Nagaland charts path to disaster resilience with new roadmap

KOHIMA — In an attempt to equip stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to build a disaster-resilient state, a two-day workshop on the Nagaland Disaster Risk Reduction Roadmap commenced on Thursday at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima.

The workshop, organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) in collaboration with the UNICEF, focused on translating the roadmap document into actionable strategies.

On the occasion, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, advisor for New and Renewable Energy and the NSDMA, underscored the urgent need to tackle the state’s vulnerability to various natural disasters, including landslides, earthquakes and forest fires.

Stating that Nagaland is situated in one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the country, he stressed the need for a proactive approach towards disaster risk reduction.

The advisor said that the policy document, developed with technical support from the UNICEF, is designed to secure a resilient future for the state by addressing both climate and disaster risks in alignment with various national and international frameworks.

He expressed confidence that the workshop, with the guidance of experts from the NSDMA and the UNICEF, would empower participants to develop and implement disaster risk reduction proposals tailored to Nagaland’s unique context.

The goal, he said, is to secure sustained commitment and financial resources to minimise the impact of disasters and enhance the state’s ability to recover swiftly.

Furthermore, the advisor also addressed a concerning societal trend- an increasing reliance on external assistance for even minor issues, such as clearing blockages near homes. He urged a shift towards self-reliance and proactive community engagement in disaster preparedness and management.

Johnny Ruangmei, joint chief executive officer of NSDMA, underscored the critical need for effective disaster risk reduction strategies, particularly in the context of Nagaland’s unique geographical and climatic challenges.

Acknowledging the UNICEF for its ongoing support in developing the roadmap, he said that disaster risk reduction is central to any nation’s development and economic stability.

Emphasising the collaborative nature of the workshop, Ruangmei said that the active participation of officers from various departments was crucial for successfully implementing the strategies outlined in the roadmap.

He said that while creating a comprehensive plan was important, the true test lies in its implementation. Without translating the roadmap into actionable steps, the invested effort and resources would not benefit the society, he added.

He highlighted the increasing challenges posed by climate change and its impact on infrastructure in the state, citing examples of Japan and the United States where robust disaster risk reduction measures have proven effective. He urged the departments to adopt similar proactive approaches, integrating sustainable practices and prioritising disaster risk reduction in their work.

To secure necessary funding, he urged departments to integrate disaster risk reduction activities in their proposals for the 16th Finance Commission, emphasising this as a vital step in supporting the roadmap’s implementation.

He reassured the participants that the departments already have the necessary resources for these initiatives, and the key is in effectively identifying and utilising them.