Assam to Convert 30 Schools into Flood Shelters and Build 10 New Ones
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has announced plans to convert 30 schools into flood shelters and build 10 new multipurpose flood shelters in various flood-prone districts. This initiative is part of the Assam Integrated River Basin Management Programme (AIRBMP).
Key Details
ASDMA will retrofit schools in Baksa, Barpeta, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, and Majuli to serve as flood shelters. Additionally, 10 new multipurpose flood shelters will be constructed in these districts. These shelters will provide refuge during floods and be used by communities during non-flood seasons.
Contract Signing
Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, CEO of ASDMA, signed a contract with GKW Consult GmBH and Vision EIS Consulting Pvt Ltd to oversee the retrofitting and construction of these shelters. Tripathi emphasized the need for close monitoring to ensure efficient implementation.
Circle Quick Response Teams (CQRTs)
ASDMA has also established 50 Circle Quick Response Teams (CQRTs) in 50 revenue circles across 18 districts. These teams will be the first responders during disasters or emergencies. A Material Bank will be created to house lifesaving equipment for CQRT members, who will be trained in basic life support and search and rescue techniques.
Program Objectives
The primary goal of AIRBMP is to mitigate climate-related disaster risks and enhance disaster response capabilities. The program will invest $135 million in its first phase, focusing on the Beki and Buridehing river basins to protect approximately 100,000 people. It will also implement advanced flood forecasting techniques and provide secure evacuation and shelter facilities for at least 10,000 people.
Infrastructure Improvements
The program will finance various flood and river erosion control infrastructures, including new and upgraded embankments, drainage canals, flood control gates, and engineered wetlands. These efforts aim to build climate resilience in Assam’s communities.
Doubts Revealed
Assam -: Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, tea gardens, and the Brahmaputra River.
Flood Shelters -: Flood shelters are safe places where people can go to stay safe during floods. They are built to protect people from rising water.
ASDMA -: ASDMA stands for Assam State Disaster Management Authority. It is a government organization that helps manage and respond to disasters like floods in Assam.
Multipurpose -: Multipurpose means something that can be used for many different things. In this case, the shelters can be used during floods and for other community activities when there are no floods.
Flood-prone -: Flood-prone areas are places that often get flooded when it rains a lot or when rivers overflow.
AIRBMP -: AIRBMP stands for Assam Integrated River Basin Management Programme. It is a plan to manage rivers and reduce the impact of floods in Assam.
CQRTs -: CQRTs stands for Circle Quick Response Teams. These are groups of people trained to quickly help during emergencies like floods.
Material banks -: Material banks are places where emergency supplies like food, water, and medical kits are stored. They are used during disasters to help people in need.
Climate resilience -: Climate resilience means being able to handle and recover from extreme weather conditions like floods, storms, and droughts.
