Officials working to minimise damage to the residents of State from natural disasters learned ways to protect themselves in times of catastrophe.
An awareness-cum-training programme on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation was conducted at headquarters of the department of disaster management, collectively organised by the department, District Disaster Management Authority and 2nd Battalion of National Disaster Response Force.
The present officials were instructed in methods of protecting themselves during fires, earthquakes and chemical disasters.
"Natural disasters are inevitable but the damage can be mitigated with awareness and training. This initiative is helpful in the manner that it teaches the life-saving practices useful in times of calamities," said Disaster Management Additional Secretary Bhagwan Das.
On climate change, Capacity Building and Training Officer Poonam Tara Sureen said, "Climate change is not only disturbing the water cycle but is also resulting in rise in pollution levels. This is taking its toll on the health of children and women. There is a need to provide them nutritious food so as to check the impact of increasing pollution."
A similar programme was organised at the ongoing NCC camp in Khelgaon and for home guards.
Addressing the gathered NCC Cadets, State Project Officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava said, "Given the fact that Jharkhand is prone to natural disasters like fires, thunderclap and earthquake, such awareness programmes in educational institutions are significant so that students can learn about ways to protect themselves and others in event of a natural disaster."
Srivastava informed the cadets about the e-Rahat number for disaster management, 1967, where people can call to get aid in times of a catastrophe.
"Ranchi has been placed in Zone 3 of earthquake prone zones, which means that precaution has to be taken to prevent extensive losses during the incident of an earthquake. Places to protect oneself should be marked in advance before earthquake strikes," said District Disaster Management Officer Manoj Kumar.
Sureen, talking to the NCC Cadets, suggested, "College-level first-aid teams, search and rescue teams and safe removal should be formed in preparation for natural calamities. Regular training to these teams can help in preparing a force can be used to save lives during catastrophes."
NDRF personnel instructed the students in first-aid methods. 2nd NDRF Battalion Inspectors Raghubir and Vijat Mandal and ANM Soniya and Saroj Rani presented a live demonstration for them. The cadets too tried to learn these methods first-hand.