ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today chaired a meeting of State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) here to review the State’s disaster preparedness level and strengthen the fight against COVID-19.

The Chief Minister reviewed the activities of SDMA and the status of upcoming State Disaster Response Force headquarters at Hollongi and of 5 Regional Response Centres being set up across the State.

He also reviewed the activities of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the State and thanked the Union Minister Kiren Rijiju for his contribution for a permanent Battalion headquarters of NDRF in the State.

The Chief Minister urged for widespread public awareness and education for preventing loss of lives and property from natural disasters.

He also urged for strengthening of ‘Aapda Mitra’ scheme to impart skill training on disaster preparedness to community volunteers.

Home Minister Bamang Felix, Tourism Minister Nakap Nalo, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, Home Commissioner Kaling Tayeng, Commissioner (Planning & Investment) Prashant Lokhande, Secretary (DM) Dani Salu were also present in the meeting, along with officials from Disaster Management Dept, SDRF and NDRF.