Lok Sabah Speaker Om Birla today said that the Northeast being a hotspot of biodiversity needs better preparedness for disaster risk reduction and management in sensitive areas, because ecological disturbance in the region can have far-reaching effects on environmental stability across India.
Addressing the 20th Annual Conference of CPA, India Region Zone – III here, the Speaker said it is necessary to formulate policies that prevent irreparable or excessive damage to ecosystem due to natural disasters. He also stressed on the awareness of the people about the dangers of natural calamities.
Speaking about the policy of disaster management, Birla stressed on the need to focus on the Prime Minister’s 10-point agenda, which emphasises the need to build local capacities and initiatives. “Indian development model is based on sustainability and over the period of time, with the use of technology and optimum utilization of human resources, we have strengthened disaster preparedness and management,” he added.
The Speaker also spoke on the subject, ‘Regional connectivity to bring North-East Region at par with mainland India’ and said that the North East has the economic potential to come at par with mainland India and that the region is going through a massive transformation. Apart from the development of infrastructure, efforts are also being made at the level of international dimension to create a ‘focal point’ of regional cooperation and connectivity in Asia and India’s Act East, which will enhance regional solidarity at the political, economic and social level, he added.
Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma highlighted the historical significance of the CPA India Region Zone III.
“The aims of the CPA India Region Zone III is to promote knowledge of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural aspects of parliamentary democracy with special reference to the 8 (Eight) North Eastern States which are Sub-Branches of the main CPA India Region Branch, Lok Sabha.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted that calamity such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, cyclones, droughts; prove to be an impediment to the pace of development which he felt needed to be encountered through an effective response mechanism.
Citing the example of the recent floods in Garo Hills, the Chief Minister Sangma informed that a timely and coherent approach was taken for mitigating the impact through a holistic approach by government agencies private sector organisations, non-profit organizations, faith based organisations and volunteers.
Speaking on Regional connectivity to bring North-East Region at par with mainland India, Sangma said that policy interventions in key sectors like Tourism, infrastructure, logistics, food processing, and other which are making this region a preferred investment destination.
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh emphasised the importance of sustainable development and planning for the impact of climate change. He said that for hill states, climate change poses an even bigger and immediate concern that requires more emphasis on adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Chairman, CPA India Region Zone III Pasang D Sona speaking on the topic of connectivity of the north eastern region with the rest of the country, he expressed that while road, rail, air and water connectivity was getting immense traction, digital connectivity is equally important for the region. Given the strategic geographical importance of the North East, he expressed the urgent need of having an effective and efficient digital network system.
The valedictory function tomorrow will be addressed by Governor Phagu Chauhan.
