Need to empower vulnerable communities with skills for quick, effective responses: KU VC
SRINAGAR: To equip community members with essential skills in disaster response, ensuring greater resilience in case of emergencies, the University of Kashmir (KU), is organising a 3-day community outreach programme focused on disaster risk mitigation here at Mir Behri in Dal interiors and its surrounding areas.
The programme, being organised by the varsity’s Department of Geography and Disaster Management in collaboration with the J&K State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF, 1st Battalion), will run through Thursday (today).
The programme was inaugurated by KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, with a flag-off ceremony held Tuesday at the varsity’s main campus.
SSP/Commandant, JKSDRF 1st Battalion, Masroor Ahmad Mir; KU Dean Research, Prof M Sultan Bhat; KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal and Head, Department of Geography and Disaster Management (DGDM), Prof Pervez Ahmed, besides faculty, students and other officials attended the ceremony.
On the occasion, Prof Nilofer Khan emphasised the significance of extending disaster preparedness efforts to the community level and the “need to empower vulnerable communities with the skills needed for quick, effective responses during disasters”.
She appreciated the Department of Geography and Disaster Management and J&K SDRF for their collaborative efforts in taking up the initiative.
Several activities are being held at Imamia Public Secondary School, Kanikaj and Government High School, Bada Mohalla, wherein SDRF experts and MA/M Sc students in Disaster Management are providing hands-on training in areas such as search and rescue, evacuation, emergency first aid, medical triage and psychological debriefing by holding mock drills.
The programme also focusses on fire safety awareness, a particularly critical concern during the winter season in Kashmir.
The programme is an extension of the varsity’s earlier efforts under the ‘My Town, My Pride’ initiative started in 2022, to strengthen KU’s social responsibility in supporting vulnerable communities with skills that safeguard their lives and property.
Senior Faculty, DGDM, KU, Dr Akhtar Alam, is coordinating the programme.