Disaster risk reduction day celebrated in Guwahati
A number of programmes and events were organised in connection of the occasion. The celebration started with a walkathon from DC office compound of Kamrup Metro district and ended at circuit house via Meghdoot Bhawan, Cotton College, Dighali Pukhuri and Gauhati High Court. The “Walkathon” was flagged off by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, (Disaster Management) CEO, DDMA, Kamrup Metro, in the presence of Mr. Kaustav Talukdar, District Project Officer, DDMA, Kamrup (Metro). Nearly four hundred participants from various organisations, government offices, universities, colleges and differently able students from different institutions also participated in the walkathon. The participants displayed various banners and play cards to send a message to society to treat the disabled during disaster sensitively. Some of the play cards read to respect the dignity and wishes of the persons with disability and also appeal to render post disaster emergency services to the persons with disability without any discrimination.
Participating in the walkathon Mr. Puberun Deka Phukan, Programme Officer, Aide et Action International says “We hope that this programme will help to sensitise the people to reduce the risks of disaster and especially to ensure the inclusion of persons with disability in the whole process of disaster risk reduction” Mr. Phukan’s organisation Aide et Action International holds the responsible portfolio of treasurer at Inter Agency Group, Assam.
Central venue of the celebration was at Shishu Sarothi, Guwahati, a premier organisation working on disability and advocacy in north east India. The events at Shishu Sarothi started with music, drama and arts performed by differently able persons. National Disaster Response Team from Indian Red Cross Society performed a mock drill on post disaster response and management. Street plays were also organised in various places of the city by the students of Assam Don Bosco University and members of Grammya Vikas Mancha (GVM), Nalbari to sensitise the people about the plight of the disabled persons and their vulnerability during disaster.
Disaster risk reduction day celebrated in Guwahati