By Jagpreet Sandhu ,Chandigarh, January 25 : The Centre of Advanced Study in Geography, Panjab University, Chandigarh today concluded the 2 week (12 January – 25 January 2012) Orientation Program for Disaster Management Coordinators (DMC) and Response Centre Professionals (RCP) recruited under 13th Finance Commission by the Department of Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management, Punjab Government. It was attended by 34 recruits of the Punjab Government as part of their training. This endeavor represents the recognition by the government of the imperative need for strengthening its disaster management efforts and a recognition of the expertise existing at the Centre of Advanced Study in Geography in disaster management. Professor Karanjot Kaur Brar, Chairperson, stated that this interface with the Centre of Advanced Study in Geography and Punjab Government is a welcome step that spells the coming together of the academician and the executive for disaster mitigation.
During these 2 weeks the participants were introduced to different aspects of disaster management. The intensive training schedule covered topics varying from mapping of disasters to hazard, risk and vulnerability analysis. The currently relevant techniques of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) were emphasized in the management of all aspects of disaster management.
The doyen of Geography Professor Gurdev Singh Gosal distributed the certificates and the function was presided over Professor Lalit Bansal, Chairperson, University School of Open Learning (USOL); Director, University Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism and Honorary Director, Centre for Industry Institute Partnership Programme (CIIPP).