As the disasters occur unnoticed, spreading awareness among vulnerable communities assumes significance in mitigating the greater damage caused by them. Patna-based Yuganter took out an awareness campaign chariot to aware them of disaster and other measures of Disaster Risk Reduction in the 10 intervention panchayats of Patna District as part of BMZ Global Program which seeks to eradicate poverty, ensure food security, promote social inclusion of particularly marginalized groups and build resilience to multi-disasters in the high-risk zones.
Posters depicting how to overcome multi-disasters like earthquakes, lightning, cold wave, fire, road accidents, heatwave, coronavirus, etc and messages entreating people on what to do or not to do during these hazards were displayed on the chariot. The awareness campaign chariot travelled through 10 panchayats with a proper sound system for creating awareness among the people about the importance of DRR. Also, Yuganter distributed over 5000 pamphlets, leaflets, stationery items, etc, provided by the BSDMA for building resilience among the communities.
The awareness campaign chariot was flagged off jointly by Patna Municipal Corporation Councillor Smt Mala Sinha, BSDMA Senior Editor Mr Kulbhushan Gopal, Aga Khan Foundation State Manager Mr Saurabh Rai and Yuganter Executive Director Mr Sanjay Pandey among other distinguished personalities. Before the flagging off ceremony, Chief Guest Smt Mala Sinha addressed the audience and made them aware of how to cook safely in their kitchens and douse the fire in case of any mishappening. On the occasion, Saurabh Rai threw light on what to do or not to do to reduce the severity of hazards. Meanwhile, Kulbhushan Gopal made them aware of various dimensions of disasters and government preparedness in this regard.
Yuganter in collaboration with CARITAS Germany is making an all-out effort to build them resilient through multiple disasters and DRR measures. In his concluding remarks, Mr Sanjay Pandey laid stress on the importance of the awareness campaign chariot, citing the lone example of a community flood early warning system installed in the middle of Ratu River at Bhittamore Village of Sursand Block in Sitamarhi (Indo-Nepal border). The early warning system keeps spreading the magnitude of the nightmare of floods to the people residing along the river. Consequently, it helps them relocate timely to safer places.
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