OUR Correspondent
Haflong: A workshop titled “Advancing Community Safety: Landslide Risk Awareness and Preparedness” was held at the conference hall of the District Commissioner Office at Haflong. The event, organized by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) Assam in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Dima Hasao, saw enthusiastic participation from various departments.
The GSI team presented the “Landslide Susceptibility Map” for the Haflong area, identifying high-risk zones such as Muolhoi, Khongsai, Fiangpui, Muolpong, Boildura, Topodisa, Longmang, Tularam Raji, Demalik Raji, Mahadev Tilla, and Jatinga. The map emphasized risks posed by factors like non-scientific land management, obstruction of natural drainage pathways, unchecked sewage disposal, and construction along drainage lines.
Dr. Pankaj Jaiswal, Deputy Director General (DDG) and Regional Mission Head (RMH-IV) for the North-East region, delivered a warm welcome address, underscoring the importance of community safety and preparedness in mitigating landslide risks. This sentiment was echoed by Darinia C. War, Director of SU-Assam, who outlined the workshop’s goals and highlighted the necessity of awareness and proactive measures for landslide risk mitigation. She stressed the collaborative effort required to enhance community resilience against natural disasters.
Riki B. Phukan, District Project Officer (DPO) of DDMA, shared insights into the district’s disaster preparedness strategies. Kumtila Lemdur, Senior Geologist at SU-Assam, delivered an impactful presentation on the landslide vulnerability of Haflong town, delving into geological factors influencing such risks.
The event also showcased the “Bhooskhalam Mobile App,” presented by Apenthung Kikon, Senior Geologist at SU-Assam. This innovative app provides real-time information and resources to assist communities in responding effectively to landslide threats.
An engaging interactive session on landslide management and future strategies for Haflong was led by Dr. Jaiswal. Participants shared insights and discussed measures to strengthen preparedness against landslide risks. The workshop proved to be a significant step toward fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, advancing efforts to build a safer, more resilient community.
The workshop was attended by ADC Sangeeta Devi ACS, along with officials from various departments and staff members.
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