Guwahati, Feb 21: Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell on Monday visited the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) headquarters here with a view to share knowledge on areas concerning international cooperation between the Australian government and government of India, in the context of disaster management and allied sectors.
ASDMA chief executive officer Gyanendra D. Tripathi, while coordinating the meeting with the High Commissioner, presented the landscape of measures adopted by the ASDMA over the years to address the challenges that the state faces owing to the interplay of multiple disasters.
In conversation with the High Commissioner, Tripathi said, “Partnership between Assam government and Australian government holds a lot of potential both strategically as well as economically under the Australia India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
“From the point of view of disaster management in Assam we are now putting more thrust on risk reduction instead of focusing only on response and recovery. Therefore, I strongly feel the need for a disaster risk reduction framework that will help build a resilient Assam. In this context, I seek support from the Commission to help the department develop a robust disaster risk reduction (DRR) plan by providing guidance on better understanding of risk, partnering with those who effect change and supporting capabilities to ensure preparedness,” the ASDMA CEO said.
“I am also keen to take inspiration from the land management system of Australia as the land use management and rapid urbanisation has been a major challenge in Assam,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, O’Farrell thanked ASDMA for the discussion. “It reminded me of the similarities in the disaster management systems between Australia and India including the challenges of climate change. Looking forward to working with you in disaster resilience,” he said.
The High Commissioner was accompanied by Rowan Ainsworth, Consul-General, Australian Consulate-General, Kolkata; Paroksh Prasad, first secretary, Australian High Commission, New Delhi and Angelina Nair, senior research and visits officer, Australian Consulate-General, Kolkata.
ASDMA officials present at the meeting also included Amitabh Rajkhowa, commissioner and secretary, revenue and disaster management department and Bhaskar Pegu, secretary, revenue and disaster management department among other senior officials.