Patna: The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to integrate advanced technologies into disaster management programs. The MoU, signed at BSDMA’s office in Sardar Patel Bhawan, Patna, on January 20, 2025, aims to bolster the state’s disaster preparedness initiatives. The agreement was signed by TCS’s National Head of Sales and Relationship for State Government Business, Chand K. Raina, and BSDMA Secretary Mohd. Waris Khan, IAS.
The collaboration will focus on the development of earthquake-resistant buildings and retrofitting existing structures to enhance their resilience to disasters. Additionally, earthquake safety clinics will be established in all districts across the state. These centers will eventually evolve into Multi Disaster Safety Clinics, leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Machine Learning (ML) to improve disaster risk reduction efforts.
During the signing event, BSDMA Vice Chairman Dr. Uday Kant emphasized the importance of awareness and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. He highlighted the potential of virtual reality technology to simulate disaster scenarios and the necessity of staying calm during emergencies like earthquakes. Dr. Kant also stressed the role of satellite monitoring for early warnings and the need for eco-friendly practices, such as tree planting, to maintain natural balance.
BSDMA continues to implement various disaster risk reduction programs and public awareness campaigns across Bihar, focusing on preparedness and capacity-building in anticipation of natural calamities.
