‘New Nagaland building bye-law in process of approval’

November 1, 2023 15 Views No Comment

NEPEx 2023- Statewide mega mock exercise on earthquake scenario on Nov 2

Our Correspondent
Kohima | Nov 1

Nagaland is all set to conduct 6th Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2023 on earthquake scenario on November 2 across the state.

In view of this statewide mega mock exercise, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) under the aegis of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today conducted capacity development programme at ATI, Kohima.

The lead resource person for NEPEx 2023- Maj Gen Sudhir Bahl (Retd), Senior Consultant (ME & IRS) of NDMA, has already arrived Nagaland to coordinate and supervisee the entire exercise this year.

“This year, we will be simulating the event of earthquake at 7.1 magnitude,” said Johnny Ruangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer of NSDMA, Home Department.

All the government machineries, line departments, community first responder team, uniformed forces, village disaster management authority will be involved in this exercise including the school children.

“NEPEx involve almost everyone in the state,” Ruangmei said.

“Every year, this NEPEx has been a lesson for us. It is new feather added to our wings,” he said, adding “we are refining every year in terms of equipping and filling up the gaps.”

Stating that Nagaland Fire Safety Bill is already in place in the state, he said that it is the responsibility of all the public to comply with the fire safety norms and rules as notified by the state government.

In the context of building structure, he said that the Urban Development & Municipal Affair Department is incharge of bringing out a new Nagaland Building bye-law and it is in the process of approving it.

“Once the building bye-law is in place, structure safety will also be in place,” he said.

Earthquake cannot be predicted
Bahl said that earthquake cannot be predicted and the only way to reduce the losses and damages is to stay preparedness and “that is the importance of this NEPEx.”

The beauty of this NEPEx is the multi stakeholders event, he said.

It will start from 9:00 AM onwards across the state.

He hoped that NEPEx would cement coordination with various agencies and address the gaps.

Bahl also highlighted the need for preparedness and capacity building among organizations responding to disasters.

Further, he stressed the importance of real-time simulations involving all stakeholders.

‘Need for comprehensive disaster preparedness’
Delivering keynote address, Nagaland’s Chief Secretary J Alam emphasised the critical need for comprehensive disaster preparedness, saying that disasters can strike unexpectedly.

He stressed that being fully prepared for all types of disasters is an ideal approach to deal with such situations.

He also stressed the importance of mapping the available capacities and resources to enhance coordination.

Alam also underscored on the need to develop capabilities such as setting up field hospitals within the NSDMA in the event of a disaster, as it can significantly save lives.

Abhijit Sinha, Home Commissioner and CEO of NSDMA Nagaland stressed the importance of creating awareness about disaster management.

He noted that disasters, especially earthquakes, occur without warning.

Sinha informed that the annual tabletop exercises are organized to enhance awareness and preparedness.

Later, vote of thanks was delivered by Khrolou Koza Lohe, Assistant Manager, Training & Education, NSDMA.