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The Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners and Secretaries of the Departments of Disaster Management of States and Union Territories was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs here today. The Conference was convened primarily to review the status of preparedness for dealing with any natural disaster that may arise due to South West Monsoon 2016.

The Conference was inaugurated by Shri Rajiv Mehrishi, Home Secretary. Shri R.K. Jain, Member, National Disaster Management Authority addressed the participants.

Representatives of 27 States, 6 Union Territories, National Disaster Response Force, Central Ministries, Central Armed Police Forces, Indian Meteorological Department, Central Water Commission, Indian National Center for Ocean Information Service, DRDO, GSI and other Scientific Organisations, along with Armed Forces participated in the Conference.

Issues connected with disaster preparedness, early warning systems, disaster management plans of the States and Union Territories were discussed. Advance procurement of necessary relief material, checking the readiness of the equipment & communication systems, community based disaster management and coordinated approach for disaster response at the district level were highlighted.

During the conference, it was noted that the concerted efforts of all concerned have helped in minimizing the loss of precious human lives. The need for coordination among all the Central and State Government agencies was re-emphasized.

The Indian Metrological Department, Department of Space, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (Defence Research and Development Organisation), Central Water Commission, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service, Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Defence, and National Disaster Response Force made presentations on their respective field of forecasting, warning mechanism and their future plans for enhancing capability in the field of disaster management. The Conference also discussed the measures and good practices being adopted by the State Government and Government of India to address disaster management in the country.

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