Uttarakhand to Observe November 28 as Disaster Management Day Every Year

The state government of Uttarakhand has declared November 28th as the annual ‘Disaster Management Day’ to create awareness and enhance preparedness for disasters. It marks the successful rescue of all 41 workers stuck in the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarkashi district on November 28, 2023. The state will conduct various awareness activities, risk assessment and mock drills from November 25 to 28.

Uttarakhand Declares November 28 as Disaster Management Day

Honorable Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had announced the decision to mark the successful rescue of 41 workers who were stuck in the Silkyara Tunnel located in the Uttarkashi district in 2023.

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said that it showed the importance of using science and technology, collaboration between various agencies, patience, and teamwork.

The state government will conduct various activities from November 25 to 28.

Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Mission

The rescue mission was conducted in November 2023 after part of the tunnel collapsed and 41 workers were trapped.

The rescue mission was carried out with the help of the central and state government agencies, experts, international experts and disaster management teams.

The workers were rescued after various techniques were used for 17 days. This included horizontal drilling.

Disaster Management Initiatives in Uttarakhand

The state government has advised various departments and government bodies to assess risks and ensure safety.

1. Forming Safety Committees

• Every government office, department, corporation, and institution will form a committee of 3-5 members led by the head.
• The committee will identify possible risks, assess the vulnerability, and suggest preventative measures.

2. Identify Possible Risks

The committees will assess the risks of,

• Fire and electricity accidents
• Earthquakes
• Landslides and flooding
• Damage to building structure
• Trees falling and other localized risks

3. Fire Safety

Government offices will assess the fire-fighting tools they have available such as,

• Fire extinguishers are valid and working.
• Firefighting tools are available on each floor.
• There is enough water for fighting fires.
• Staff know how to use the fire fighting tools.

4. Mock Drills in Districts

Mock drills will be held in districts between November 25 and 27. There will be 8-10 sites each day.

This will include,

• Hospitals and schools
• Government offices
• Power projects
• Tunnels
• Large institutions
• Public areas with lots of people.

The main aim of these drills is to ensure emergency systems are in place, there is good collaboration and people are well prepared to deal with disasters.

Importance of Disaster Management in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is more at risk of natural disasters due to its Himalayan location and delicate mountainous ecosystem.

Major risks include earthquakes, landslides, flash flooding, cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods and avalanches.

By regularly carrying out disaster preparedness, this can help decrease the loss of life and property. This is because the early response is improved, collaboration between institutions and awareness is created.