SSDMA holds State-level school safety programme

GANGTOK,: (IPR) A State-level School Safety Programme was organised by Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) in collaboration with Education department at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok today.

Land Revenue and Disaster Management minister Kunga Nima Lepcha attended the programme as the chief guest along with SSDMA vice chairman Prof. V.K Sharma, relief commissioner-cum-Land Revenue & Disaster Management secretary Anil Raj Rai, Education secretary Sumita Pradhan, special secretary-cum- SSDMA director Prabhakar Rai, district collector Tushar Gajanan Nikhare, officials from different institutes and students.

The programme witnessed the participation of principals, teachers, and students from different government and private schools of Gangtok, Pakyong, and Mangan districts.

In his address, minister Kunga Nima Lepcha emphasised the importance of ensuring a safe environment for students in schools. He expressed his hope that the knowledge gained during the programme would be transformed into action, considering that the students are the future administrators of tomorrow.

He emphasised the importance of raising awareness about man-made disasters and their impact. He also highlighted the significance of remaining composed during disaster situations and responding appropriately. Further, he stressed the need to prioritise the construction of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

He also encouraged the students to step forward and adhere to the rules and regulations of the disaster management act, actively participate in mock drills, and encourage one another to contribute towards building a better Sikkim.

SSDMA vice chairman Professor V.K Sharma, in his special address, extended his appreciation to the entire team of SSDMA for organising an insightful programme. He also acknowledged that Sikkim is setting an example as a model State by conducting such beneficial initiatives.

Moreover, he expressed hope that the message of understanding the significance of disaster management is disseminated widely, especially considering Sikkim's high susceptibility to disasters. He emphasised the necessity of educating individuals and families at a personal level to enhance disaster preparedness.

Similarly, he conveyed his gratitude to the State government for their support. He acknowledged that the department's dedicated efforts in raising awareness will earn accolades for Sikkim.

Relief Commissioner Anil Raj Rai provided a brief overview of the establishment of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA). He highlighted the significance of targeting students as they are receptive to information and can help effectively disseminate it.  Further, he acknowledged the students' role as change makers, making it essential to engage them in this awareness campaign.

Earlier, SSDMA special secretary-cum-director Prabhakar Rai extended his gratitude to the participants from different districts for their presence in the programme. He highlighted the importance of implementing safety features in schools and expressed optimism that the insights shared by the resource persons would be beneficial for the students. Further, he urged everyone present to unite and safeguard the environment and the well-being of our future generations.

SSDMA additional director Rajiv Roka delivered a presentation on the National School Safety Programme. During the presentation, he provided an elaborate explanation of the concept of disaster. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of adopting preparedness measures for risk reduction and effective disaster management.

He also spoke on the significance of transitioning from a relief-centric approach to proactive disaster preparedness. Furthermore, he provided a detailed explanation of the Disaster Management Act 2005, which establishes the institutional, legal, financial, and coordination mechanisms for disaster management at the national, state, and local levels.

Keshav Koirala, assistant director-cum-senior consultant of SSDMA, spoke on the importance of reinforcing school safety and provided an overview of the school disaster management clubs. He highlighted that establishing these clubs in schools was part of the Chief Minister's vision to transform Sikkim into a disaster-resilient State, with a particular emphasis on fostering youth volunteers.

He said that the primary focus was on students as they serve as message ambassadors and can facilitate behavioural change with appropriate guidance. He encouraged the school disaster management clubs to conduct basic training, mock emergency drills, and to plan and execute awareness campaigns.

The programme also included a session of interactive experience sharing and an open discussion and distribution of token of appreciation to various schools by the chief guest.

The vote of thanks was proposed by SSDMA additional secretary Parina Gurung.