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Disaster management institute launched

BHUBANESWAR: Bijay Kumar Sharma, Commissioner of Police of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate, here on Wednesday expressed concern over growing number of accidents on the national highway stretch passing through the twin cities.

“There was a 10 per cent growth in the number of accidents in 2009 compared to previous year. Between Choudwar and Jatni, some 277 persons died in accidents. We are close to a figure of one death per day,” Mr. Sharma said addressing the launching ceremony of the Regional Institute of Disaster Management, Medicine and Research (RIDMMR) here.

He said Cuttack and Bhubaneswar were expanding disproportionately in terms of population, area and vehicles. “In 2009, about 11 lakh vehicles were registered in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Besides, vehicles from other transport regions add to the volume,” the Police Commissioner said.

Under these circumstances, post accident management emerged as critical issue for the administration, Mr. Sharma said.

Sharing the concerns, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Anu Garg said: “Trauma care units are being set up all over the State. Tenders have been invited for emergency ambulance service. We are looking forward to partnership with small initiatives as the State government launch huge efforts after disasters.”

Basic objective

“The basic objective of the proposed institute is to create a pool of technical persons to deal with disaster and emergency situations. At least 50 per cent of lives could be saved if pre-hospital care can be offered at the periphery by trained manpower,” Dr. Acharya, who is heading Ayush Charitable Trust that partnered Saving Lives to found the institute, said.

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