Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the ‘Disaster Ready School Safety Campaign’ on Tuesday. The initiative began across six educational districts of Delhi. Gupta stressed the importance of schools being fully equipped to safeguard thousands of children during emergencies.
The campaign, inaugurated from a private school on Pusa Road, aims to strengthen preparedness and response systems within educational institutions. Chief Minister Gupta stated the country and its cities must achieve disaster readiness. She highlighted the specific vulnerability of schools, where numerous children are present simultaneously. Gupta affirmed that all necessary facilities must exist within a school to manage any disaster effectively.
Campaign Objectives
The ‘Disaster Ready School Safety Campaign’ targets specific outcomes. Each participating school will develop a comprehensive disaster management plan. Regular mock drills form a key component of the campaign. These drills will instruct children on immediate, calm actions to take during an emergency.
Specialized Training for Staff
Teachers and school staff will receive specialized training. This training focuses on equipping them with skills to save lives during a real crisis. The initiative underscores the role of trained personnel in emergency response.
Collaborative Implementation
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and the Education Department jointly implement the campaign. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Education Minister Ashish Sood attended the launch event, underscoring inter-departmental cooperation.
Broader Impact
Chief Minister Gupta described disaster-ready schools as a vital initiative. She projected that the campaign would transform Delhi into a city capable of tackling any type of disaster. Gupta also indicated the campaign’s national scope. She confirmed the initiative, launched in Delhi, would expand across the country.