Disaster management office has 2 staffers

LUDHIANA: Ludhiana has finally got a district disaster management office, with Tarlochan Singh Gill, former commandant, civil defence home guards, as its coordinator. But the office, which was decided to be set up in 2007, faces staff crunch for data compilation.
Besides the coordinator, it has only one project officer, Neelay Srivastav, who is compiling data on the number of industries, institutions and the possibility of hazards in various colonies, like those caused by fire, water and pollution.
Srivastav, who has been working on data compilation since December, does not have any conveyance and a local person to assist him. He hails from Uttar Pradesh and is not familiar with the city.
”The deadline for data compilation is March 31. It includes types of industries, especially the hazardous ones, all colleges, schools, hospitals, doctors, block panchayats, climate, topography and local administration, among others. I will send a requisition to the deputy commissioner, asking for staff and a vehicle'' said Neelay.
Gill said, “There are two kinds of disaster -- natural and man-made. The natural includes famines, floods, droughts, storms and epidemics, and the manmade comprises rail, sea and industrial accidents, fire, and explosions, among others. For dealing with such situations, we need complete information about the city, and that is why, the project officer is compiling data.''
About the unavailability of required equipment, Gill said, “We are yet to get equipment and staff which are a must for the office's successful functioning.''