involved in celebrating the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDR) since 2011with the banner of “SAMARTH”. This year is 13^th Edition of “SAMARTH” will be organized w.e.f. 1^st to 15^th October 2023. In addition to exhibitions, workshops at State Level, street play, memory walk and various competitions at District level will be held. Gram Sabha to be held on 2^nd October 2023 will have an agenda item on dealing with Monsoon related disaster and promoting safe construction practices which are resistant to hazards like landslide, earthquake, fire, wind, etc. During the 13^th edition of “SAMARTH 2023” the following activities shall be organised at school level:

1. Mock Drill on 13^th October 2023 at 11:00AM will beorganized on hazards, such as, Landslide /Flash Flood/ Fire and Earthquake, depending upon the location of the educational institution.
2. Various Competition for schools children on disaster awareness (to be arranged at central location by the BPEO/ Deputy Director Higher/Elementary education for their respective schools) from 1^st to 9^th October, 2023. The competition will be as under:
3. Slogan Writing
4. Quiz on Disaster

• Painting and Poster Making

1. Essay Writing
2. Besides, these competitions, the HPSDMA is organizing an Exhibition which will take place from 12^thvto 14^thcOctober 2023 at the Historical Ridge in Shimla. The exhibition will feature various HPSDMA initiatives, IEC activities, display of equipment on search & rescue. and modern technology related to disaster management, etc. However, the main highlight of this event will be the hands-on training sessions designed to equip visitors, especially school children, with essential life-saving skills. Participants will have the chance to learn CPR techniques, rope knot tying training and use a fire extinguisher, medical first aid, etc. In this regard, all Govt./Pvt.educational institutions located in the Shimla town area will be invited for this purpose, in addition to the general public.
3. The HPSDMA has also developed a “School Safety Mobile App” to help schools prepare “School Disaster Management Plans” and these plans are readily available at all levels of Education Department and emergency response agencies, should any exigency arise. The Mobile App is intended to document all disaster management related activities at school level, including conduct of mock drills, and to identify any gaps that need remediation. On the occasion of IDDR under the banner of Samarth 2023, the HPSDMA will be organizing competitions for all Primary to Senior Secondary Schools to encourage the best preparation of School Disaster Management Plans.
4. This initiative aims to achieve 100% coverage of preparation of Shool DMPs through the Mobile App by 13^th October, 2023. The School Safety Mobile App is available both Android & IOS platforms and can be downloaded via a provided URL: https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=nic.hp.schoolsafety (Android) & https://apps.apple.com /in/app/schools-safety/id6448108384?platform=iphone (IOS). All heads of educational institutions, including private institutions, can login using their UDISE Code to log in in to the App and prepare School Disaster Management Plans. To incentivize participation and excellence in preparing School Disaster Management Plan, cash prizes are being offered to the best school Disaster Management Plan.The top entry will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh, the next 3 best entries will receive Rs 50,000 each and 6 best entries will receive Rs 30,000 each. The prize money will be used to enhance the existing disaster management set up of the schools. This competition is available for both Government & private schools. The prize will be given on 12.10.2023 at Shimla.
5. The School DMPs prepared till 30.9.2023 will only be considered for prizes.

For any assistance, the schools may get in touch with Sh. Vijay Kumar, IT Specialist, DMC, mobile No. 9459255230.