In a significant move to strengthen disaster preparedness and response, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the state’s new Disaster and Relief Monitoring System (DRMS), a digital platform designed to provide real-time reporting of disasters and streamline relief disbursement to victims.
Speaking at the launch event, CM Sangma emphasised the urgency of timely intervention during emergencies. “In times of crisis, every moment matters. The DRMS will ensure relief reaches affected communities without delays or bureaucratic hurdles. This initiative marks a major step towards a fully digital and paperless disaster response system,” he stated.
Developed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre – Meghalaya, the DRMS will now serve as the mandatory platform for processing all relief applications under both the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Officials said the system enables instant disaster logging from all districts and blocks, significantly improving response times and enhancing coordination between Block Development Officers (BDOs), district administrations, and the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. It is designed to handle all types of natural disasters, including floods, landslides, cyclones, and earthquakes—disasters that frequently affect Meghalaya due to its vulnerable geographical terrain.
To ensure seamless implementation, training programs will be conducted for district administrations and all related departments to familiarise them with the system. The DRMS is expected to make Meghalaya’s disaster management framework more agile, efficient, and citizen-centric.