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Jorhat Hosts Key Meet on Flood Preparedness, Community Feedback Systems

By AT News |

A district-level convening of humanitarian organisations and civil society groups was held in Jorhat at the premises of the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS), Dhekiakhowa, focusing on Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) and flood preparedness.

Organised by NEADS in collaboration with the State Inter Agency Group and Roots to Branches Foundation, with support from UNICEF Assam, the meeting brought together civil society representatives, district authorities, and local humanitarian actors to strengthen coordination ahead of the flood season.

The session opened with a welcome address by Tirtha Prasad Saikia, who underscored the importance of community-centred approaches in disaster preparedness, especially in flood-prone regions like Jorhat.

Ronney Rajkumar, District Project Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority, presented a detailed review of past flood responses, monsoon trends, and preparedness planning. He stressed the need for improved coordination and timely action among stakeholders.

Field-level insights on pre-flood, during-flood, and post-flood preparedness were shared by Jaganath Agni Borah (SHEWA) and Partha Sarathi Hazarika (Rudrakshi), highlighting practical challenges and responses from the ground.

An orientation session on strengthening Community Feedback Mechanisms for IAG Assam was also conducted by Saikia, focusing on improving transparency, accountability, and community engagement in humanitarian efforts.

Participants engaged in a group exercise mapping organisation-wise CFM systems, identifying key gaps, challenges, and best practices from their respective interventions.

The meeting concluded with an open discussion outlining the way forward, with emphasis on strengthening district-level CFM systems, improving documentation, and enhancing coordination ahead of the flood season.

Representatives from several organisations—including SHEWA, Rudrakshi, Balipara Foundation, Aaranyak, Jhanjimukh Janajagoron Manch, Village Disaster Response Force, and affected community members—took part in the convening.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks, reaffirming a shared commitment among stakeholders to ensure effective flood preparedness and community-centred response in Jorhat district.

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