NDMA officials present Post Disaster Needs Assessment Report to Chief Minister

IPR, GANGTOK, DEC 10, 2023 : Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang met a 15- member delegation comprising officers of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and domain experts from various organizations at his official residence, Mintokgang, today. 

The delegation, led by Kunal Sathyarthi, Joint Secretary NDMA and comprising Prabhakar Rai, Director SSDMA, Rajiv Roka, Additional Director SSDMA, discussed the purpose of NDMA's involvement, emphasizing their expertise in disaster management. 

Director SSDMA highlighted the significance of their mission. 

Joint Secretary NDMA commended the immediate actions taken by the Government of Sikkim and SSDMA in the recent natural disaster, and the timely evacuation of people from Chungthang and low lying areas along Teesta basin, saving numerous lives. Kunal Sathyarthi also praised SSDMA for conducting regular Mock Drills. 

Emphasizing the importance of Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation, JS NDMA stressed the need for the state to conduct a comprehensive assessment. 

Sector experts shared their findings and proposed remedial measures during the meeting. 

The Chief Minister acknowledged and appreciated these suggestions, expressing gratitude to the entire team for their support in preparing a robust PDNA report. This report is slated for submission to the Government of India, marking a collaborative effort in disaster management. PK Das, Sectoral Expert, applauded the work executed in the field by the communication specialist and emphasised on the safety features to be taken up during the upcoming monsoon. 

A strong town planning with building bye laws was also highlighted. He also recommended for reconstruction of houses following traditional culture and practises emphasising upon people centric approach towards rehabilitation and reconstruction. 

CP Mohan, Sectoral Expert, highlighted silt deposit in the farmlands which may affect recultivation and suggested for bamboo plantation. Indranil Bose who looks at the road sector suggested a proper design framework and construction of Jholungey/traditional bamboo bridges at intervals for the purpose of making it convenient for the people to commute. 

He also requested the concerned Department to keep provisions in recovery plan for people connectivity. Mr Vivek reflected upon the livelihood issues with emphasis on Animal Husbandry sector as the Agriculture sector has been totally damaged due to the flash flood. He also suggested for pisciculture practice and extraction of mines/sand and stone quarrying as a revenue resource towards which a Notification is suggested to be issued by the Department of Forest. 

Amit Tandon in his part reflected upon the livelihood issues, community needs towards social sector and open spaces to be located at all places. Jena applauded the SSDMA for the prompt actions taken after the disaster.