Karnataka   

Integrated approach helps in mitigating disaster: Oscar

Manipal: Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes said on Sunday that the National Disaster Management Authority had changed its relief-centric approach to an integrated approach. He was speaking after inaugurating a workshop on disaster management, organised jointly by the District Home Guards and Manipal University, here.

Mr. Fernandes said the integrated approach was aimed at reducing loss of life, livelihood and property. With the advent of new technology, it was possible to get advance warning on tsunami and earthquakes. Home Guards should be deployed in critical areas to save lives and property during disasters, he said.

In addition to natural disasters, terrorism was now causing problems. Terrorists were now using sophisticated weapons and explosives. Terrorist attacks were causing same damage as disasters. It was incumbent on the Government to strengthen the intelligence network to combat terrorism. Awareness should be created among people on the ways and means of dealing with disaster, Mr. Fernandes said.

Jija Madhavan Harisingh, DGP and Commandant General of Home Guards, said that quick response teams had been formed in the States to deal with disasters. These teams worked in co-ordination with the district administration. The Fire Services in the State were being modernised, he said.

Fire stations would be set up in places such as Kalghatgi, Jagalur, Hosakote, Afzalpur, Hanur, Gauribidanur, Shikaripur, Shorapur and Pandavpur. The services of the Home Guards were being utilised for traffic control, natural disaster, and internal security, she said. District Commandant of Home Guards Ganapathi Bhat welcomed the gathering. Pro-Chancellor of Manipal University H.S. Ballal, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university S.S. Pabla, and wife of Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Blossom Fernandes were present.

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