Agartala: Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr Manik Saha, unveiled the state disaster management plan yesterday, stressing the need to harness technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mitigate the loss of life and property during the disasters.
Launching a series of initiatives under the revenue department, the Chief Minister said, “In today’s tech-driven world, we must prioritise integrating advanced technologies and AI in disaster preparedness and response. Alongside this, creating public awareness and enhancing the skills of workers and volunteers involved in rescue operations is crucial.”
As part of the unveiling, Dr Saha inaugurated a slew of new projects, such as a technology demonstration unit at Hapania, a civil defence training scheme, 26 automated weather stations and rain gauges across the state, a disaster management equipment verification portal, and a change of land use (Diversion of Land) portal.
These initiatives, developed for Rs 50 lakh, focus on revolutionising disaster preparedness and enhancing governance. Highlighting the state’s vulnerability, Saha recalled the devastation caused by Cyclone Sitrang (2022), Cyclone Mocha (2023), Cyclone Remal (2024), and the major floods of 2018 and 2024.
He stated, “Thousands of volunteers will be trained at the technology demonstration unit. Under the civil defence training scheme, 2,880 volunteers will receive specialised training to strengthen first response capabilities during emergencies.”
Dr Saha further emphasised the significance of accurate and real-time weather data in disaster mitigation. He announced plans for a Doppler weather radar station in Belonia, while 26 automated weather monitoring stations and rain gauges have already been installed across Tripura.
In a move to streamline operations, Dr Saha launched the disaster management equipment verification portal, which will help track equipment availability across districts, subdivisions, and TSR battalions.
