SHILLONG, March 2: In order to spread awareness on Meghalaya’s seismic situation and the necessary retrofitting of existing structures to deal with earthquakes, the State Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Ministry of Home Affairs is organising a three-day seminar in Shillong Club, Shillong.
The seminar on approach to Retrofitting Existing Dwelling and Safe Construction was inaugurated on Wednesday by Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, R Lyngdoh.
While addressing the attendees, chief guest Lyngdoh discussed the risks Meghalaya runs as a result of falling in Zone 5 of the seismic zone as well as the unplanned growth of high-rise buildings all across the state.
She also mentioned that the five states of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, West and East Garo Hills will be soon covered under the 2nd phase of the Aapda Mitra Scheme, whereby potential individuals will be trained to act as first responders during disasters in disaster-prone regions.
Lyngdoh further went on to inform that various initiatives are taken by the authorities to create awareness and engage stakeholders, communities and volunteers in disaster risk mitigation.
Others who spoke on the first day of the seminar were Prof Chandan Ghosh of NIDM and Prof Devesh Walia of NEHU.
