DMRR Organised Webinar on UT Level “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness”
Srinagar, May 16 : The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R), Government of Jammu and Kashmir, under the overall supervision of Mr Chandraker Bharti, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department with additional charge of DMRR&R, through the Emergency Relief Organization (ERO), organized a webinar on the theme “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness” on 15th May, 2025 at 12:00 Noon, in virtual mode by involving all the stakeholders.
The webinar was convened in light of the directions issued during the high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Government, DMRRR, on 16th April, 2025, aimed at enhancing earthquake preparedness and resilience measures across the Union Territory.
The webinar was moderated by Dr. Amir Hussain, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Emergency Relief Organization (ERO) who is also discharging his duties as Nodal Officer, UT level Emergency Operation Centre.
Dr. O.P. Mishra, Director, National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, participated as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address.
Dr. Mishra, a distinguished scientist and Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India, with over 30 years of experience in the field of seismology, emphasized the need for scientific preparedness, seismic risk mapping, strict compliance with building codes, and strengthening of institutional mechanisms for disaster risk reduction.
Mr. Nisarg Dave, Director (Disaster Management), Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM), joined the session as a Special Invitee.
A seasoned disaster risk management professional, Mr. Dave, delivered a presentation on best practices and policy frameworks adopted in Gujarat for earthquake preparedness, capacity building, and local-level risk reduction. His insights focused on strengthening stakeholder coordination, emergency planning, and public outreach.
The webinar covered key objectives including:
• Strategies for earthquake preparedness and emergency response;
• Role of various stakeholders including DDMAs, ULBs, and emergency services;
• Demonstration of the Bhookamp mobile application and advisories issued by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS);
• Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), IEC materials, Dos and Don’ts for public awareness and preparedness.
The participants were also briefed on the 10-point action plan laid out during the 16.04.2025 meeting, which includes awareness generation, structural safety inspections, emergency communication systems, drills, shelter planning, volunteer team training, and medical preparedness, among others.
The session witnessed active participation from all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), represented by the Chief Executive Officers (ADCs) of the respective Districts, concerned line departments, and field-level officers across the Union Territory.
The webinar concluded with a formal vote of thanks to all dignitaries, resource persons, and participants for their valuable contributions.
The department reiterated its commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction and building a culture of safety and resilience across Jammu and Kashmir.
