Patna: Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain on Wednesday called for a “zero casualty” approach to disaster management, emphasising that preparedness, public awareness and timely early warning systems are as important as rescue and relief operations.
The Governor was addressing the valedictory session of a state-level workshop on Disaster Risk Management, jointly organised by the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) at Sardar Patel Bhawan in Patna.
The workshop was inaugurated earlier in the day by Disaster Management Minister Ratnesh Sada and attended by senior government officials, disaster management experts, academicians, representatives of universities, NCC and NSS members, youth volunteers and other participants.
Governor Emphasises Prevention Over Response
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said disaster management extends beyond relief and rescue efforts.
He said effective prevention, preparedness, public awareness and timely dissemination of warnings form the foundation of an efficient disaster management system.
Drawing on his experience with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Governor said close coordination between the NIDM and state disaster management authorities is essential for reducing disaster risks.
He added that achieving “zero casualty” should remain the ultimate objective of disaster management agencies, supported by robust early warning systems, well-equipped District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs), trained personnel and rapid response mechanisms.
Focus On Community Preparedness
Referring to Bihar’s recurring floods, lightning strikes and other natural hazards, the Governor said timely dissemination of information to communities should be treated as a priority.
He also praised the work of Aapda Mitras (Disaster Volunteers), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The Governor stressed the importance of expanding inclusive disaster risk reduction programmes for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, women and children.
He also called for disaster management education, regular mock drills and public awareness campaigns in schools and universities to build a more resilient Bihar.
Minister Links Climate Change To Rising Disaster Risks
Disaster Management Minister Ratnesh Sada said the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters reflected the growing challenges posed by climate change.
He said community participation, preparedness and public awareness remain the most effective tools for reducing disaster risks, adding that disaster management is the collective responsibility of both the government and citizens.
BSDMA Highlights Community Initiatives
BSDMA Vice-Chairman Dr Udaykant Mishra said disaster management cannot rely solely on government institutions and requires active public participation.
He said the authority has expanded several community-based initiatives, including:
- Fire safety campaigns in rural areas and urban slums
- Inclusive disaster risk reduction programmes
- Training for master trainers working with persons with disabilities
- The Safe Friday campaign
- Awareness programmes for vulnerable communities, including brick-kiln workers
Mishra also advocated greater use of digital technology in disaster management training and proposed establishing a permanent NIDM training and capacity-building centre in Bihar.
Officials Stress Awareness And Coordination
BSDMA member P. N. Rai said many disaster-related deaths could be prevented through greater public awareness, particularly regarding lightning, extreme weather and road safety.
Disaster Management Department Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall said Bihar has strengthened its disaster response through early warning systems, improved inter-departmental coordination and advance preparedness. He urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the workshop within their communities.
Technical Sessions Covered Disaster Preparedness
The workshop featured technical presentations by experts from BSDMA and NIDM on a range of subjects, including:
- Disaster risk reduction roadmaps
- The Disaster Management Act and disaster financing
- Hospital fire safety
- Lightning protection
- Youth participation in disaster management
- Safe swimming and drowning prevention
- School safety
- Cyber security awareness
- Inclusive disaster risk reduction
- Weather forecasting
- State Emergency Operation Centre operations
The event was attended by BSDMA members P. N. Rai, Narendra Kumar Singh and Prakash Kumar, NIDM Executive Director Madhup Vyas, Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, BSDMA Secretary Md. Waris Khan, Bihar Weather Service Centre Director Dr C. N. Prabhu, and senior officials from various government departments.
