The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CivicDataLab (CDL) to utilise data-driven solutions for mitigating and adapting to extreme weather events in Assam.

The collaboration aims to enhance government resource allocation for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through innovative data technologies.

The initiative will use data models to offer actionable insights to the government on prioritising funds. As an open-access, open-source public resource, it encourages collaboration and innovation among researchers and the public.

The project will consolidate data from various systems into a standardised, interoperable dataset. This dataset will be processed using machine learning to identify risks and determine the need for specific interventions, with a focus on building resilience in Assam's most vulnerable regions.

Chief Secretary Ravi Kota stated that Assam could become a role model for other states across the country by adopting such innovative initiatives. He emphasised the importance of data-driven decision-making, which can be applied across various state ministries and sectors to improve governance, particularly in building climate resilience.

Kota stressed the need for collaboration to ensure inclusive and effective disaster mitigation, involving all government agencies in developing a comprehensive climate mitigation strategy.

“This kind of effort can be adopted across different state ministries and sectors to improve data for governance, especially for building climate resilience,” said Kota.

CDL co-founder and executive director Gaurav Godhwani thanked all dignitaries present and the Assam government for its support in building data-driven solutions for policy reform.

He highlighted the unique features of the Intelligent Data Solution for Disaster Risk Reduction and shared CDL's work in Assam and across India. The MoU was signed by ASDMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gyanendra Dev Tripathi and Gaurav Godhwani.

Image source: Times of India