Shillong/BAGHMARA: The closing function of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Day organized by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) was held on Saturday at Yojana Bhavan, Main Secretariat, Shillong where Megha-laya Deputy chief minister, in-charge Revenue and Disaster Management, R. C. Laloo attended the programme as the chief guest.
The programme was also attended by P.W. Ingty, Additional Chief Secretary, in charge Revenue and Disaster Management department, R.Awasthi, Director General, Civil Defence and Home Guard, P.S.Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, DDMA, East Khasi Hills, I.Mawlong, Jt. Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management and Executive Officer, SDMA, government officials, students and teachers from various schools and colleges in Shillong.
Speaking on the occasion, Laloo said that the various activities conducted across the State by the disaster management authorities will help educate the students in particular and also create public awareness of disaster risk reduction and increasing their preparedness for such situations.
He also urged the students to lead and encourage fellow students to promote risk awareness and natural disaster reduction and to take part in building more disaster resilient communities.
As part of the observation of National Disaster Risk Reduction Day, various events were conducted across the State by the Districts and State Disaster Management Authorities for schools and colleges students such as logo competition for State Disaster Management Authority, rally, mock drills, drawing, painting, quiz, extempore speech, placard and banner competitions.
Later, the chief guest and others dignitaries distri-buted prizes to the winners of various competitions.
Meanwhile in South Garo Hills, an awareness programme was held for all government employees, self help groups and NGOs of Baghmara district. Debate, extempore speech and logo competitions were also organised for the students of Class IX to XII on October 29 at SHG Training Centre, DRDA, Baghmara.
While speaking in the occasion, S. N. Marak, Deputy Commissioner, South Garo Hills, Baghmara, who attended the programme as the chief guest, narrated the importance of safety at school and at home. She also outlined the importance of first aid and urged all the participants to attend the upcoming training programme.
Pronit Kumar Hajong of JNV School, Baghmara secured the first prize for both the debate and extempore competition.
