The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in association with North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong organised a three-day training programme on “Resilient Infrastructure for Hilly Regions” from August 22 to 24.
The three-day training programme which concluded yesterday focused on key considerations and strategies required for creating resilient infrastructure in hilly regions. More than 80 delegates participated in the training program from north-eastern states of Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Tripura, and Assam.
The training programme comprised of lectures by the invited guests from NIDM, North Eastern Council, CII, India GBC as well as faculty from the NEHU fraternity and covered the various topics related to resilient infrastructure in hilly regions such as terrain analysis, site selection, adaptive design, stability and safety, erosion control and drainage, roads and transportation, infrastructure resilience, climate resilience, community engagement, green infrastructure, multi-hazard approach and innovative technologies.
The second day of the training programme included a field visit to the Raj Bhavan in Shillong. This hands-on experience provided participants with a practical understanding of the intricacies involved in constructing and maintaining infrastructure within hilly terrains.
The valedictory programme highlighted the significance of enhancing infrastructure resilience to address the challenges posed by hilly terrain and natural hazards. Attendees included distinguished experts, government officials, researchers, and students who collectively underscored the need for sustainable and adaptable infrastructure solutions.
The valedictory programme started with a welcome address by Yogita Garbyal, Young Professional, NIDM, New Delhi followed by a short report on this three-day training programme by Dr. Amir Ali Khan, Associate Professor, NIDM, New Delhi.
During a campus assessment exercise, trainees were divided into groups, each assigned a specific topic to explore around the NEHU campus. These topics included the general campus profile with a focus on hazards and vulnerabilities, the architectural and engineering features of campus buildings such as the School of Technology and cluster classrooms, the campus water supply and drainage systems, and the traffic, transportation, and circulation plan within the campus. Additionally, one group delved into the socio-cultural and environmental aspects related to health and education management. After conducting their assessments, each group presented their findings, and experts provided valuable suggestions based on these presentations.
The guests of honour of the programme were Lt. Col. S J S Sandher, Commanding Officer, 41 Meghalaya Battalion, NCC and Prof. S K De, President, International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) and Professor, Department of Geography, NEHU, Shillong.
Both the dignitaries highlighted the use of design infrastructure that harmonises with the natural landscape to minimise earthwork and disturbance. They stressed utilising techniques like terracing, retaining walls, and bridges to navigate changes in elevation and steep slopes. They also mentioned implementing nature-based solutions in resilient infrastructure projects. By doing so, resilient infrastructure can be created that not only withstands challenges but also contributes to the overall well-being of both people and the environment.
Feedback from the participants was very positive, and emphasised that the training programme will benefit everyone desired that NIDM and Department of Geology, NEHU, Shillong regularly organise such programmes.
