September 12, Thursday: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has announced the formation of task forces at the ward level to assist rescue teams during natural disasters and emergencies. This initiative aims to strengthen local preparedness and improve response times across the city in the face of calamities such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides.
Under this new plan, each ward in Guwahati will have a dedicated task force comprising local volunteers, community leaders, and municipal staff. These task forces will work closely with district disaster management authorities and rescue teams to ensure a coordinated response to any emergency. The primary responsibilities of these groups will include early warning dissemination, assisting with evacuations, providing first aid, and helping to maintain communication between affected communities and rescue operations.
The decision to establish these task forces comes in response to the city’s growing vulnerability to disasters, particularly flooding during the monsoon season. With Guwahati experiencing severe floods and landslides in recent years, the need for a more localized disaster management strategy has become evident. The ward-level task forces are expected to play a vital role in bridging the gap between affected citizens and professional rescue services, thereby minimizing loss of life and property during disasters.
GMC Commissioner, Devashish Sharma, stated that the task forces would undergo regular training sessions to equip them with the necessary skills to manage emergency situations effectively. “These local teams will act as first responders and will be pivotal in our efforts to create a resilient community that can face disasters with preparedness and unity,” Sharma added.
This initiative is seen as a proactive measure to empower communities, enhance disaster management capabilities, and ensure a swift response to emergencies. It reflects a broader commitment by the city authorities to prioritize safety and resilience in the face of escalating environmental challenges.
