Disaster risk reduction takes centre stage in Mandi – Tribune India

Report on Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives in Mandi District Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: The Samarth-2025 Campaign

A series of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) awareness programmes were executed in Mandi district as part of the Samarth-2025 Campaign. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mandi, and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), directly supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2.0 Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The campaign’s core objectives are intrinsically linked to global sustainability targets:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By educating the public on safe construction practices and disaster response, the initiative aims to significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters (Target 11.5) and enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The programmes strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters (Target 13.1) by fostering a culture of preparedness.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between the DDMA and DIPR exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnerships essential for achieving the SDGs (Target 17.17).

3.0 Programme Implementation and Outreach

Awareness activities were conducted across multiple locations, employing community-centric methods to maximize impact.

3.1 Activities in Sundernagar and Dhanotu

In Sundernagar, programmes were held at Jawahar Park and Dhanotu. The outreach strategy included:

1. Creative Communication: Artistes from Jalpa Kala Manch utilized street plays and musical performances to convey critical safety information.
2. Key Educational Themes: The performances focused on building community resilience by highlighting:
   • Safe and sustainable construction practices.
   • Fire safety protocols.
   • Earthquake response techniques.
   • Strategies to minimize damage during natural calamities.
   • The importance of avoiding construction in high-risk zones, such as near rivers and streams, to protect both lives and ecosystems.
3. Community Engagement: The events saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, indicating successful knowledge dissemination.

3.2 Activities in Thunag and Chachyot

The campaign extended its reach to the Thunag subdivision and Chachyot tehsil, with activities at Gram Panchayats Saroa and Dhishti, ITI-Bagsyad, and the Thunag market area.

1. Localised Outreach: Performances by Hari Om Kala Manch and Amar Yuvak Mandal used folk songs and street plays to communicate DRR messages.
2. Reinforcing SDG 11 Targets: The core messages directly addressed the goals of building resilient infrastructure and sustainable settlements:
   • Construction of earthquake-resistant buildings.
   • Vigilance and preparedness for fire incidents.
   • Adherence to administrative directives during emergencies.
   • A strong emphasis on avoiding construction on vulnerable riverbanks.
3. Stakeholder Participation: The presence of institutional leaders, such as ITI Principal NN Rao, and local government representatives, like up-pradhan Khem Singh, underscored the collaborative approach to building community resilience.

4.0 Conclusion: Fostering a Culture of Resilience for Sustainable Development

The Samarth-2025 Campaign in Mandi district serves as a model for integrating Disaster Risk Reduction with the Sustainable Development Goals. By using culturally relevant communication methods and fostering active community participation, the initiative effectively contributes to building safer, more resilient, and sustainable communities as envisioned in SDG 11 and SDG 13.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  
  The article’s core focus is on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) within communities in the Mandi district. It discusses making human settlements safer and more resilient by educating the public on safe construction practices, fire safety, and earthquake response, which directly aligns with the goal of creating sustainable and resilient communities.
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  
  The awareness programs aim to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to natural disasters. Since climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of such events, building community preparedness is a crucial aspect of climate action and adaptation, as outlined in this goal.
• SDG 4: Quality Education
  
  The “Samarth-2025 Campaign” uses street plays, musical performances, and folk songs as educational tools to disseminate knowledge about disaster preparedness. This method of public education and awareness-raising contributes to ensuring that citizens acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote safety and sustainable development.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
  
  The article explicitly mentions that the awareness programs are a collaborative effort. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) are working together with civil society organizations like Jalpa Kala Manch, Hari Om Kala Manch, and Amar Yuvak Mandal. This multi-stakeholder partnership is essential for achieving the goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 11.5: “By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses… caused by disasters…”
  
  The entire campaign is designed to achieve this by teaching people how to “minimise damage during natural calamities” and promoting safety measures, thereby reducing the potential human and economic impact of disasters.
• Target 11.b: “…implement… holistic disaster risk management at all levels.”
  
  The “Samarth-2025 Campaign” organised by the DDMA is a clear example of a local-level, holistic disaster risk management plan being implemented. It involves awareness, education, and community engagement.
• Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.”
  
  The programs directly address this target by equipping residents with knowledge on “earthquake response techniques,” “fire safety,” and how to mitigate risks from various natural disasters, thus strengthening their resilience.
• Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development…”
  
  The use of street plays and folk songs to educate the public on disaster preparedness is a form of non-formal education aimed at providing citizens with the practical knowledge and skills needed for community safety and resilience.
• Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…”
  
  The article highlights a partnership between government bodies (DDMA, DIPR) and civil society groups (various Kala Manchs and Yuvak Mandal), demonstrating the implementation of this target at the local level.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 11.b: “Number of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies.”
  
  The article itself is evidence of this indicator. The “Samarth-2025 Campaign” organised by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mandi, is a documented local DRR strategy in action.
• Implied Indicator for Target 13.1 & 4.7: “Number of awareness programs conducted and number of people reached.”
  
  The article mentions that “a series of… programmes were organised across various locations” (Sundernagar, Dhanotu, Thunag, Gohar, etc.) and notes the “enthusiastic participation from local residents.” While not providing exact numbers, these phrases imply that the number of events held and the level of community participation are key metrics for measuring the campaign’s reach and success.
• Implied Indicator for Target 17.17: “Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships.”
  
  The article explicitly names the partners involved: the DDMA, the DIPR, Jalpa Kala Manch, Hari Om Kala Manch, and Amar Yuvak Mandal. The existence and collaboration of these entities serve as a direct indicator of a functioning public-civil society partnership.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: tribuneindia.com