SRINAGAR: The government will set in motion a proper Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for all the stakeholders which will help them to work with synergy and in close coordination in case of any disaster and natural calamity in the state.

This was stated by the Minister for Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Floriculture, Javaid Mustafa Mir, Thursday while chairing a high-level meeting of officers convened to assess the preparedness of the government to tackle emergency situations.

The Minister directed for strengthening the Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) at the district level within one month so that in case of any eventuality the people may not suffer.

He said the government will put in place a mechanism to face any kind of situation in wake of earthquake, floods, windstorm, cloudbursts or any other natural calamity.

“Though the natural calamities have no fixed timing, but preparations to tackle the situation in case of any emergency needs to be made in advance,” he added.

The government of India has provided an amount of Rs 399.29 crore for dredging of river Jhelum which was started in 2015.

He was further informed that 90% dredging work has been completed in Srinagar, while as 81% have been completed in Baramulla and other areas.

Instructions were given to I&FC Department, Kashmir to constitute a team which will assess the impact of dredging to mitigate any flood situation.

Chief Secretary also asked the officers to ensure that the dredging is up to the mark and as per set specifications.

It was decided that all the Deputy Commissioners will ensure identification of vantage points in their respective districts for setting up of ration stores.

With regard to dewatering of the city, the meeting was informed that an effective mechanism has been put in place for immediate dewatering in case of any eventuality.

It was given out that 80 pumping stations are in service in the city while as 114 dewatering pumps are available with the SMC authorities.

Further, it was said that 24 dewatering stations are being upgraded by the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) and 49 stations are being upgraded under World Bank funding.

Threadbare discussions were held with regard to the communication system, evacuation of people, outsourcing of tractors, trucks and tippers to meet any eventuality.