Saving Every Life During Disasters Is Government’s Top Priority: HPSDMA Vice-Chairman

Shimla, July 24: Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) Vice-Chairman Deepak Rathore on Friday said protecting every life during disasters remains the state government’s highest priority and stressed the need for timely response, preparedness and effective coordination among departments.

Chairing a review meeting on monsoon preparedness organised by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Shimla, Rathore directed the district administration to train at least five volunteers in every panchayat in disaster management to strengthen local response during emergencies. He also informed that HPSDMA is developing a mobile application that will enable real-time reporting of disaster locations to state and district emergency operation centres for faster rescue and relief operations.

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said the district administration is working towards building a disaster-resilient Shimla by focusing on disaster risk reduction, swift relief operations and timely restoration of essential services.

Officials informed that 219 panchayats have been covered under the Panchayat Emergency Response Plan, 200 safe shelters have been identified and 550 ‘Aapda Mitra’ volunteers have been trained so far.

Between July 1 and 24, the administration restored 86 of the 99 affected roads, 126 of the 136 damaged transformers and 42 of the 62 disrupted drinking water schemes. During the same period, 16 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while preliminary losses have been estimated at ₹52.8 lakh. Restoration and rehabilitation work is continuing on priority.