Srinagar, Oct 17 (GNS): The Department of Disaster Management Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Govt. of J&K in collaboration with Department of Geography & Disaster Management, University of Kashmir celebrated the “International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023” at the Convocation Complex, University of Kashmir on Tuesday.
The theme of this year is “Fighting inequality for a resilient future”.
Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of J&K, who is also the Chairman of JKDMA and the Chancellor of University of Kashmir, was the Chief Guest and presided over the inaugural function.
Shailendra Kumar IAS Principal Secretary PWD, Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Kunal Satyarthi, IFS, Joint Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority, GoI, Nazim Zai Khan, Secretary Disaster Management, RR & R, J & K Govt. and Prof. Pervez Ahmed, Head, Department of Geography & Disaster Management, University of Kashmir attended the function.
The Chief Guest spoke about the importance of celebrating this day. Increasing the future resilience of vulnerable communities like in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be focus of all Govt. policies. However, all stakeholders need to understand their collective responsibilities and act accordingly.
Shalendra Kumar spoke about the contribution of PMGSY scheme and it’s importance viz-a-viz disasters in context of providing better accessibility. Prof. Nilofer Khan talked about strengthening the Disaster Risk Reduction mechanism in the UT including the role of higher education institutions like University of Kashmir in this direction.
She also complimented the Department of Disaster Management, RR& R, J & K Govt. and Department of Geography & Disaster Management, University of Kashmir for collaborating in organizing such programmes.
Nazim Zai Khan while welcoming the distinguished dignitaries, delegates and other participants about the functioning of his Department and also highlighted the measures and efforts that have been put in by the Govt. in the recent years to strengthen the Disaster Mitigation capabilities of the Union Territory. He also showcased the future goals of the department.
Prof. Pervez Ahmed presented the formal vote of thanks.
The highlight of the day long programme was the Lead lecture by Kunal satyarthi , IFS, Joint Secretary, NDMA, GoI, Panel discussion followed by a mock drill by SDRF. (GNS)
