SHILLONG: The Dorbar Shnong of Nongrim Hills has come up with the Disaster Risk Management Action Plan (DRMAP) to address the challenges emanating from the possible outbreak of the coronavirus in the state.
The delegation of the Dorbar Shnong Nongrim Hills on Tuesday met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to submit a copy of the plan.
“He (chief minister) assured us that some significant measures mentioned in the DRMAP will be incorporated into the State Disaster Management Action Plan,” the Rangbah Shnong, Bantylli L Barry, told reporters after the meeting the chief minister.
Barry said that they would want the other Dorbar Shnongs and Village Dorbars to replicate the action plan, which they have tried to implement in their locality.
“We want to equip the residents to take up the challenges in these critical times. Keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, which has had a devastating effect on the world community, the Dorbar Shnong Nongrim Hills felt that the role and responsibility of the community, being the first responder, will go a long way in containing the spread of COVID-19,” the Rangbah Shnong said.
Highlighting on some of the major points of the action plan, Barry said that there is a need to put in place a strict surveillance during the lockdown adding that the residents should comply with the decision of the concerned authority to remain indoor.
“Residents should discourage those from outside the locality including relatives and friends for visits except only in emergency situations. Residents should inform the Dorbar of any suspicious cases to ensure the containment of the spread of COVID-19,” he said, adding that any violation from the prescribed norms as laid down by the government will be punishable as per provisions of the law.
On planning during funeral and bereavements, Nongrim Hills Rangbah Shnong said that attendance offering condolences during bereavement should be constraint to the minimum. “Funeral should take place at the earliest, say, within 24 hours from the time of death,” he said.
Keeping in mind the social and traditional practices, Barry said that it is very important to inculcate into residents that an attendee should not consume too much time in the bereavement house so as to give way for others to pay their homage to the departed soul.
“The customary practice of ‘Jingpynkham Burom’ (monetary donations) must be avoided and instead a donation box be made available for anyone to contribute. If any death occurs due to COVID-19 cases, it will be undertaken as per protocol of the state,” Barry said.
According to him, the Dorbar Shnong shall register all the residents who belong to the health fraternity from different specialisation and experience as a measure for any emergency purpose and assistance.
Meanwhile, he said that the Dorbar Shnong will make provisions to stockpile essential items and other necessary requirements which will be needed during any future emergencies.
