HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, June 19: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kokrajhar, organised a one-day training programme on Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) on Friday, bringing together officials and stakeholders to strengthen community-based disaster preparedness initiatives.
The programme was inaugurated by Kokrajhar District Commissioner and Chairman of DDMA, Pankaj Chakravarty, in the presence of officials and participants from different sectors.
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Addressing the inaugural session, Chakravarty highlighted the importance of Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) in enhancing disaster risk reduction efforts and building resilient communities.
He urged participants to actively engage in the training and effectively utilise the knowledge and skills shared during the programme to improve preparedness and response mechanisms at the grassroots level.
The technical session was led by Rajib Dutta Choudhury, District Project Officer (DPO), DDMA Kamrup, who spoke on the role of Social and Behavioural Change Communication in disaster management.
He emphasised the importance of community engagement, interpersonal communication and effective community meetings in promoting risk-informed behaviour and strengthening disaster resilience.
A key feature of the programme was a series of interactive group exercises during which participants worked collaboratively to prepare Revenue Circle-level SBC Action Plans tailored to the specific needs and challenges of Kokrajhar district.
The exercise aimed to translate theoretical understanding into practical strategies for improving community awareness, preparedness and disaster response at the local level.
Speaking at the concluding session, Kamal Kishor Hazarika, District Project Officer, DDMA Kokrajhar, appreciated the active participation of the delegates and commended the efforts made in preparing detailed action plans for each Revenue Circle of the district.
Officials said the programme was part of DDMA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness through awareness, behavioural change and community participation, thereby enhancing the district’s overall resilience to natural and man-made hazards.
