District Disaster Management System in doldrums

MYSORE: The Disaster Management System (DMS) launched with much fanfare by the district administration a few years ago has almost become defunct. Sources in the Deputy Commissioner’s office said that a majority of wireless systems provided to village accountants, revenue inspectors among others to help them quickly pass on the information related to disasters to the DMS control room, have fallen silent. During the recent incidents of wild tuskers  wreaking havoc in some villages of HD Kote and the destruction caused by heavy rains in rural parts of the district, personnel in the DMS control room had a tough time getting in touch with respective VAs and RIs. The control room which was getting frantic calls from the public was in turn not able to contact respective village accountants for more information on the situation so that action could be taken. The source said that it was because of gap in communication between the personnel at the ground zero and higher-ups that it took more time to effectively deal with the emergency situations on related tusker attacks and rain havoc. In the case of heavy rains destructing properties in Hunsur a few days back, it was said that there was no response from the Hunsur control room. The district administration had spent about Rs 35 lakh to put in place the system, which is said to be the first of its kind in  the country. Walkie talkies were provided to all VAs, RIs, government hospitals, electricity offices, besides setting up control rooms in all seven taluk headquarters. In case of disasters, the personnel were supposed to pass on the information to the control room for immediate action. The advantage of wireless systems is that it is functional even in remote places and forests where cell phones do not work. It is said that the DMS slowly started becoming ineffective after P Manivannan was transferred from Mysore as the DC. While for some personnel, it has become a status symbol to have it tucked in their belts, others left it at home and have not bothered to recharge it. DC P S Vastrad claimed the DMS is functioning well. On many personnel not using wireless systems, he said walkie talkies come in handy at times when cell phones and SMSs are not working.  Vastrad said as long as there is flow of information, no strict action can be taken against people not using walkie talkies.