New Delhi: Nearly five months after devastating floods ravaged the hill state, Uttarakhand is yet to formulate a disaster management plan to meet any future calamity.
According to the disaster management authority, as of now only 19 states in the country have a mandatory state disaster management plan (SDMP) - and Uttarakhand is among the defaulters.
"We have not yet received any disaster management plan from Uttarakhand. All states need to be proactive in preparing disaster management plans as comprehensive planning will help at the time of any natural or man-made disaster," National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Vice Chairman M. Shashidhar Reddy told IANS in an interview.
Uttarakhand witnessed devastating flash floods in June, leaving hundreds dead and thousands homeless.
Reddy says there is an urgent need to change the focus and mindsets of the people and the government machinery as well towards disaster management and disaster preparedness.
