Guwahati, Aug 1: In a bid to enhance disaster response and community resilience, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has launched a comprehensive initiative to convert 30 schools into flood shelters and construct 10 new multipurpose shelters across nine flood-prone districts.

The project, undertaken as part of the Assam Integrated River Basin Management Programme (AIRBMP), aims to safeguard around 100,000 individuals in the Beki and Buridehing river basins. With a budget of $135 million allocated for Phase I, the initiative focuses on strengthening institutional capacities and mitigating climate-related disaster risks.

The 30 schools, located in Baksa, Barpeta, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, and Majuli districts, will be retrofitted to make them multi-hazard resilient, benefiting both flood-affected individuals and students. Additionally, 10 new multipurpose flood shelters will be constructed to serve communities during non-flood seasons.

To further enhance emergency response capabilities, 50 Circle Quick Response Teams (CQRTs) have been established across 18 districts, supported by Material Banks housing lifesaving equipment. The CQRTs will undergo training in basic life support and search & rescue techniques.

The programme is also financing diverse flood and river erosion control infrastructure, including new embankments, drainage canals, and flood retention areas, to enhance the state’s disaster response capabilities.