Patna: In a major effort to enhance community-level disaster resilience, the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) organised a one-day sensitisation and training programme for Rural Community Health Coordinators from 523 gram panchayats.
The event, held at Gyan Bhawan in Patna, brought together participants from the districts of Bhagalpur, Lakhisarai, Munger, Shivhar and Sheikhpura. The focus was on strengthening first response capacity, promoting early disability prevention, and building preparedness for rural disasters.
Vice Chairperson of BSDMA, Udaykant, chaired the event, which was conducted under the guidance of members P N Rai, Narendra Kumar Singh and Prakash Kumar. Key speakers included Major General Vikas Srivastava, honorary advisor L B Singh, and public health experts such as Dr Anjali from Mahavir Cancer Institute and senior advisor Dr Jeevan Kumar.
BSDMA Secretary Md Waris Khan welcomed the participants, followed by a formal lamp-lighting ceremony. The programme structure was presented by Dr Ajit Kumar Singh. A public awareness film produced by BSDMA was screened and well-received by the attendees.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Vikas Bhardwaj stated, “Since 2017, there has been no requirement for army deployment in Bihar during disasters—this reflects the effective coordination and discipline of BSDMA and civil institutions.” He emphasised that disaster response is a shared responsibility requiring dedication from all sectors.
Vice Chairperson Udaykant remarked that disaster management depends not only on planning but on social unity and the spirit of service. “The real strength in a crisis is our cooperation, patience and commitment,” he said, highlighting the role of health workers as the backbone of national resilience.
P N Rai stressed Bihar’s vulnerability to floods, earthquakes, lightning and heatwaves, and urged for behaviour change at the community level. He reported that 15,000 children have been trained in safe swimming and disaster mitigation and called for the use of safety tools like the Damini, Indravajra and Sachet mobile apps.
A mock drill conducted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) demonstrated rapid response techniques in emergencies. BSDMA reiterated its commitment to the vision of “strong community, safe Bihar,” stating that empowered panchayat-level health coordinators could significantly increase rural disaster response capacity.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Officer on Special Duty Md Moiz Uddin. Also present were Lieutenant Colonel Rajneesh Tiwari, Special Secretary Ashutosh Singh, and several BSDMA officials and health coordinators.
