BARAMULLA: A three-days workshop on 'Departmental Disaster Management Plan' concluded today at Dak Bungalow here.

Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar was the chief guest at the valedictory session of the programme, organised by the District Disaster Management Authority, Baramulla.

Pertinently, various aspects of the District disaster management plan were thoroughly discussed in the workshop wherein experts of disaster relief and rehabilitation deliberated and highlighted their views regarding the need to be prepared at the time of disasters.

In her address, Dr Sehrish after complimenting the DDMA for organising such an awareness cum training workshop, deliberated on the role of academic institutions in building capacities and preparing professionally-qualified human resources in the field of disaster management.

She assured the Department of all possible help and assistance from the district administration in its endeavours concerning disaster management and disaster risk reduction.

She further said that people at the grassroots have to be educated on pre-disaster planning and preparedness to minimize risks in the event of natural disasters.

Later, the DC took feedback from participants regarding the overall workshop and issued directions to prepare the same as per the guidelines of disaster management act.

Earlier, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad said that the community is always the first responder to a disaster and it is imperative to equip the community with knowledge of disasters and lifesaving skills.

He stressed on the need to utilise volunteers from the community, so that they are empowered to identify the risks in their localities and deal with any emergency situation.