DR.Fiaz Fazili
The tragic incident of the boat capsizing in Srinagar highlights a sobering reality: often, it takes a disaster to prompt action and reflection on safety measures and regulations. In the back of my mind are a few poignant questions probe at the heart of this issue, The questions prompt deep reflection on our collective approach to safety, preparedness, and crisis response. Let’s delve into each question:
Do we need tragedies to wake up for completing the job?Ideally, tragedies should not be necessary to spur action. However, history often shows that significant changes in policies, regulations, and infrastructure often follow major disasters. It’s a troubling pattern that suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to safety and preparedness. Instead, there should be a culture of continuous improvement and foresight, where potential risks are identified and addressed before disasters occur.
Could we have done better? Absolutely. There’s always room for improvement in safety measures, infrastructure, emergency response protocols, and public awareness. In many cases, tragedies reveal shortcomings or oversights that could have been addressed earlier through proper planning, investment, and enforcement of regulations. Hindsight allows us to see where improvements could have been made, but the key is to learn from these experiences and implement changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Is it necessary to wake up after a disaster?Ideally, no. The goal should be to anticipate and mitigate risks before disasters occur, rather than waiting for tragedy to strike before taking action. However, in reality, disasters often serve as wake-up calls, prompting governments, organizations, and communities to reassess their preparedness and response capabilities. While it’s unfortunate that it sometimes takes a tragedy to prompt change, it’s essential to use these moments as opportunities for learning and improvement
.In many cases, unfortunately, it does seem that disasters serve as wake-up calls for addressing gaps in safety protocols and regulations. The loss of lives, particularly of innocent children, underscores the urgency of this matter. However, it’s crucial to recognize that tragedies like this should not be viewed solely as moments of mourning but also as opportunities for introspection and action.
The completion of the under-construction bridge at Gandbal Batwara within short span , is a step in the right direction, providing safer alternatives for transportation. However, this should not overshadow the need for stringent safety measures in all modes of transportation, especially in areas prone to water-related accidents. It is a welcome step, Govt swung quickly in action that is very positive development and the Hon’ble Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, called an urgent meeting of officers of various departments to frame the strategy to avoid unfortunate incidents of boat capsizing in future and save precious lives. Preventive measures such as mandatory life-saving jackets for all passengers, safety audits of water transportation systems, and regulations to prevent overloading of boats are essential steps forward. There may be similar waterways or places which need to be identified and a strategic cum operation planning an action plan in timeline to be drafted. Additionally, licensing and regulating means of water transport are critical for ensuring that safety standards are upheld.
The untold story of tragedy in Srinagar is a reminder of the importance of proactive measures rather than reactive responses. Instead of waiting for disasters to occur, there should be continuous efforts to identify potential risks and mitigate them through robust safety measures and regulations. Furthermore, community awareness and education play a vital role in preventing such tragedies. People should be informed about the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and regulations when using water transportation. Regular safety drills and training sessions could also help prepare both passengers and operators for emergency situations.
The tragic incident of the boat capsizing in Kashmir, particularly with school children on board, undoubtedly brought profound sorrow and grief to the community. It’s natural for people to empathize and share in the collective mourning during such heartbreaking events. However, it’s also important to recognize the fine line between genuine empathy and the exploitation of tragedy for personal or political agendas. While it’s commendable for politicians, religious leaders, and the media to express solidarity and offer support during times of tragedy, it’s equally essential for them to do so with sincerity and genuine concern for the affected individuals and their families. Exploiting such incidents for personal gain or to push agendas undermines the gravity of the situation and can further exacerbate the pain felt by those directly affected. It’s crucial for all stakeholders to approach such situations with sensitivity, empathy, and a genuine desire to offer support and assistance to those in need. This includes providing practical help, such as resources for rescue and recovery efforts, as well as emotional support for the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives.Moreover, it’s essential for the media to report on such incidents responsibly, focusing on providing accurate information and amplifying the voices of those directly affected, rather than sensationalizing the tragedy or using it as fodder for political or ideological debates. In essence, while it’s natural to empathize and share in the grief of others during tragic events, it’s equally important to do so with integrity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting those affected, without exploiting their suffering for personal or political gain.
In conclusion, while disasters may serve as wake-up calls, they should not be seen as inevitable catalysts for change. Proactive measures, stringent regulations, community awareness, and continuous vigilance are essential in preventing tragedies and ensuring the safety of all individuals. It is imperative that lessons are learned from such incidents to prevent similar tragedies in the future. While tragedies, natural or un- natural disasters should not be necessary to spur action, they often highlight areas where improvements are urgently needed. It’s crucial to adopt a proactive rather than reactive approach to safety and preparedness, continually striving to identify and address risks before disasters occur. Learning from past experiences and implementing changes accordingly is key to minimizing the impact of future disasters.
The author is a Practicing surgeon at Mubarak hospital . and Healthcare policy analyst, Certified professional in Healthcare Quality, National and international expert on Health policy planning and reforms,experienced in disaster management planning can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com