looking at the vulnerability of the State capital, though the district administration has made all proper arrangements for the festive season which include putting CCTVs at vulnerable places, mounting lED lights in various wards and deploying police personnel at sensitive areas, still fire management and knowledge about medical first aid is not much known among the officials and common people.
To ensure the safety of denizens especially during Durga Puja a workshop on training of urban communities on first aid and fire fighting was organised by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) here on Friday at RMC office. The programme was attended by all the ward councillors, RMC officials and staffs.
Citing details about the programme, City Co-ordinator of UNDP on urban risk reduction and climate change, Dilip Kumar said, “UNDP will support in the area of urban risk reduction, following an institutional approach. It will be providing technical assistance to strengthen the governance structure for disaster risk management in selected municipal councils and corporations, guide municipal government officials and emphasize inclusion of risk reduction in development projects.”
“For the year 2013-17, UNDP will provide technical support to strengthen capacities of government, communities and institutions to fast track implementation of the planning frameworks on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in 10 States which include Jharkhand also. Total 25 districts, 10 cities and 10,000 villages will be targeted over a period of five years with an overall budget of $ 6.115 million,” Kumar further added.
However, giving emphasis on Durga puja and speaking about various fire safety measures which must be adopted to tackle any untoward situation, laxman Prasad, Fire Officer informed, “It is necessary for the respective fire station officers to check whether in each location in his jurisdiction, fire fighting capabilities and adequate escape facilities are in place or not. Every puja pandal must have atleast one fire extinguisher. Guidelines should be properly followed and in case of emergency the basic medical assistance must be provided to the victims. Emergency phone numbers should also be put up for the assistance of public.”
District disaster management authority has issued a circular to the members of various puja pandal committees in the city. As many as 22 clauses are mentioned in the circular issued by the district administration.
Explaining about medical first aid, City co-ordinator of UNDP said, “It is necessary to run an awareness drive campaign in the city and highlight the need and importance of first aid. Ward councillors should also conduct workshop from time to time and educate people especially women regarding the usage of medical kit.”
RMC Mayor Asha lakra, Deputy Mayor Sanjeev Vijaywargia, Municipal Commissioner Prashant Kumar along with others were present in the event.