The Hindu Business Line : Maharashtra getting ready to face monsoon

Mumbai June 22 The Maharashtra Government has created a real-time backup of its wireless and satellite emergency communication set up in the State Secretariat.

In the eventuality of a complete breakdown in Mumbai, the system can be rebooted in six seconds from Pune, said Mr Ramesh Kumar, Principal Secretary (Relief and Rehabilitation).Mr Kumar was addressing the media on Friday, detailing on the monsoon disaster preparedness of the State Government.

He said that to locate and mobilise equipment and manpower at the time of disaster, a district-wise inventory has been prepared and uploaded on a Web portal called India Disaster Resources Network. IT facilitators in the divisional headquarters are supervising the uploading of the inventory data. At the time of disaster, officials can take informed decisions based on the inventory.

The district administration staff has also been sensitised on the Web portal to ensure its regular use, Mr Kumar said.

Mr Kumar also pointed that the Ham radio and the wireless network in the State hasbeen ageing and in many district the Ham radio sets are out of order. The IT Department has been asked the repair the sets and restart the system, he said.

SAR teams

In order to improve the first response, across all the levels during a disaster, the State Government has constituted search and research (SAR) teams with 36 members in all the districts.

The personnel for the teams have been drawn from police, fire services, civil defence and home guards. SAR teams in 14 districts of the State have already been supplied with emergency equipment such as lifebuoys, chain saws and life jackets.

Mr Kumar said that SAR team personnel would provide disaster response for collapse structures, floodwater rescue, rope rescue and medical aid.

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