BSDMA signs MoU with TISS to boost disaster management and risk reduction in Bihar

Patna: The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, to promote disaster risk reduction and capacity building in Bihar, which is highly vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, lightning, drought, and fires. The MoU, formalized on Thursday, follows preliminary discussions held in February, 2023 and is set to guide collaboration between the two institutions over the next five years.

The signing ceremony, held in the BSDMA hall, saw the exchange of the MoU between BSDMA Secretary Meenendra Kumar and TISS Professor Jacqueline Joseph. The event was attended by key officials, including BSDMA Vice Chairman Dr. Uday Kant, Member P.N. Rai, and other senior representatives from both BSDMA and TISS.

The collaboration aims to enhance disaster management capabilities in Bihar through several initiatives. These include evaluating the effectiveness of the Chief Minister’s School Safety Program and Road Safety Programs, researching social vulnerability and the psychosocial effects of disasters, and assessing risk areas to create a comprehensive vulnerability map.

Additionally, the MoU focuses on developing disaster management training and capacity-building programs for various state departments, establishing a structured internship program, and strengthening the teaching and research of disaster management in Bihar’s universities. A research topic bank will be created to guide related projects, and a coordination and monitoring system will be set up, with a core team from TISS based in Patna to oversee the partnership’s activities.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward bringing cutting-edge research and solutions to Bihar’s disaster management efforts, aiming to reduce the risk of natural disasters and improve the safety of the state’s citizens.