DW BUREAU / shimla An online meeting with members of Himachal Pradesh inter agency Group (HPIAG) and District Inter Agency Groups (DIAG) was called upon, under the Chairpersonship of D.C. Rana, Director-cum-Special Secretary (Rev-DM); to take stock of the NGOs associated with the Inter-agency groups at the State and Districts level(s). In this meeting the HPIAG/DIAG convenors and members of all the districts discussed about their engagement with the district administration, and their specific role in handling the current pandemic situation. The challenges faced by the DIAG members in coordinating with the district authorities were also presented. DC Rana reiterated the importance of HPIAG/DIAG coordination, which is essentially geared towards synergizing and strengthening mechanisms for effective Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the State. He also highlighted the need and importance of documentation of response measures/initiatives taken up by various organizations for managing the challenges posed by COVID-19, as it renders credibility to an organization's efforts. He emphasized on the need to build effective relationships, have regular meetings and communication with district officers/officials which would build effective trust-worthy relationships. The Director-cum-Special Secretary (Rev-DM) further encouraged the HPIAG/DIAG network to support the district administration in the current COVID 19 situation, in various aspects of caregiving and addressing needs of those in hospitals and isolation units. The HPIAG/DIAG members were also encouraged to participate in various activities and events that would be organized by the HPSDMA under the ambit of its annual awareness campaign 'Samarth'. Members of various NGOs such as CASA, Red Cross Society, CORD, EduCare, EarthJust, DOERS, Prayas Society, Surbhi, JSW Hydro, Chetna Samiti, Nav Nirman Foundation were present in the meeting and felt motivated and energized to enhance their collaborations for effective implementation of various Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives of the State. (editor@dailyworld.in)