GUWAHATI, May 25 � Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday stressed the importance of an integrated approach towards disaster management which will ensure protection of livestock that is the backbone of rural economy.
Addressing the inaugural session of a training on �Management of Animals in Emergencies� at the College of Veterinary Science, organised by the NDRF in association with World Animal Protection, Policy Perspective Foundation and College of Veterinary Science, the Minister said that during disaster the focus is on saving human lives. �But one must remember that the very survival of humans is dependent on survival of animals. There is no other livelihood option other than livestock for majority of rural Indians,� he pointed out, adding that the government has taken up the issue of saving livestock during natural disasters and steps would be initiated to enhance the capacity of the rescue agencies to address this concern.
Appreciating the initiative of NDRF in organising this training on animal rescue and management for the first time, the Minister said that animal disaster management has its own set of challenges and that welfare management and policy formulation can bring about significant changes in this aspect.
On the other hand, the Minister said that the approach towards disaster management needs to change in terms of prevention, preparedness and mitigation. �When a disaster strikes the focus must be on providing immediate response and relief,� he said, divulging that two new battalions of NDRF to be deployed at Varanasi and Arunachal Pradesh will give a fillip to the disaster management mechanism of the country.
Rijiju said that the government will also enhance the financial aid to the states for disaster management and leave no stone unturned to improve the country�s response towards disaster management.
Speaking on the occasion, Gajendra K Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection, said, �India�s people need their animals to be safe and healthy, so that they can survive, move on and rebuild their lives post disasters. Our animals equally need people to be prepared so they can protect them from injury and suffering when disasters strike. We are here to plan sustainable disaster management solutions that will help to protect not only our communities, but also the animals that 70% of our people depend upon for survival,�Sharma added.
