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ASTORE ,Jan 09 (APP):Caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Justice (R) Yaar Muhammad, while speaking on the occasion of a departmental briefing given by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) here Friday, said that due to climate change, the incidence of natural disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan was increasing, which would pose a major challenge in the future. In this regard, the Disaster Management Authority is an institution of utmost importance. Serious consideration should be given to providing available resources to strengthen and activate this institution, as well as to addressing the shortage of staff,.
The caretaker chief minister emphasized that a comprehensive strategy should be formulated for timely rescue, relief, and rehabilitation in the event of natural disasters. He said that the availability of heavy machinery in all districts is essential so that relief operations can be initiated immediately in case of any natural calamity. On this occasion, he directed that the availability of staff at the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority’s warehouse must be ensured.
He appreciated the establishment of the Provincial Emergency Control Room, stating that it will help in carrying out rescue and relief operations in a timely and effective manner. He also praised the role of FCNA for providing timely assistance in rescue operations during the tourist season and natural disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan, and said that the armed forces of Pakistan have always extended cooperation in difficult times.
The caretaker chief minister directed the Director General of the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority to ensure that compensation for loss of life and property caused by natural disasters is paid in a timely manner in accordance with the policy, so that affected people can be assisted with dignity during times of hardship and trial. He further stated that payments for rehabilitation works carried out under emergency measures must be completely transparent.
He also appreciated the initiative of legislation to keep water channels unobstructed and to eliminate encroachments, terming it an important step towards disaster risk reduction.