To assess the preparedness of different agencies in handling natural calamities, a meeting was convened on December 22 by Avny Lavasa Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority / District Magistrate Leh.

Moses Kunzang, ADC Leh, HOD's, and representatives of Army, Air Force, ITBP, BRO, JKP, and civil administration were also present.

Avny Lavasa directed resource person, District Disaster Management Authority to arrange for a reshuffle of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in accordance to the SRO 225.

She also directed the SDM’s of all blocks to identify locations for the emergency helipad in addition to the existing ones and to arrange for temporary shelters. Also, to appoint nodal officers for disaster preparedness and to conduct mock drill before the onset of the tourist season. Looking at the wide area of the Leh district, a need was felt to increase the number of satellite phones for emergency periods.

A discussion was also made on medical grounds where CMO updated about the existing preparedness and also submitted the requirements on behalf of medical department thereof.

Regarding training of identified volunteers under the capacity building, Avny Lavasa directed SDRF to prepare a calendar for imparting training at society, and school levels phase wise. The telecom operators were told to provide for a toll-free number to be used during the emergency situation. National Informatics Centre was given the directions to form a chat-group for easy and fast information sharing. Food Supplies Department was given the directions to submit a list of food supply godown, their location and contact number of the concerned personnel.

All the officers were given directions to install fire extinguishers in their offices and appoint official/officials who will be given training on the installation and utilization of fire extinguisher by the F&ES / SDRF. The need was also felt for preparation of a digitalized district map for easy location of places, especially during an emergency situation.

Avny Lavasa also requested all the defense personnel for their assistance in conducting mock drills, to appoint a nodal officer and to share their details.

Anti-hijacking, School Safety Programme, preparedness of different govt departments, Army, Central Govt. agencies also reviewed.