THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) is organising an international workshop and exhibition ‘Surakshaayanam 2012’ at Nishagandhi Auditorium here from March 4 to 10.
Renowned experts will present models and papers on various topics including tsunami, dam break, Cuban disaster management, landslide early warning systems, coastal protection against oil spills and health and safety in high-rise buildings. Revenue Minister Tiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told a news conference here on Friday that 48 organisations including the Armed Forces, private firms, International NGOs, State Government Departments/Agencies, Central Government Agencies, PSUs and educational and scientific organisations have registered for participation in the event.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the exhibition on March 4. A mock-drill by the NDRF and Fire and Rescue Services will be the highlight on the first day. An LED video wall’ intended to generate awareness among the public on various types of disasters, its causes, Kerala’s disaster-prone status quotient and dos and dont’s during disasters will be another attraction. Photo and video galleries will also be set up.
There will be a fun area for kids where kite making, face painting and short skits on disasters will enliven it. An ILDM Knowledge Centre for on the spot quizzing and magic shows will also be there. An Open Forum for discussions on various topics of relevance to disaster risk reduction will begin on March 6. Coinciding with the Women’s Day on March 8, special events will be held. Cultural evenings are also planned on all days, the Minister said. The workshop will be held on the last two days at the main conference hall of Kanakakunnu Palace.
To a query on why the State Government is averse to implementing the Gadgil Committee report on Western Ghats, the Minister said that many areas falling under it in the Idukki district and elsewhere had become human habitats through migration of farmers and any displacement at this juncture would have a grave socio-economic fallout.