IMPHAL, October 10: The Department of Relief & Disaster Management, Govt of Manipur today observed the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction at Banquet Hall, 1st Manipur Rifles Bn, Imphal.
The day is observed on 2nd Wednesday of every October.
The observation was held under the theme “Women and Girls: The Invisible Force for Resilience.
Addl Director General of Police LM Khoute IPS, Principal Secretary, Relief & Disaster Management Dr Suhel Akhtar IAS, Faculty member DMI Ch Rajendro Singh, Retd. Addl SP Manipur Police Jerma Singh and President Royal Riders RK Tombisana attended the observation as chief guest, president and guests of honour.
Addl DGP LM Khoute expressed his concern during the observation that the occurrence of Natural natural calamities have increased in recent years throughout the world, however in Manipur one gets to witnessed not just natural calamities but also man-made disasters.
Elaborating on the importance of the day, he said that the observation aims to give awareness to the general masses about the several risks factors during such calamities.
He continued that education plays an important role in spreading awareness on natural disaster management.
LM Khoute said that women and girls should not be treated as poor victim but as active victim. He further commented that women are powerful agents of change and they contribute a lot during natural calamities.
President of the function Dr Suhel Akhtar said that in the eastern culture mother is at the center and added that if we nurture the abilities of women then it will contribute to the society in much more constructive way.
Royal Riders president RK Tombisana said that the riders are inclusive of members from different wake of life. He further stated that providing awareness about the disaster management to the public is also a part of their agenda.
The president however asked the department to fix a date for the observance as it is sometimes observed on 10th Oct, 13th Oct and sometime on 2nd Wednesday of October.
In between the program the chief guest and president distributed awards and certificates to the winners of the spot painting competition.