22 % pop in Uttaranchal living in quake-prone zone

Dehradun, November 17 (UNI) Drawing attention to the 22 per cent population of Uttaranchal living in quake-prone zones, Member National Disaster Management Authority M S Reddy today said it is a challenge not only for the state but also for the country''.

Delivering key address at the two-day Coordinating Conference for Earthquake Preparedness organised by State Department of Disaster Management that started today, Mr Reddy said India has a long way to go in Disaster Management and preparedness. Stating that disaster management was much more than instant relief, he advocated for a holistic approach.

''There is need to change the mind set in political and administrative domain,'' Mr Reddy said adding that looking into the increasing number of natural disasters, Intensity of loss of lives and properties, disaster management and preparedness ought to be viewed seriously.

Advocating for a long-term plan to tackle disasters he said documentation is vital for chalking out the right solutions.

He said despite there being no constraints in financial aid for disaster management, lack of skilled and trained people posed difficulties in meeting with contigencies. He stressed on citizens following building norms.

While talking about reconstruction he said it is better to shift people to less vulnerable areas.

Lamenting low insurance penetration, he stressed special care and precautions in the completion of various hydro-projects underway in Uttaranchal especially in those zones.

N S Napalchyal Principal Secretary Disaster Management Uttaranchal apprised that with 4 districts in the state coming underv zone-5 and remaining under zone-4, the state was sitting on the tip of an earthquake.

N Vinod Chandra Menon Member NDMA stressed on revising the norms and criteria of disaster management and giving it a realistic look.

Stressing on the enforcement of building codes and by-laws, he further advocated ensuring retrofitting of old structures.

UNI XC MQA HS1833