CM PS Tamang Announces Insurance Scheme for Lumberjacks at State Disaster Risk Reduction Day

New Delhi, October 7: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced a significant initiative for the welfare of lumberjacks working under the Forest and Environment Department, while addressing the inherent risks and challenges associated with their work.

This announcement was made during the State Disaster Risk Reduction Day programme, organised by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) under Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department (LR&DMD), at Chintan Bhawan in Gangtok, today.

The Chief Minister has urged the concerned department to expedite the necessary procedures to implement the insurance scheme for lumberjacks at the earliest. Additionally, he also assured that similar insurance facilities would soon be extended to all other workers engaged in high-risk professions across the state.

The Chief Minister who is also the Chairman of SSDMA was addressing the event as chief guest. He was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, along with special guests, Mr SA Rizvi, Advisor (Mitigation), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Professor VK Sharma, Vice Chairman, SSDMA and Land Revenue & Disaster Management Secretary on the dais.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of collaboration and community participation in disaster resilience efforts, stressing that disaster preparedness and mitigation measures can only succeed with strong public support. He noted that despite ongoing efforts to mitigate natural disasters, many citizens still neglect house insurance, leaving them vulnerable to financial losses during disasters. He urged everyone to prioritise insuring their homes and properties.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of following government guidelines when building houses. He cautioned against violating approved blueprints, emphasising that homes designed for three storeys should not be discreetly extended to five storeys without proper authorization. He emphasised that safety measures must be adhered to, particularly for houses near riverbanks and in other vulnerable areas.

He acknowledged that while natural disasters are inevitable, given Sikkim’s unique geographical vulnerability to natural calamities, the risks can be mitigated, and the resulting damage can be significantly reduced by taking proactive measures to reduce vulnerabilities and prevent avoidable destruction. He thereby called for strict adherence to building regulations. He pointed out that illegal settlements and construction in sinking areas exacerbate disaster risks and must be avoided.

While commending the dedication and efforts of the government departments, organisations and agencies involved in the recent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) expedition conducted in Sikkim, the Chief Minister highlighted such expeditions and studies as crucial for understanding the risks faced by the state and developing effective responses. He stated that once the study reports are submitted to the state government, official notifications will be issued, which must be strictly followed by all.

He paid tribute to those who had lost their lives due to disasters over the last decade, urging everyone to remember their sacrifice and use it as a motivation to improve safety and preparedness for future generations.

The Chief Minister reiterated that development is impossible without people’s support, and appealed to the public to build infrastructure as per government safety guidelines to prevent future disasters. He further urged citizens to stay alert to disaster risks and support the government in its disaster risk reduction initiatives and contribute to making Sikkim a safer state.

At the onset, the event commenced with the observance of a solemn one-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives in various natural disasters over the last decade.

One of the event’s highlights was the felicitation of the multidisciplinary team members who participated in the recent GLOF Expedition from August 31 to September 14, 2024 in recognition of their critical contributions, alongside central government agencies, the Indian Army, ITBP, local governance bodies and QRTs who were also felicitated for their noteworthy support during the expedition.

On the occasion, the official logo and poster for ‘Sikkim Mission Himtaal – Saamarth Sikkim, Surakshit Sikkim’ were launched. A new mobile application on disaster management called ‘Sikkim Apada Sampark Sewa’ was also launched.

The event also featured video presentations showcasing the various activities of SSDMA and the recent GLOF Expedition 2024.

The event also included a moving obituary for the Late Mr Namgyal Wangdi, Civil Defence Warden, honouring his contributions and dedication to public safety.

Eminent experts, including Professor VK Sharma, Vice Chairman, SSDMA, and SA Rizvi, Advisor (Mitigation), NDMA addressed the gathering, sharing their expertise on disaster management and mitigation strategies while stressing the need for continued vigilance and community involvement in disaster risk reduction.

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