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LEH, Apr 6: A sensitisation workshop on Disaster Risk Resilience (DRR) was organised in Leh by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R), UT Ladakh. The workshop was held in the gracious presence of Madhup Vyas, IAS, Executive Director, NIDM.
The workshop aimed to build a foundational understanding of disasters and disaster risk reduction, with special emphasis on preparedness, communication, community participation, and resilience in the high-altitude context of Ladakh. It also highlighted the importance of digital learning tools, social media for timely risk communication, and social behavioural change in strengthening disaster preparedness.
Following the inaugural session, Shekhar Chaturvedi, Assistant Professor, NIDM, delivered a presentation on institutional mechanisms and DRR planning. He spoke on the Disaster Management Act, major hazards of Ladakh, roles and responsibilities of disaster management institutions at various levels, the Incident Response System, disaster funding mechanisms, and planning challenges during emergencies.
The second session was delivered by Nazia Khan, Senior Consultant, Information & Public Relation Officer (IPRO), NIDM, on digital initiatives of NIDM on DRR. She elaborated on NIDM’s e-learning platforms, iGOT portal, online disaster management courses, media communication, and capacity-building initiatives. She also highlighted specialised modules on climate change, community-based disaster management, earthquake risk reduction, gender aspects of recovery, safe cities, and financial strategies for disaster impacts.
An interactive open-house discussion was also held, during which participants from NDRF, CRPF, ITBP, and other departments raised questions related to online courses, disaster preparedness, and Ladakh-specific disaster concerns. The resource persons addressed the queries in detail.
In his concluding remarks, Madhup Vyas stressed the need for effective utilisation of disaster management knowledge and practical preparedness. He also informed participants about an upcoming conference on April 18, where one session will be dedicated to State Disaster Management Authorities, and urged officers to assess present and future human resource needs in disaster management.
He further noted that Leh and Ladakh are increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters and geographical challenges, and emphasised that with rising tourism and development activities, environmental concerns must also be taken into consideration.
The workshop concluded with the valedictory address by the Deputy Commissioner Leh, who appreciated the resource persons for sharing valuable and insightful knowledge.
The workshop was attended by the DC Leh, ADC Leh, senior officers of the UT Administration, LDMA, line departments, district and block-level functionaries, local institutions, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
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