Need for standardized and effective disaster response mechanisms highlighted at training session

Senior Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: A three-days training on "Minimum Standards in Disaster Response" was conducted at the Disaster Management Institute (DMI), Bhopal, from July 1 to July 3. This pivotal training aimed at enhancing the collective capacity to respond effectively to disasters within Madhya Pradesh.

The training was organised by the DMI in collaboration with Sphere (Geneva), UNICEF, Home Guards and State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), Inter-Agency Group MP, and Jan Abhiyan Parishad.

The training was inaugurated by George V. Joseph, joint director, DMI, Anil Gulati, communication specialist UNICEF Bhopal, and Subhashis Roy, Sphere Trainer and Global Program Manager of Lutheran Disaster Response International (ELCA).

The opening addresses of the dignitaries highlighted the critical need for standardized and effective disaster response mechanisms, particularly in regions vulnerable to natural and human-made disasters in Madhya Pradesh.

Technical session on Nutrition was conducted by Pushpa Awasthy, nutrition specialist, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, underlining the need of focus on nutrition especially during disaster response.

The comprehensive training program covered a range of essential topics, including: introduction to sphere standards in humanitarian response,

Disaster Management Act on minimum standards in India, core humanitarian standards, sphere technical chapters including WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), health, protection, food security and nutrition, shelter and non-food items and child protection and child nutrition promotion.

Participants received both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on training focused on the application of these standards within the Indian context, with a special emphasis on Madhya Pradesh.

A key outcome of this training will be the development of a ‘State Minimum Standards of Relief document’ for Madhya Pradesh, which will serve as a guiding framework for disaster response efforts across the state.

The training saw participation from a diverse group of stakeholders across Madhya Pradesh, including members from Home guards & SDERF, Jan Abhiyan Parishad, and various NGOs and CSOs such as OASIS, VSS Vikaas Samvad, Sahyog Welfare, Shri Sanskriti, Luwana Education & Welfare Society, Radhe Radhe Welfare Society, Mamta, Uday, Aarambh, Muskaan, Bachpan, Synergy Sansthan, Narmada Samagra, NCCH, Aawaj, Samarthan, SetuThe Bridge, Trimurti, Sahara Saksharta, and Maanviya Seva Samiti.

Executive Director of DMI, O P Shrivastava, joint directors Sudheer Dwivedi, George V. Joseph and deputy director were present at the valedictory session.

This session provided a platform for participants to share their insights and reflections on the training. The Executive Director commended the participants for their dedication and presented certificates to acknowledge their successful completion of the program.