Guwahati, May 26: In a significant stride towards bolstering disaster resilience, thirteen disaster management professionals from India’s northeastern states have completed a specialised training program in Japan. This initiative, titled “Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Building Capacities of North Eastern States of India,” is a collaborative effort between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Centre for Disaster Management and Research (CDMR) at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG).
Conducted from May 12 to 23, 2025, this second phase of the three-year project focused on equipping officials from State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) across the Northeast with advanced knowledge and skills in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Given the region’s susceptibility to floods, landslides, and earthquakes, the training emphasised practical solutions and technologies to mitigate such risks.
Participants engaged in comprehensive sessions, including visits to flood prevention and embankment projects along Japan’s Chikuma and Tsurumi Rivers, as well as landslide countermeasure sites in Gunma and Tochigi Prefectures. These experiences provided insights into Japan’s hazard mapping, reinforced infrastructure, and early warning systems.
Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, highlighted the program’s significance: “The training program reflects the strong partnership between Japan and India, and our shared commitment to building resilient communities in the North Eastern Region. We hope the knowledge gained in Japan will not only strengthen disaster risk management at the state level but also empower CDMR-IITG to serve as a hub for capacity development and regional collaboration.”
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2020 vision for a dedicated disaster risk reduction centre in the Northeast. Established in response, CDMR at IITG is poised to become a regional hub for training and knowledge dissemination. In December 2025, CDMR plans to conduct a demonstration lecture for SDMA officials in the Northeastern Region under JICA’s supervision, tailoring the curriculum to address region-specific challenges.
Complementing these efforts, the Assam government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IITG to offer a two-year online M-Tech program for engineers from the Water Resources Department. This initiative aims to enhance technical expertise in flood control, sediment management, and climate resilience, further strengthening the region’s capacity to manage water-related disasters.
Through these collaborative endeavours, both India and Japan are reinforcing their commitment to fostering regional resilience and sustainable development in the North Eastern Region.
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