Safety measures should be formulated to avert disasters: Chandy

Says children should be given awareness on disaster prevention from school level

April 01, 2012 12:31 pm | Updated 12:31 pm IST - KOCHI:

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that comprehensive safety measures should be formulated to avert disasters and mitigate their impact.

Talking after laying the foundation stone for the headquarters of the Kerala chapter of the National Safety Council at Irumpanam, Mr. Chandy said that waking up to a disaster after it had occurred was pointless. He said that children should be given awareness on disaster prevention right from the school level.

Apart from natural disasters, there are man-made disasters. They should be foreseen and steps taken to prevent them. Thoughts with regard to disaster mitigation and coastal safety started only after the occurrence of tsunami, which pointed to the need to be equipped to meet any kind of disaster.

Industrial accidents

Mr. Chandy said that the consequences of industrial accidents were severe. The tragedy caused by Endosulfan emanated from its indiscreet and unrestricted use.

He said that the State government will assist in the construction of the headquarters of the Safety Council. The Union Minister of Labour will also be approached for financial assistance, Mr. Chandy said.

Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K.V. Thomas said that the building of the Safety Council coming up in an area with high density of industrial units could do a lot in disaster management measures. The danger posed by e-waste was on the rise with the progress of the IT industry. Similarly, the hospital waste was also getting accumulated with the development of the health sector. Mr. Thomas said that possibility of disasters posed by this type of waste should also be considered when formulating disaster mitigation measures.

He received the first donation towards the construction of the building from Viju Jacob, executive director of the Synthite Group.

Excise Minister K. Babu said that carelessness and lack of awareness often led to disasters. Anoop Jacob, MLA, presided. Mr. Chandy gave away the fire service medals instituted by the National Safety Council.

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