Sikkim Observes Disaster Risk Reduction Day

Gangtok; September 18, 2014: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), East, in collaboration with the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, commemorated Disaster Risk Reduction Day at the TNSSS auditorium in Gangtok on September 18.

The program aimed to raise disaster awareness among the public through skits, speeches, live demonstrations, and appeals.

GMC Mayor Mrs. Lassey Doma Bhutia, the chief guest, urged attendees to reflect on the significance of the day for self-awareness. She emphasized the importance of being responsible for preventing manmade disasters and encouraged students to spread educational information throughout the state. She also presented certificates and tokens to the winners of the elocution competition.

District Collector East Mr. Chewang Gyatso Bhutia recalled the tragic events of September 18, 2011, urging students to share knowledge about disaster preparedness, mitigation, and risk reduction with their families and communities. He highlighted the role of students as effective communicators, stressing the need for regular awareness programs. While natural disasters cannot be prevented, he noted that proactive measures and quick response systems can help mitigate their impacts. He also addressed the need for proper construction methods to enhance safety during earthquakes.

District Programme Officer Mr. Sonam Wangyal Lepcha outlined various activities conducted by DDMA East, including a Mega Mock Exercise on earthquakes, training programs, the formation of a Special Search and Rescue Team, and the establishment of an Early Warning System.

Retired DIG and Civil Defense Warden Mr. B.K. Roka discussed the concept of civil defense and encouraged students to engage in voluntary activities. He explained that first responders at disaster sites play a crucial role and advised students to keep emergency numbers handy.

Principal Mr. K. B. Chettri expressed gratitude to DDMA for selecting TNSSS as the venue for imparting valuable disaster management information and hoped for similar future initiatives.

Earlier, ADC Mr. Karma Bompu read the Chief Minister's message, announcing September 18 as Disaster Risk Reduction Day each year.

The event also featured a skit presented by the Arithang Women Welfare Association and an elocution competition among various schools. Students from West Point Sr. Sec. School, Tadong, Bojoghari, Rani Pool, Deorali, Enchey, and TNSS Sr. Sec. School contributed to discussions on disaster management.

The program was attended by Deputy Mayor Shakti Singh Chaudhary, other GMC councilors, the Additional Superintendent of Police, East, officials from HRDD, and students and teachers from around Gangtok. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from SDM Mr. K. L. Lepcha, and was conducted by Bijeta Kharel.

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