Punjab to get one more NDRF battalion

Reddy,who led a high-powered delegation,informed Badal that the basic objective of the NDMA was to understand the implications of a possible major earthquake and its likely impact on states,based on its preparedness,response and coordination.

He pointed out that Himachal,Punjab,Haryana,Uttarakhand,J&K and Union Territory of Chandigarh fall close to prominent fault lines,making them vulnerable to this hazard. “Therefore,it was the joint responsibility of the NDMA and concerned states to ensure awareness among the people about earthquake preparedness,besides focusing on collection of requisite data from departments and districts of the participating states.

He said that a mock drill would be conducted in Chandigarh and Shimla in February 2013 involving the Tricity of Chandigarh,Panchkula and Mohali and Shimla. The exercise would be based on the assumption of a quake in Mandi area with realistic events built on scientific principles.

Participation of Punjab,Haryana,Himachal and Chandigarh would be ensured besides observers from Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand would be deployed to oversee the entire mock drill,he said,adding that such exercise have already been carried out in Delhi. Meanwhile,Badal agreed to a proposal put forth by Reddy to designate nodal officers in the various state departments.

NDRF is a specialist response,which has been in the forefront of rescue operations during natural and man-made disasters in the country.