Srinagar, 16-May: Government College of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, organized a two day workshop on “Disaster Preparedness of Jammu and Kashmir” under India’s Presidency G-20.Principal Secretary Education, Alok Kumar, was the chief guest on the occasion.The workshop was attended by NSS volunteers of Colleges, Higher Secondary Schools and NSS Nodal Officers working in different colleges of Srinagar district.The inaugural session saw a galaxy of experts and consultants from the Department of DMRRR, trainers from SDRF 1st Battalion, Principals of Degree Colleges of Srinagar district and Head of Institutions of Higher Secondary Schools.Principal Secretary, in his presidential address, spoke about sensitive geographical locations of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that we need to learn lessons from the destruction caused by Kashmir Flood of September 2014 and should take effective preparedness measures in advance.He concluded his address by mentioning Benjamin Franklin quote “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail”.Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Nazim Zai Khan, while speaking on the occasion, said that the department with the help of its SRDF Battalion 1st and 2nd is striving hard to mitigate the impact of disasters on people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also emphasized the need to integrate Disaster Management in school curriculum.Senior Consultant, DMRRR, Waseem Shafi Dar, presented the structure of Disaster Management in J&K.Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, Professor Yasmeen Ashai, spoke on disaster vulnerability of J&K, sustainable development and climate change impact on disaster scenario of the UT. She emphasized that such workshops will provide a common platform for all stakeholders to raise their concern regarding the theme.Later, Principal Secretary released college publications including annual newsletters CASCADE and BAHAR besides Lesson Plan booklet by Interns of GMS Chattabal.
