'National Disaster Response Force not utilized properly'

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was not utilized properly during the Monday's stampede in Adalat Ghat lane although 150 rescuers were deployed 24X7 since November 17 in the 30km stretch from Didarganj to Shahpur in Danapur covering nearly 100 ghats.

The magnitude of the stampede could have been arrested had proper assistance been provided by professionally trained persons, said an official. "Lakhs of rupees are spent on workshops and seminars on disaster management but it is totally missing when required the most, particularly during the time of extreme crisis," a senior official of the disaster management department said.

The newly set up State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is yet to be raised properly, the official said. "Recently, around 80 persons were inducted. Around 450 ex-Navy, Army, homeguards jawans are shortlisted for undertaking professional training," he said.

The NDRF is a unit created by the Centre for the purpose of specialized response to natural and man-made disasters. The NDRF works under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) which lays down the policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management.

On November 19 at 7.45pm when the NDRF team of Gandhi Ghat reached its camp at NIT-Patna, it was informed by the Emergency Control Room through the radio communication that about 12 persons had died near Adalat Ghat in some accident during Chhath puja. The commandant of NDRF 9 Battalion, Bihta, SS Guleria, contacted the ADM (relief), Patna, and enquired about the accident and offered the NDRF services at the place of the incident.

"I was conveyed that those who were injured and died in the accident had been taken by the local public to the PMCH. After contacting the officials of the disaster management department immediately, myself, along with AK Jha, deputy commandant, rushed to the spot. In the meantime, the NDRF ambulance was rushed to the PMCH along with 10 rescuers to donate blood to the injured, if required," Guleria told TOI. He, along with his officials, reached the spot and carried out the search operation.

In fact, by that time there was no dead body/injured person left at the place of the incident. After inquiring the local people they came to know that the accident happened due to the narrow lane, he said. "At about 8.45pm, after getting the directions from the principal secretary, disaster management and health department, Vyasji, I rushed to the PMCH but due to law and order problem at its gate, I could not go inside the hospital", he said.

At about 9pm, Guleria could enter the hospital and meet Vyasji. As per his directions, NDRF personnel went inside the hospital and found unclaimed/unidentified bodies of 4 children and one woman kept in one room. NDRF personnel arranged the shifting of the unidentified/unclaimed dead bodies to the mortuary after forcibly taking away the local people (touts) who were creating problems with mala fide intention.

Tuesday 20 November 2012

http://m.timesofindia.com/articleshow/17302436.cms