TAWANG, Oct 28: The Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Tawang, has completed its Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk sensitisation programme covering downstream villages associated with all nine high-risk glacial lakes identified in the district by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The second phase of the awareness programme was conducted from October 25 to 27, focusing on communities vulnerable to potential GLOF events from Jerjang Tso and Dongchin Tso, two high-risk glacial lakes in Tawang district.
During sessions for communities downstream of Jerjang Tso, villagers from Namtseling under Duitongkhar circle, Brokethang, Jemithang, Bapkangteng, Gorsam and other vulnerable settlements participated, along with personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
APSDMA Joint Director Nob Tsering sensitised participants to the possible causes and impacts of GLOF events, including threats to human lives, property, livelihoods and socio-economic activities. He stressed that although such natural hazards cannot be prevented, their impact can be reduced through preparedness, early warnings and timely evacuation.
He urged villagers to identify safe evacuation routes and suitable shelters, preferably at least 100 metres above the downstream level of Jerjang Tso. He also called for close coordination with ITBP and Army personnel stationed in the upper reaches to ensure timely sharing of warnings and prompt evacuation of vulnerable communities. Alarm devices are also expected to be distributed to strengthen local early-warning and emergency-response mechanisms.
The team, accompanied by Jemithang Circle Officer Tsetan Droma, also conducted awareness sessions for communities downstream of Dongchin Tso under Jang circle. Villagers from RA-III and Marmang, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) labourers and students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Jang, were sensitised to GLOF risks, warning signals and safety measures to follow during an alert.
As an immediate mitigation measure, Tsering urged village heads to identify safe locations and evacuation routes for vulnerable communities. They were also asked to prepare detailed project reports in consultation with the concerned works and technical departments and submit them urgently for consideration by the government.
APSDMA Deputy Director Dorjee Khandu sensitised students and school authorities on preparing and implementing a School Disaster Management Plan, emphasising evacuation routes and designated safe assembly areas.
District Disaster Management Officer Gendan Tsomu urged residents to remain alert, follow official advisories and cooperate with the district administration and emergency response agencies.
Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu also called on the school authorities to prepare and regularly update the disaster management plan and conduct mock drills to familiarise students with evacuation procedures and emergency protocols.
The awareness programme was led by Tsering, accompanied by Khandu, APSDMA Assistant Director Damchin Norbu and DDMO Gendan Tsomu.
With the completion of the programme, APSDMA and DDMA Tawang have covered downstream villages associated with all nine high-risk glacial lakes identified in the district under the GLOF risk sensitisation initiative. (DIPRO)