Media should be cautious while reporting on disasters and avoid sensationalism: Manmohan Sharma, DC, Solan
Media plays an important role in pre-disaster and post-disaster management – Rahul Jain, ADC
The Press Information Bureau, Chandigarh, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, organized a media workshop, “Vartalaap,” today in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, on topics such as disaster management, nutrition campaigns, horticulture, and women’s empowerment. The objective was to foster meaningful dialogue and a useful exchange of ideas between the government and the fourth estate on various aspects of disaster management.
The dialogue was inaugurated by Solan Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Manmohan Sharma. Addressing the media, the Deputy Commissioner said that disaster management is an area that can be unnecessarily affected by sensationalism in media reports.
Praising the mature and balanced role of the Solan media, the Deputy Commissioner said that the media should also contribute to reassuring the public that the government is active and taking action during disasters. The Deputy Commissioner stated that the media is instrumental in managing and dealing with even the biggest disasters. Citing the example of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, he stated that the media played a crucial role in the success of this campaign. The Deputy Commissioner stated that the primary role of the media is to hold the government accountable and bring unheard voices to the administration. He added that the advent of social media has somewhat changed the role of the media, and therefore, the media now needs to be more responsible.
Solan District ADC Mr. Rahul Jain stated that since the implementation of the Disaster Management Act, Himachal has experienced numerous disasters, but the loss of life and property has significantly decreased. He emphasized that the most important role in disaster response lies with the affected community. In addition to response, the media also plays a crucial role in community awareness. Mr. Jain explained that programs are also being organized in schools to address disaster preparedness. He stated that the district administration has trained a task force of 2,000 youth volunteers and 200 disaster friends. The district administration has trained 520 masons on earthquake-safe building construction methods. The administration has also organized programs on safe construction models in schools. He emphasized that the media plays a crucial role both before and after a disaster. The media’s positive role can reduce long-term disaster risks, thereby preventing loss of life and property.
On this occasion, Dr. Shifali Thakur, Deputy Director of the Solan Horticulture Department, stated that under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, various fruit, vegetable, and flower varieties are being trialed in the district to reduce dependence on apples. Furthermore, protected cultivation and organic farming are being promoted through polyhouses and greenhouses, and mechanization and supply chains are being developed. She explained that the horticulture sector plays a vital role in the Indian economy. Horticulture promotes better nutrition, provides alternative rural employment, encourages agricultural diversification, and increases farmers’ incomes. This mission has led to an increase in fruit and vegetable production in Solan.
Dr. Nisha Kapoor, Professor at Shoolini University, explained that the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan (Healthy Women Empowered Family Campaign) is a landmark initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aimed at strengthening health services for women and children in the country, with a focus on improving access, quality care, and awareness. She added that media involvement can make this campaign a success.
Padam Dev Sharma, Program Officer, Women and Child Development Department, Solan, explained that the Poshan Abhiyaan is a mission aimed at addressing malnutrition through a technology-driven, community-centered approach, targeting children under six years of age, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. He said that campaigns like Poshan Maah, celebrated in September every year, address stunting, malnutrition, anemia, and low birth weight in children in the first 1,000 days.
Earlier, the Assistant Director of PIB Shimla highlighted the objectives of the dialogue. He explained that the dialogue is a meaningful effort to disseminate public welfare schemes to the public through the media. On this occasion, Ahmed Khan, Media and Communications Officer of PIB Chandigarh, gave a presentation on the work of various departments and units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Mr. Khan moderated the program and delivered the vote of thanks. Neerja Sharma, Assistant Commissioner of Solan District, was also present at the workshop. Journalists from Solan District and students of Shoolini University also participated actively.
