ITANAGAR, Feb 10: An online training on Incident Response System cum Table Top Exercise for earthquake scenario was held today by the Department of Disaster Management in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India. The training was conducted to assess the capabilities and preparedness of all stakeholders in the state and the district. The participants included members of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the State Disaster Management Authority, deputy commissioners of all the districts, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the SDRF, the NDRF, the BRO, the CRPF, the ITBP and other stakeholders.

Chairing the meeting, Rajendra Singh, Member, NDMA emphasized on the importance of mock exercise, and appreciated the SDMA for updating the State Disaster Management Plan and training of community volunteers by the state government. 

Secretary, Disaster Management, Dani Salu, gave a brief outline of the various disasters the state is facing and also the steps taken by the state government on disaster preparedness and response.

Joint Advisor (IT & Communication), NDMA, presented on Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-Dial 112) and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) projects being implemented in the state. Overview of State Disaster Management Plan of Arunachal Pradesh with special reference to earthquake was presented by Senior Consultant, Dr Bhupen Mili. 

Representatives from National Centre for Seismology; North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat; SDRF Arunachal Pradesh; PWD Arunachal Pradesh; Health Department and NDRF also presented on various topics on earthquake preparedness and response plans.

Major General Sudhir Bhal (Rtd), Consultant (ME & IRS) NDMA coordinated and imparted the IRS training cum table top exercise. He gave an elaborate presentation on the step-by-step actions to be taken by every stakeholder during the event of an earthquake. He stressed on the role and responsibility of each member and the importance of having a dedicated emergency operation centre, equipped with a robust communication system to efficiently tackle any disaster.