In response to the severe floods and landslides that have ravaged Tripura since August 19, a joint coordination meeting between the state government and various NGOs was convened at the Geetanjali State Guest House in Agartala. The meeting, chaired by Prashant Badal Negi, Director of the Tourism Department and Nodal Officer for the Relief Distribution Committee, aimed to streamline relief efforts and ensure effective disaster response.
The Relief Distribution Committee emphasized the need for close collaboration with NGOs to address the urgent needs of the most affected districts. NGOs were encouraged to contribute resources based on regularly updated lists from district-level nodal officers, with efforts coordinated either directly or through government channels.
A key focus of the meeting was avoiding duplication in relief distribution. To ensure coordinated efforts, Richard from the Relief Distribution Committee and Altamash Khan, Program Manager for Inter-Agency Coordination at Sphere India, were appointed as the primary contacts for GO-NGO coordination during the relief phase.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of using the URS 5W Matrix, an online dashboard designed to streamline NGO support and prevent duplication of efforts. As rice and water supplies were already adequately provided by district authorities, NGOs were urged to focus on other essential items listed in the matrix. Relief efforts were categorized into Immediate, Mid-term, and Long-term support, with particular emphasis on “Back to Home” kits for mid-term assistance.
The government and NGOs agreed to conduct a detailed humanitarian assessment to better understand community needs and categorize rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. This Joint Needs Assessment (JNA), facilitated by Sphere India, will be critical in shaping the ongoing relief efforts.
In addition, SIPARD, the Government of Tripura’s training institute, offered technical support for NGOs, including boat repairs and rescue equipment. A formal coordination mechanism between the administration and NGOs was also proposed to enhance disaster resilience in the state.
