Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has given the green signal for a State Disaster Response Force to reinforce the state's disaster management systems. The force would start off with a group of 100 personnel who would be trained to handle disasters and would be brought in from various forces in the state.
At a review meeting, the CM asked officials to create an inventory of equipment that can be used by the government during disasters. “During Cyclone Hudhud, it was extremely difficult to mobilise equipment. We need to avoid such situations and have an inventory of equipment to respond to disasters immediately,” he added.
“Within 24 hours of any major disaster, we should be able to begin restoration and relief works. This can happen only if the inventory of equipment is in place.” He further said, “We can train DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas) groups on handling equipment. This will not only help us mobilise resources quickly but also help us respond immediately to local disasters.”
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also gave his nod to strengthen the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). “The SDMA of Andhra Pradesh should be the best in the country,” he said, adding Gujarat and Odisha currently have good disaster management systems.
“Disasters should not only include natural disasters but also any accidents which need preparedness and immediate help. Be it a chemical accident at a factory or accident at an industry or just a fire, we should be prepared to handle everything by ensuring zero human loss,” he summed up.
