Assam Governor urges stronger disaster preparedness, CRPF-NDRF coordination
Synopsis
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya used a Guwahati event to push for systematic disaster preparedness — before calamity strikes, not after. Anchoring his call on coordination, security, and compassion, he spotlighted Assam's flood-prone districts and praised NDRF-CRPF efforts while urging educational institutions and youth to make emergency readiness a civic habit.
Key Takeaways
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya addressed the Lok Bhavan Assam–CRPF programme in Guwahati on 13 October 2026 .
He called for regular mock drills , stronger inter-agency coordination, and proactive disaster preparedness before crises occur.
He praised NDRF, SDRF , and police for flood relief operations in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat , and Golaghat districts.
The event included a live NDRF mock drill and an exhibition of rescue equipment.
The Governor urged educational institutions and youth to incorporate disaster awareness and community service into their activities.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, called for robust disaster preparedness, regular mock drills, and tighter coordination among emergency response agencies, stressing the need to build a disaster-resilient India. Addressing a programme organised by Lok Bhavan Assam in association with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Guwahati, he underscored the complementary roles of the CRPF and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in safeguarding citizens.
Core Principles Highlighted
The programme was held under the Namo Matribhoomi Suraksha avam Swavalamban Sankalp Saptah initiative. Governor Acharya anchored his address around three guiding principles: 'Samanvay' (coordination), 'Suraksha' (security), and 'Samvedna' (compassion). He said these values must underpin every aspect of disaster response and public safety infrastructure in the country.
CRPF and NDRF: Distinct but Complementary Mandates
Governor Acharya stated that the CRPF and NDRF exemplify the spirit of 'Nation First, Public Service Above All' — with security forces maintaining internal security and law and order, while disaster response teams focus on rescue and relief during emergencies. He praised the CRPF's courage, discipline, and commitment to duty, with particular appreciation for the contributions of its women personnel. He also noted the force's participation in international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, which, he said, has reinforced India's standing in global relief efforts.
Assam's Vulnerability and Recent Flood Response
Referring to Assam's recurring exposure to natural disasters, the Governor cited earthquakes, floods, and landslides as stark reminders of the need for sustained preparedness and swift coordinated action. He specifically recalled recent flood events in the districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat, commending the NDRF, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), state police, and other agencies for their rescue and relief operations during those crises.
Call for Proactive Preparedness and Youth Engagement
Governor Acharya stressed that disaster management must begin well before a crisis strikes, not in the immediate aftermath. He called on educational institutions to embed disaster preparedness and community service into their curricula. Addressing the youth in attendance, he encouraged them to channel expertise in science, technology, innovation, and social service toward building a secure, self-reliant India. The event featured a live NDRF disaster management mock drill demonstrating emergency response procedures, alongside exhibition stalls showcasing rescue equipment. The Governor interacted with students at the stalls, urging greater awareness of emergency protocols.
Senior CRPF officers, police officials, representatives of Guwahati Refinery, students, and other dignitaries were present at the programme. With Assam facing perennial flood cycles and seismic risk, the Governor's push for institutionalised preparedness reflects a broader national conversation on closing the gap between disaster response capacity and ground-level readiness.
Point of View
But the call for mock drills and coordination is not new — Assam has heard it after every flood season for years. The real accountability gap lies in the interval between disaster events: whether preparedness protocols are actually drilled and resourced between crises, not just invoked during them. Assam's repeated flood casualties in the same vulnerable districts suggest that appreciation for NDRF bravery, however warranted, cannot substitute for structural investment in early-warning systems and pre-positioned relief infrastructure. The youth-and-education angle is a useful long-term framing, but systemic resilience needs institutional reform, not just civic spirit.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya say about disaster preparedness?
Governor Acharya called for regular mock drills, stronger coordination among emergency response agencies, and proactive disaster management that begins before a crisis occurs. He stressed the principles of coordination, security, and compassion as the foundation of effective disaster response.
What is the Namo Matribhoomi Suraksha avam Swavalamban Sankalp Saptah?
It is a national initiative under whose banner the Lok Bhavan Assam programme in association with the CRPF was organised on 13 October 2026 in Guwahati. The programme aimed at promoting disaster resilience, security awareness, and community service.
Which Assam districts were affected by recent floods mentioned by the Governor?
Governor Acharya referred to recent flood events in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat districts. He commended the NDRF, SDRF, police, and other agencies for their rescue and relief work in those areas.
What are the complementary roles of the CRPF and NDRF highlighted at the event?
According to the Governor, the CRPF is primarily responsible for maintaining internal security and law and order, while the NDRF focuses on rescue and relief operations during natural disasters and emergencies. He said both forces embody the 'Nation First, Public Service Above All' ethos.
How does Assam's geography make disaster preparedness especially critical?
Assam is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, and landslides due to its location in a seismically active zone and the presence of the Brahmaputra river system. The Governor cited this recurring exposure as the core reason why robust, year-round preparedness — not just reactive response — is essential.
