Tripura: Rs 6.38 crore approved for seismic retrofitting of Pushpabanta Palace

A review meeting of the State Executive Committee of Tripura Disaster Management Authority (TDMA) was held recently. As per the decision of this meeting, the Revenue Department has given detailed information about all the initiatives taken in disaster management in the state during the period from October to December 2023. A press release from the Revenue Department informed that various month-long activities were organized across the state to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The day is celebrated on 13 October at the state and district level and disaster preparedness pledge is recited in the offices of all government and government undertakings and even private organizations. The State Executive Committee has allocated Rs 638 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund to the Tourism Department for earthquake-proof retrofitting of Pushbanta Palace, a Revenue Department press release said. The State Executive Committee has also approved the Perspective Plan for 2021-22 to 2025-26 and the Annual Plan for 2021-22 to 2022-23 as disaster preparedness measures as per the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission. The state government has purchased 15 types of critical equipment under the “Aapda Mitra” scheme and handed them over to the district authorities. Rules and guidelines regarding organization of various festivals and events, crowd control, construction of pandals, recruitment of police and volunteers, publicity etc. have been communicated to the district authorities. The state government has successfully dealt with the problems arising from Mithili cyclone in November 2023 and heavy rains in December. The 61st Civil Defense and Home Guard Day was duly celebrated on 21st December. A state level earthquake simulation exercise was conducted on December 21, 2023. Therefore, local government offices, schools, hospitals, markets/communities, chemical hazards/landslide prone areas etc. have been identified. All district administrations including concerned departments, Army, social organizations all actively participate in the mock exercise. The toll-free number (112) launched for emergency assistance is open 24 hours across Tripura.