To improve preparation and response for disaster in Assam, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and CivicDataLab (CDL) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

The event which took place in the conference room of the Chief Secretary at Janata Bhawan, Dispur, symbolizes a cooperative effort to rely on data-driven information towards response for the state's frequently recurring catastrophic weather disasters like floods.

During the signing of the MoU, Assam's Chief Secretary, Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS highlighted how Assam could also be an example for other states by implementing such creative innovative.

The state is also taking care of its governance with Dr. Kota emphasized on the significance of data-driven decision-making, especially in amplifying resilience against natural disasters.

To bolster comprehensive and successful catastrophe mitigation plans, he urged for increased cooperation among government bodies.

Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, IAS, Principal Secretary and CEO of ASDMA listed certain objectives under this collaboration. He said that this cooperation is a major step in integrating cutting-edge data technology for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the state.

Participating virtually, Shri Dunichand Rana, IAS, Special Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh talked on Himachal Pradesh's vulnerabilities and applauded CDL's initiative. During the next 18 months, he also revealed intentions to implement comparable data-driven solutions in Himachal Pradesh.

Co-founder and Executive Director of CDL Gaurav Godhwani praised the Assam government for helping to develop data-driven policy reform solutions. He described the organization's current efforts in Assam and throughout India and highlighted the special features of the Intelligent Data Solution for Disaster Risk Reduction created by CDL.

In the presence of senior representatives from both ASDMA and CDL, including Shri Shyamal Kshetra Gogoi, Joint Secretary of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department, and Shri Alakananda Medhi, State Project Coordinator, ASDMA, the Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed by Gyanendra Dev Tripathi on behalf of ASDMA and Gaurav Godhwani on behalf of CDL.

Assam's ability to respond to natural disasters is anticipated to be greatly improved by this alliance, which would also improve government resource allocation for disaster risk reduction and establish a model for other states to follow.