Srinagar, 9 October (H.S.): The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the constitution of Disaster Management Committees at both Block and Panchayat levels across the Union Territory to strengthen preparedness and response to natural calamities.

These committees will function under defined structures and responsibilities to ensure effective coordination during disasters.

At the Block level, the committee will be headed by the Chairperson of the Block Development Council, with the Tehsildar, Block Development Officer, and Child Development Project Officer (ICDS) as members. Representatives from departments including REW, PDD, Jal Shakti, PWD (R&B), along with the Block Medical Officer, Zonal Education Officer, and Accounts or Statistical Officer, will also serve as members. A representative from the Fire and Emergency Department and two nominated Sarpanches will complete the panel.

In the absence of Panchayati Raj Institutions, the Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP) will act as the Chairperson of the Block-level Disaster Management Committee.

The terms of reference include creating and maintaining disaster management facilities, forming Civil Defence Committees, identifying youth for disaster management training, assisting in relief and compensation, and conducting mitigation programmes.

At the Panchayat level, the committee will be chaired by the Sarpanch, with the Naib Tehsildar, Patwari, and Medical Officer of the local sub-centre as members. The Headmaster of the local school, Junior Engineers from various departments, Secretary Panchayat, and Panchayat Accounts Assistant will also serve on the committee. Additionally, two Panches nominated by the Sarpanch and local volunteers will participate.

In the absence of Panchayati Raj Institutions at the Panchayat level, the Block Development Officer (BDO) will act as the Chairperson.

The Panchayat-level committee will focus on identifying disaster-prone areas, maintaining management facilities, mapping local resources, training youth in disaster response, and ensuring timely relief and compensation to victims in coordination with Halqa Panchayats and government guidelines.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar