Reducing disaster risk in coastal areas
Merely relief and rehabilitation activities were conducted previously in the country at government and non-government initiatives during disaster and post disaster periods. But the issue of raising awareness on disaster, preparedness, mitigational activities almost always remained neglected.
In reality, disaster issues were seldom included in any development programme.
In such a backdrop, Dhaka Ahsania Mission's Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Project Coordinator Jahangir Alam disclosed that Concern Universal and Dhaka Ahsania Mission had jointly undertaken a the project with a view to permanently reducing the risk of disaster to about 1,98,800 vulnerable people of the disaster prone districts of Bangladesh. Launched on 16 June, 2009, the project has concluded on 15 September, 2010. European Union and CordAid have funded the project. He was addressing to a group of journalists at Kathaltoli village under Patharghata upazila in Barguna district recently,
Entire vulnerable population of 14 unions of Mirzaganj and Patharghata upazilas in coastal Patuakhali and Barguna districts have been brought under the project.
Besides, 1576 community learning centres of UNIQUE Project, one of the largest education projects, being implemented by Dhaka Ahsania Mission in disaster-prone areas of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barisal, Noakhali, Chittagong and Rangamati regions have been included under the project.
Special feature of the project is to create a permanent and effective disaster sustainable community through interdepartmental communication and coordination through Union Parishad, Learning Centre, Secondary School and Ganokendro. Priority has been given on subjects like enhancement of skills of local organisations and raising capacity by lessening sufferings of vulnerable population by creating awareness and taking preventive measures. It is most effective to share attained experience of the project and good practices among the stakeholders at various levels. In the process, it plays an active role in creating community partnership. Community based disaster risk reduction activities, usage of various implements, coordination among government and non-governmental organisations and issue wise advocacy programmes have given multiply dimension to the project.
Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Project is a multidimensional model for reducing the risk of natural disasters. Ultimately, it will take an institutional shape in disaster-prone areas through practice and exercise by vulnerable people them selves besides Ganokendro, school, Union Parishad and concerned government and non-governmental organisations.
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