The first meeting of Ladakh Disaster Management Authority (LDMA) was convened under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh/ Chairman LDMA, R K Mathur on February 10 at Raj Niwas.

Lieutenant Governor pointed out that NDMA guides at the national level in terms of thinking, planning, and funding to undertake any kind of disaster risk management programme in Ladakh. He exhorted to engage various Government of India agencies in disaster management planning for Ladakh ensuring regular interactions to study disaster-related aspects throughout the year. 

Mathur stressed the need to strengthen the ability of the Met Department and suggested drafting information proforma to ensure a strong database of disaster-related information and updating it at regular intervals. 

He further asserted that handling of any disaster is the responsibility of every individual and the entire Ladakh needs to contribute to the risk reduction of natural as well as man-made disasters. He exhorted to initiate preparations to decentralize by providing emergency stocks, equipment, volunteers, and training at the habitation level to ensure immediate response to any disaster that hits any village.  

As immediate measures, LG Mathur exhorted to strengthen the administrative buildings in Ladakh on priority by making them earthquake and fire resistant along with the deployment of satellite phones. He said that the governing authority/ officials should be available as first responders in a functional position at the time of any disaster. He stressed the need to station the helicopters in Ladakh and the capacity of the helipads should be made to handle bigger aircraft like M-17 or Chinook and to have additional airstrips for relief, rescue, and evacuation purposes.

He suggested the Police Department to use drones to keep constant monitoring and ensuring analysis of imagery on daily basis. Access to medical services and extensive training to paramedics in handling disaster victims, immediate setting up of Emergency Operation Centre, and measures to address the possibility of the drought was pointed out by the LG.    

A detailed presentation was given by the DC’s of Leh and Kargil and the Nodal Officer about the powers and functions of Ladakh Disaster Management Authority. They highlighted the history of disasters in Ladakh, rescue operations, training, and possible threats with required actions and requirements in both Leh and Kargil and disaster preparedness measures taken at UT level.

MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; CEC, LAHDC, Leh, Tashi Gyalson and CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmed Khan also shared their views and opinions.

Umang Narula, Advisor to LG stressed the need to have a comprehensive disaster plan for Ladakh in order to cater to possible contingency and disasters. He impressed by the use of technology like drones, satellite, etc. to improve communication networks and community-level involvement through training, mock drill to enable them to manage disaster as first responders.

The meeting deliberated on the importance of training to SDRF, NCC cadets, students, volunteers, community people on disaster management, procurement of essential and specialized equipment and machinery, the conduct of mock drills, retrofitting of critical buildings, the establishment of Emergency Operation Centre, setting up of community radio system, enhance prediction capability and weather station and water conservation plans.