'Proper information management key to mitigate COVID risk in NE'

GUWAHATI: Timely information management is at the core of awareness initiatives and to mitigate COVID risk in North East, opined experts in the webinar 'COVID Information Management and Public Awareness' organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati here on Wednesday. Experts from media fraternity, government sector along with academicians deliberated on the ways to tackle the COVID situation — from both behavioural and policy perspectives.

Dr Leena Borah from Cotton University, Guwahati, said that 'Information Management' is at core of awareness about COVID. She further said that creativity in awareness is the essence of Information Management at this critical juncture of COVID management and its risk mitigation. Dr Borah urged the student community to act as ambassadors of change and be the catalyst of information dissemination for bringing awareness about the precautions to address the COVID and related issues. She emphasised the importance of Yoga and breathing exercises to mitigate the COVID risk. Dr Borah pointed out that leading a disciplined life is the best way to address the issues.

Dr Lopamudra Datta, Principal, Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Kolkata said that health, hygiene and 'Swachhta' are the tools to address the COVID-19 issues. She also said that in present pandemic scenario, social distancing is a quintessential aspect and must become a habit for all. She also said that the elderly persons — particularly the senior citizens – will have to be extra cautious and should have a healthy balanced diet. She added that each individual has to develop a healthy daily routine to avoid any health issues which could aggravate if anyone gets affected with COVID-19.

Referring to the initiatives undertaken by the Central and also the State governments on information awareness, Dr. Irene Lalruatkimi from the Department of Mass Communication, Mizoram University, Aizawl said that information communication has to be dovetailed with the local environment. She said that awareness via posters and public displays at strategic places such as railway stations, market hubs, eateries, shops and retail markets, and bus stops could help in generating awareness and to mitigate the COVID risk. Dr Lalruatkimi also said that attitudinal changes and having a positive mentality can help an individual address the stress and psychological issues in this scenario.

Sanyuk Banerjee, Advocate, Purba Bardhamaan, said that the emerging issue of fake news has to be tackled proactively so that the citizens get the correct information. He further said that gaps in information and communication as well as lack of awareness on COVID are vital issues. He further said that the need of the hour is to emphasise on behavioural changes along with precautions such as proper utilisation of masks, social distancing and regular hand washing.

LR Sailo, Regional Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl said that Mizoram till date does not have any fatality due to COVID. Sailo further said that the role of social media among the young populace of the region can be tapped to spread awareness on COVID. Informing about the success stories on how Mizoram has successfully mitigated the COVID risk, Sailo said that North East has huge potential for tourism development in days to come. He stressed that the media must focus on the success stories of the North East region.

Senior officers of PIB from North East Zone were present in the webinar. Pallav Chakravorty, Deputy Director, PIB welcomed the experts with the webinar being summarised by Sucharita Sahoo, FPO as the webinar delved into details on the various aspects of the topic such as information management, effective information dissemination and data analysis on COVID.

The webinar was planned and coordinated by Samrat Bandyopadhyay, Joint Director (M& C), PIB, Guwahati. Along with students, eminent journalists and officials from Doordarshan Guwahati; the Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati; and the All India Radio Guwahati were also present on the occasion, stated a release.

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