TAWANG, OCT 28:
The Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Tawang, conducted the second phase of its Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) awareness programme from October 25 to 27, focusing on downstream communities vulnerable to potential flooding from Jerjang Tso and Dongchin Tso.
The programme covered Namtseling village under Duitongkhar Circle, Brokethang, Jemithang, Baptengkang, Gorsam and other vulnerable settlements, with participation from villagers and personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Awareness activities were also conducted for residents of RA-III and Marmang villages, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers and students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Jang.
During the sessions, APSDMA Joint Director Nob Tsering sensitised participants through presentations on the risks posed by GLOF events, their potential impacts on lives, property, livelihoods and socio-economic activities, and the importance of preparedness and timely evacuation.
He urged villagers to prepare evacuation plans, identify safe routes and designate suitable shelters, preferably at least 100 metres above the downstream level of Jerjang Tso. He also stressed the need for close coordination with the ITBP and Indian Army personnel stationed in the upper reaches to facilitate timely warnings and evacuation. He said alarm devices would be distributed shortly to strengthen local early-warning and emergency-response mechanisms.
Jemithang Circle Officer Tsetan Droma accompanied the team and facilitated the awareness programme in the circle.
As an immediate mitigation measure, Tsering asked village heads to identify safe locations and evacuation routes for vulnerable communities exposed to risks from high-risk glacial lakes. They were also asked to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) in consultation with the concerned Works Department and other technical departments and submit them urgently for consideration by the government.
At Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Jang, APSDMA Deputy Director Dorjee Khandu sensitised school authorities and students on preparing and implementing a comprehensive School Disaster Management Plan (SDMP). He emphasised the need for clearly identified evacuation routes and safe assembly areas to protect students, teachers and other school personnel during emergencies.
Tawang District Disaster Management Officer Genden Tsomu stressed the importance of remaining alert, following official advisories and cooperating with the district administration and emergency response agencies.
Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, who attended the programme, urged the school authorities to prepare and regularly update the SDMP and conduct mock drills to familiarise students with evacuation procedures and emergency-response protocols.
The programme was led by Tsering, accompanied by Khandu, APSDMA Assistant Director Damchin Norbu and Tsomu.
With the completion of the awareness activities, APSDMA and DDMA Tawang have covered downstream villages associated with all nine high-risk glacial lakes in the district identified by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the GLOF Risk Sensitisation Programme.
