Call for formation of ‘Legislators Forum on Disaster’
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 7
The need to strengthen disaster preparedness in Nagaland with mass involvement of the public and allied departments was stressed at the ongoing two-day workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the context of Climate Change here today.
Addressing the workshop, Chief Minister TR Zeliang said the state government has taken several steps to strengthen the states disaster preparedness.
He also called upon the legislators of Nagaland to come together to establish a Legislators Forum on Disaster,’ which he said will not only help in creating awareness among the people, but also promote people’s action to ensure that natural hazards do not become disasters.
“Let us understand that DRR is about choices, and is everyone’s business,” the Chief Minister said.
“DRR plans should also make provisions for the involvement of social organizations, voluntary and community based organizations,” he said adding that especially in a close-knit tribal society like ours, community-based disaster risk management can effectively respond to local problems and needs.
He cited the instance of how during the recent cyclonic storms that affected a substantial number of districts like Mokokchung, Longleng, Mon, Phek etc, the community response was most commendable, and within a day or two, the people whose houses has been destroyed had it repaired and ready for occupation.
He was of the view that Nagaland should also try to incorporate the principles and spirit of the Sendai Framework in its development planning, and in its vision document, namely “Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals 2030,” which is under preparation.
The CM also stated that since climate change is greatly contributing to disasters in recent years, there is a need to closely link the DRR plans and climate change adaptation strategies.
MP (Lok Sabha) from Sikkim, PD Rai said disaster affects everybody and therefore the need for better preparation. He also requested the elected representatives to take DRR with seriousness and to move the focus to the grass root level. The MP also felt the need to set up community-based disasters management agencies.
Sustainable Development Forum Nagaland (SDFN) advisor Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd) stated that disaster is not whether it will happen or not; it is when it will happen. Director General, NECTAR, Sanjiv Nair, gave the remarks from NECTAR. Chief secretary Pankaj Kumar, IAS chaired the inaugural function.
The workshop is organized by Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home department in collaboration with SDFN, Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) and North East Centre for Technology Application & Research (NECTAR). It will conclude on July 8.
