ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response capabilities at the community level, the Department of Disaster Management, GoAP successfully concluded a three-day training programme on the Preparation of Village Disaster Management Plan (VDMP) today.

The programme, comprising two days of classroom sessions in SIRD, Itanagar followed by a day of field-based practical exercises in Laptap and Pech villages under Papum Pare district, was organised for District Disaster Management Officers (DDMOs), community volunteers and Aapda Mitras to equip them with the necessary knowledge and practical skills for preparing comprehensive, community-driven Village Disaster Management Plans.

During the field exercises, participants interacted with local stakeholders, including the ZPM, GPC, Gaon Burah, teachers, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers and other community members. The teams undertook practical exercises to identify local hazards and vulnerabilities, map vulnerable persons and locations, identify safe evacuation routes and shelter locations, assess available resources, and document the disaster history of the villages. The exercises highlighted the importance of community participation in identifying local risks and developing practical solutions tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each village.

The Dept of Disaster Management plans to facilitate the preparation of Village Disaster Management Plans for villages across the State in a phased manner, with the active involvement of community volunteers, Aapda Mitras, local representatives and villagers. The initiative aims to ensure that each village has a locally relevant plan to guide disaster prevention, preparedness and response.

Following the preparation of the plans, Village Disaster Management Teams (VDMTs) will receive further training in essential emergency response skills, including search and rescue, first aid and other disaster safety measures. Mock exercises based on the most common hazards identified in each village will also be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the plans, familiarise villagers with their assigned roles and responsibilities, test evacuation arrangements, and identify gaps requiring further improvement.

The initiative underscores the importance of community participation in disaster management, as local residents are often the first to respond when a disaster strikes. Through the preparation of Village Disaster Management Plans and the capacity-building of local volunteers, the Department seeks to strengthen community resilience, minimise loss of life and property, and ensure that villages across Arunachal Pradesh are better prepared to respond effectively to disasters. (Source: EoA)