IIT Guwahati and ASDMA signs MoU for a long term collaboration in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Guwahati, Rongili Barta- Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati recently to collaborate on various projects and activities at Director’s Boardroom, IIT Guwahati. Shri Jogen Mohan, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management graced this occasion for signing of the MoU followed by the launching of the website (www.iitg.ac.in/cdmr) of Center for Disaster Management and Research (CDMR), IITG. The MoU envisages fulfilling of some objectives for both the parties in capacity building for mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), case studies, evaluation studies, undertaking research projects/innovative activities, publication of articles & awareness materials, taking up pilot projects in DRR area, conducting & supporting consultation, knowledge and experience sharing etc. Further, the CDMR at IIT Guwahati will act as the nodal centre for research collaborations, training programs and projects in this domain. Prof T.G. Sitharam, Director IIT Guwahati and Shri GD Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO). ASDMA, signed the MoU in presence of formal witnesses of Prof. Sudip Mitra, Head of CDMR, IIT Guwahati and Alakananda Medhi, ACS, State Project Coordinator, ASDMA & other faculty members of IITG and officers of ASDMA. Hon’ble Minister, Shri Mohan highlighted the various aspects of this MOU and said that this collaboration between IITG and ASDMA will lead towards strengthening Disaster Management strategy for Assam. He said that he believes IITG and specifically, Center for Disaster Management and Research (CDMR) would strengthen the State Disaster Management policies with its innovative and action oriented research and technical expertise. He also assured his full support towards strengthening CDMR’s institutional capacity. Prof. Sitharam in his welcome address mentioned about the importance of this MoU and how IITG and ASDMA can work towards developing a resilient society. He also requested Hon’ble Minister to support CDMR to become a Centre of Excellence not only in Assam or in this region but also come up as an International Hub for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management related innovation, research, capacity building and advocacy. Shri Tripathi emphasized on the primary aspects of this collaboration like training and education on disasters, imparting awareness and innovation and research. He further added, this MoU will enhance the opportunities of the professionals of ASDMA for better training and also potential academic pursuits. Prof. Sudip Mitra, apprised Hon’ble Minister about the initiative that CDMR is pursuing for the capacity development of all the SDMAS of North Eastern regions by seeking Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) technical support for capacity building & infrastructure development. Finally, Hon’ble Minister along with CEO, ASDMA and other officials visited the CDMR office at the Technology Complex at IITG and interacted with the Masters and PhD students of the Centre. Later, he visited the structural engineering lab of IITG and interacted with the Professors and students and discussed about various technologies used to prepare safe buildings and other structures.
