Sippighat, May 18: In accordance with the directive of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, mandating quarterly mock drills and sensitization programs, the Directorate of Disaster Management (DDM), A&N Administration in coordination with the Health Department, Fire & Emergency Services, Police, Electricity Department, APWD, and District Administration, conducted a Sensitization and Awareness Programme at the Community Hall of Gram Panchayat, Sippighat, South Andaman yesterday.
The program sensitized community volunteers, Gram Panchayat staff, Anganwadi Workers, Self Help Group Members, and MGNREGA staff. The Pradhan, Zilla Parishad Member, Sarpanch, former Zilla Parishad member and ward members of the respective Gram Panchayat, were present as guests of honour. The programme aimed to enhance disaster preparedness at the Gram Panchayat level and train community volunteers as first responders during disasters.
The Assistant Director, Shri Janik Ram from DDM highlighted the area’s vulnerability to natural disasters and emphasized the importance of community-level Disaster Risk Reduction to mitigate disaster impacts in A&N Islands.
During the technical session, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) imparted basic life-saving training, including Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical First Responder (MFR) techniques. An Inspector from the Fire Service elaborated on household fire and electrical safety measures. Officials from the Electricity Department urged the participants to use electrical appliances safely and to conserve electricity.
The Panchayat Secretary of Sippighat Gram Panchayat expressed gratitude to all the participating Departments and participants in his vote of thanks.