Guwahati: Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on various projects and activities pertaining to disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Both institutions have signed an MoU to work together on a variety of DRR-related research initiatives and activities for the long term.
Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management Jogen Mohan was present as the MoU was signed.
The MoU signing was followed by the launching of the website (www.iitg.ac.in/cdmr) of Center for Disaster Management and Research (CDMR), IITG.
Speaking during the event, Minister Jogen Mohan said, “This collaboration between IITG and ASDMA will lead towards strengthening Disaster Management strategy for Assam. I believe IITG and the Center for Disaster Management and Research (CDMR) would strengthen the state disaster management policies with its innovative and action-oriented research and technical expertise. I assure my full support towards strengthening CDMR’s institutional capacity.”
The main goals outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by IIT Guwahati and ASDMA include building capacity for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR), conducting case studies and evaluation studies, engaging in research projects and innovative activities, publishing articles and awareness materials, launching pilot projects in the field of DRR, conducting and supporting consultations, and sharing knowledge and experience.
Additionally, IIT Guwahati’s Centre for Disaster Management and Research (CDMR) will serve as the focal point for all projects, training initiatives, and research collaborations in this area.
During his address, IIT Guwahati Director Prof TG Sitharam said, “The MoU signed by IIT Guwahati and ASDMA will help in enabling multiple research and innovation projects along with other progressive activities towards Disaster Risk Reduction.”
In order to establish CDMR as a Center of Excellence that serves as an international hub for disaster risk reduction and management-related innovation, research, capacity building, and advocacy, Sitharam requested assistance from the state government.
ASDMA Chief Executive Officer GD Tripathi spoke at the ceremony and focused on the key facets of this relationship, such as training and teaching on catastrophes, spreading awareness, and innovation and research.
“This MoU will enhance the opportunities of the professionals of ASDMA for better training and also potential academic pursuits,” added Tripathi during his address.
The head of CDMR Sudip Mitra at IIT Guwahati, informed the minister about the initiative that CDMR is pursuing for the capacity development of all of the North Eastern regions’ SDMAs by requesting the technical assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for capacity building and infrastructure development.