Around 80 Janpad CEOs and Panchayati Raj Department (PRD) officials from various districts were engaged in a workshop on disaster risk reduction.
This was organised by the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development and UNICEF.
Speaking at the meet Amarpal Singh, Director PRD spoke on the importance of disaster preparedness and role of gram panchayat. He said that it is important that we learn more about it for us to be better prepared and respond better.
Saurabh Singh, Deputy Director State Disaster Management Authority shared the State efforts in disaster preparedness, advisories issued by the State on heat wave, lightning. He spoke on the efforts of SDMA and various disasters being faced by the State with particular focus on lightning. He called on all to use the Damini app for being aware on lightning.
Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist UNICEF spoke on the bringing in focus on children, various phases of disaster and importance of risk reduction planning and preparedness. Pushpa Awasthy, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF spoke on the need to focus on child nutrition during disaster and things which can be done as part of preparedness. Pooja Singh Social Policy Specialist UNICEF spoke on child friendly panchayats. Participants shared the work being done at gram panchayat level and their queries, and shared the challenges they face at ground.
Participants worked in groups and worked out things they will be doing as part of planning, preparedness, during and post disaster at gram panchayat particularly keeping women and children in context. Nawal Meena, Deputy Director PRD were also present at the meet.
Participants included districts of Dhar, Barwani, Guna, Khandwa, Raisen, Morena, Agar Malwa, Narmadapuram, Khargone, Alirapur, Betul, Chinndwara, Jhabua, and Dewas.