Idea of VLD management authority mooted
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Shillong, October 08 2014:
The devastating flood on September 22, 2014 was an eye opener in many ways for the State of Meghalaya and to the various Government functions within the State.
Taking stock of the lapses within the system, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, in a meeting with flood victims at Mahendraganj in South West Garo Hills (SWGH), mooted the idea for the formation of a village level disaster management authority, a move that is set to ensure better coordination of relief efforts if disaster were to befall the State again.
"We have a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and even one at the district level, so why not at the village level? It will definitely help if we could have one in every village to ensure better coordination as well as relief efforts," said Mukul to the gathering.
While mooting the idea however, the CM asked the gathering to ensure that this did not get stuck in political chaos as it would defeat the purpose of the formation of a village level committee.
He further said that a small group, including women could be a part of the committee.
"The committee can keep a headcount of the number of residents within the village as well as act as relief distributors.
They can coordinate with the Block Development Officer (BDO) and in turn with the district administration," added Sangma.
"Disaster management is a very serious issue and we have to do everything to ensure we are prepared for it.
The various district administrations should move quickly and get a village level model in place.
It will also help relief efforts as information on losses can be immediately provided," added Sangma.
The State Government has been struggling to get the assessment of damages quickly documented.
While most places have now been assessed, some still remain.
With the date set for the meeting in Delhi on the flood assessment between the Central Ministry and the State Government on October 9 and 10, 2014 there is a mad rush to ensure documentation is completed.
"The meeting will decide the amount the Centre is willing to provide for the devastation caused by the floods and damage assessment is paramount.
The hopes of rebuilding the State will lie on the meeting", said one source in the West Garo Hills (WGH) district administration.
Initial damage assessment has already crossed the Rs 2000 crore mark and is set to go up higher as the State comes to terms with the losses.