New Delhi, Apr 22: The Conference of Relief Commissioners and Secretaries of Department of Disaster Management of the States and the Union Territories began here today.

The conference is an annual feature, which provides an opportunity to take stock of the preparedness levels of various States and UTs as well as Central Ministries, prior to the ensuing monsoon.

It also provides a platform to share experiences gained while handling the disasters during the last year, common areas of concern as well as initiatives taken on various aspects of disaster management in the country.

Inaugurating the conference, Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Vinay Kumar stressed the need to take all preparatory steps necessary to meet any eventuality.

He said that there should be no complacency on account of the likelihood of near normal monsoon.

As many as 22 States and 1 Union Territory were affected by different types of natural calamities in varying degrees in 2008. (ANI)