A ‘Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Developing a Climate-Induced Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Action Plan’ was held on 13 November 2024 in Lalmonirhat Municipality of Bangladesh, under the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) Phase 3 project. The workshop aimed to analyse past disaster events, assess risks, and evaluate vulnerabilities across the municipality’s nine wards to guide the formulation of a comprehensive and actionable DRR Action Plan.

The workshop brought together 21 participants (17 male, 5 female) representing diverse stakeholders. Attendees included key officials from Lalmonirhat Municipality, such as the Administrator, Town Planner, Executive Engineer, Pouro Nirbahi Officer, Accounts Officer, Sanitary Inspection Officer, and members of the Town Level Coordination Committee (TLCC). Representatives from other government agencies, including the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Fire Service and Civil Defence, and the Department of Public Health and Engineering (DPHE), also participated. The Executive Engineer of the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) Ltd. was present, alongside representatives from non-governmental organisations like the Eco-Social Development Organisation (ESDO), Sabuj Seba Foundation, and Swapnojatri Foundation. Additional participants included local journalists, community leaders, and representatives from urban and rural development programmes, ensuring a holistic approach to the consultation.

In the inaugural session, ICLEI South Asia’s Country Representative, Jubaer Rashid, provided an overview of the workshop’s objectives and the methodology to be adopted for developing the DRR Action Plan. This set the stage for collaborative and evidence-based discussions.

During the technical session, participants validated city and climate profiles using secondary data and actively contributed to discussions on risk analysis and vulnerability assessment. The session included disaster risk scoring based on likelihood and severity and ward-level risk mapping to identify disaster-prone areas. These exercises laid the groundwork for targeted interventions and prioritised risk management strategies.

Several important observations emerged during the workshop. The Deputy Director from the Department of Agricultural Extension noted, “Unplanned development in Lalmonirhat Municipality is disrupting the ecosystem, causing frequent waterlogging after heavy rainfall and affecting residents’ lives. Ecosystem restoration is essential, especially as rising temperatures and increased pest infestations are reducing crop yields for farmers.”

Similarly, the Executive Engineer from NESCO Ltd. emphasised the rising frequency of thunderstorms and lightning, saying: “There is a critical need for increased awareness in municipal areas to address the growing threat of thunderstorms, which are now officially classified as natural disasters.”

The Deputy Assistant Director from Fire Service and Civil Defence stressed the impact of urbanisation on emergency response times, stating, “Quick disaster response is essential, but unplanned urban development in Lalmonirhat Municipality is hindering our ability to act quickly during emergencies.”

The workshop concluded with actionable insights that will inform the development of Lalmonirhat’s DRR Action Plan. Key findings included the identification of specific vulnerabilities, such as flood-prone zones and areas affected by waterlogging, underscoring the need for ecosystem-based adaptation and improved infrastructure planning.

This initiative marks a significant step in Lalmonirhat Municipality’s journey toward enhanced preparedness and resilience to climate-induced disasters. The outcomes of this collaborative effort will be incorporated into municipal resilience planning and policy frameworks, paving the way for sustainable urban development.