According to a government statement, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to establish state-of-the-art Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) in all 20 districts to minimise the damage caused by natural disasters in the region. Notably, J-K falls in earthquake zone IV and V and is also highly prone to flood damage. The construction of EOC has started in the Budgam district. The project will have a complete disaster management plan under National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2019 and it will be implemented in all districts.
The J-K administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NDMA, Government of India for the implementation of an Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) to coordinate disaster calls in Dial No. 112. According to the Economic Survey 2022-23 released by the J-K Government, District Emergency Operation Centers will be established in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir UT to help build the capacity of the UT and district administration. By managing disaster risks, enhancing preparedness and achieving resilient recovery.
The government has informed in a statement that around 1.5 lakh community volunteers will be engaged in three phases including 15,000 volunteers in the first phase, 35,000 volunteers in the second phase and 1,00,000 volunteers in the third phase.
The survey report states that the focus is on building the capacity of all stakeholders to respond promptly to disasters in a planned manner so as to reduce loss of life and economic losses in various forms. The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction is working on identifying various hazards that threaten the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
The officials said that hazard mapping, hazard assessment, and impact assessment will be standardized for different sectors and regions while emphasis will be placed on forecasting and early warning/warning of various meteorological events and hazards. Another focus area is the alignment of State Plans (SDMP) and District Plans (DDMP) in line with the Sendai Framework. Notably, the final report of the Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA) for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Territories revealed in March last year that J-K is incurring an average annual loss (AAL) of Rs 1,774 crore due to flood and earthquake hazards.
According to the statement, the AAL for earthquakes in J-K is Rs 1,488.44 crore, or about 0.15 percent of the total exposure value.
The AAL for river flood risk in Jammu and Kashmir is Rs 286.50 crore, or about 0.03 percent of the UT’s total export cost. The floods have caused the most damage in Srigarh district, followed by Baramulla district, according to the statement.