Thirteen delegates from India’s North Eastern Region, including officials from State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and IIT Guwahati, participated in the second technical training under Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) project on disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Japan from May 12–23. The initiative is part of a three-year program (2024–2026) aimed at enhancing DRR and resilience capacities across the Northeast.
The training, titled “Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Building Capacities of North Eastern States of India,” focused on flood and landslide management. Participants visited key DRR infrastructure sites in Nagano, Kanagawa, Gunma, and Tochigi Prefectures, and learned about Japanese technologies including hazard mapping and early warning systems.
At the heart of this initiative is the Centre for Disaster Management and Research (CDMR) at IIT Guwahati, which is being developed into a regional hub for disaster training and knowledge dissemination. A demonstration lecture by CDMR for NE SDMA officials is scheduled for December 2025.
In Guwahati, the collaboration is seen as vital. With frequent urban floods and seismic activity, stakeholders in Guwahati’s infrastructure and urban planning sectors expect the CDMR-led training modules to significantly boost preparedness and reduce economic disruption.
JICA India’s Chief Representative Mr. Takeuchi Takuro emphasized the project’s role in bolstering Indo-Japan ties and regional resilience.