ADC Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, chaired a meeting of the committee constituted for the preparation of the Draft District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) on March 7.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Superintendent of Police, Superintending Engineer PWD, Assistant Director FCS&CA, Deputy CMO, Headquarters Assistant to the DC, Deputy Superintendent of Police UTDRF, Accounts Officer to the Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Director Information/Wildlife Warden, District Mineral Officer, experts from the Department of Disaster Management, University of Ladakh (Kargil Campus), and other concerned officials.

During the meeting, the ADC sought department-wise suggestions from the concerned officers and experts to make the draft plan more effective and comprehensive. He emphasised the importance of inter-departmental coordination to strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the district.

The ADC directed departments including Mechanical Engineering, FCS&CA, Public Works, Information, Municipal Committee, and other stakeholders to submit their detailed inputs at the earliest so that the suggestions could be incorporated into the draft plan.

Experts from the Department of Disaster Management, University of Ladakh suggested utilising religious infrastructure during disasters for relief and shelter purposes.

The committee also recommended ensuring the readiness of motor garages along with drivers during emergencies, identifying alternate traffic routes, and enhancing training and awareness programmes for Aapda Mitras and volunteers.

The need for proper zonation, hazard mapping, resource mapping, and strengthening disaster-resilient infrastructure was also discussed, along with initiatives aimed at improving community preparedness and social capacity building.

The experts further suggested the introduction of Ham Radio communication systems to strengthen communication during disasters when conventional networks may fail.