Chirag Gupta
Patna: A key meeting was held on Thursday at the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) to Review updates to the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Roadmap 2015-30. The meeting aimed to update the roadmap to reflect the use of current technology and approaches in disaster risk management, particularly considering climate change and emerging technologies.
The meeting, conducted in a hybrid mode, was chaired by the Vice Chairman of the Authority, Dr. Udaykant, with guidance from Members P.N. Rai, Kaushal Kishore Mishra, and Prakash Kumar. About 15 experts from across the country participated in the discussion to finalize the second version of the Bihar DRR Roadmap. The updated roadmap is designed for implementation through 2030 and beyond, emphasizing action plans, evaluation, and timely execution of disaster risk reduction tasks by government departments.
Key topics discussed included the development of a disaster information system, district and urban disaster management plans, and the timely execution of DRR tasks. The meeting also highlighted the inclusion of climate change considerations and the integration of technical approaches such as AR/VR, artificial intelligence, machine learning, space technology, and early warning systems. These updates aim to enhance disaster preparedness and response through better information dissemination and improved management strategies.
The original DRR Roadmap, created in 2015-16, did not address issues like the Covid-19 pandemic, which impacted the state in 2019-20. The updated version also focuses on reducing the impacts of climate change and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The roadmap now incorporates advanced technologies to deliver timely disaster-related information to the public and ensure the efficient implementation of disaster management activities.
Dr. Udaykant emphasized that the DRR Roadmap 2015 was in English, limiting its accessibility. The updated version will be available in Hindi and in simpler language, with separate versions prepared for each department. He also pointed out the roadmap’s focus on addressing the effects of major disasters in Bihar, such as lightning, cold waves, and heat waves, alongside strategies for the coming decade.
Rajendra Rantu, Executive Director of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), praised the initiative, noting that Bihar’s updated roadmap could serve as a model for other states to follow.
The meeting was attended by key figures including Authority Secretary Md. Waris Khan, Special Secretary Ashutosh Singh, Special Officer Md. Moiz Uddin, former NDMA member Vinod Menon, Sarabjit Singh Sahota and Rajiv Kumar of UNICEF Delhi and Patna, Ramesh Kumar Singh from GPSVS, Rajiv Jha from HAI, Vandana Chauhan from UNICEF Ahmedabad, and Anil Kumar Gupta from ICAR-IIT Roorkee, among others.
The session was conducted by Senior Research Officer Deepak Kumar, with the vote of thanks delivered by Md. Waris Khan.
