Uttarakhand to implement disaster management plans for all schools

The Uttarakhand government has announced the development of Disaster Management Plans for all government and private schools throughout the state. This initiative, directed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Madan Kaushik, aims to enhance preparedness and ensure the safety of students and staff during emergencies.

Under the leadership of Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, officials from the Education Department and Chief Education Officers will work to create plans tailored to the specific geographical conditions and local risks of each school. The process will begin with a school-level disaster risk assessment, followed by the creation of safety and rescue action plans. A committee featuring representatives from the Education Department and the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) will oversee the exercise.

The plans are designed to address various regional hazards, including earthquakes, landslides, floods, flash floods, cloudbursts, heavy rainfall, snowfall, avalanches, and fires. Key components of the strategy include designating clear evacuation routes, identifying safe areas and assembly points, and assigning specific roles to principals, teachers, and staff. Additionally, schools will be required to prominently display emergency contact numbers for police, fire, and health services, and ensure the availability of first-aid kits and facilities.