(Image source from: The Financial Express)

As part of attempts to make Indian airports disaster-ready and become national trainers, 14 airport operations experts from across the country have gathered in the city to learn and also share what they have learned.

The five-day programme is being organized by Deutsche Post DHL Group (DPDHL) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The two are expanding their internationally recognized Get Airports Ready for Disaster (GARD) program with officials and experts from Airports Authority of India (AAI).

"Channelling relief efforts from airports to the affected communities requires efficient operational procedures and appropriate infrastructure capabilities," said Subhash Kumar, General Manager AAI.

"In addition to reassessing airport facilities and strengthening staff expertise, this workshop will allow us to build our readiness for any potential emergencies across the country and regionally," said Kumar.

He said the programme will comprise a new Train the Facilitator (TtF) element for countries that are at above-average risk for natural disasters.

Chris Weeks, DPDHL Director for Humanitarian Affairs, said the new initiative allows airports to conduct the GARD training when it suits the regional needs best and makes the roll-out much more flexible.

"Furthermore, the Train the Facilitator workshop allows us to share our knowledge that we have gathered in more than nine years with others and thereby scale up the number of GARD trained airports to make the program even more effective," said Weeks.

The whole exercise is to guarantee fast and effective assistance in the immediate aftermath of a natural or man-made disaster, besides having the essential airport infrastructure and local transport connections.

Preeti Soni, UNDP's Assistant Country Director, said with increased vulnerability due to climate change, it is essential to strengthen national capacities and resilience to natural disaster.

"It includes training local authorities in special customs and immigration policies that need to be activated in the event of an emergency, and having passenger evacuation plans or accommodation at the airport for the first 72 hours," said Soni.

By Sowmya Sangam