Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 3 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant has called for strengthening institutional mechanisms, community participation, technology integration and coordination among various agencies to build a more resilient disaster management system in the state, which remains highly vulnerable to natural calamities due to its fragile Himalayan ecology and difficult terrain.
Addressing the post-disaster review seminar jointly organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), the Chief Secretary said the devastating disasters witnessed by the state in recent years underline the urgent need to enhance preparedness and improve response mechanisms.
The Chief Secretary said Himachal Pradesh continues to face significant risks from cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and other climate-induced disasters. He noted that recent disasters have highlighted both the strengths of the existing disaster management framework and areas requiring immediate improvement.
He said the coordinated efforts of government agencies, the armed forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, fire services, local administration, Panchayati Raj Institutions, volunteers and local communities had played a crucial role in minimising the loss of life during recent disasters.
Emphasising the importance of technology-driven disaster management, the Chief Secretary said advanced technological interventions would help improve planning, preparedness and emergency response.
He pointed out that recent disasters exposed several operational challenges, including disruption of road connectivity, communication failures, inaccessible terrain, adverse weather conditions, logistical constraints, delays in obtaining real-time information and the need for stronger coordination among responding agencies.
He said the seminar provided an important platform to analyse these challenges, document best practices and develop recommendations that would make future disaster response faster, more coordinated and technology-driven
Detailing the importance of community-based disaster management, the Chief Secretary said local communities invariably serve as the first responders during emergencies.
He stressed that empowering citizens through awareness campaigns, capacity-building programmes and volunteer networks is essential for creating disaster-resilient communities capable of responding effectively during crises.
The Chief Secretary laid special emphasis on the Apda Rakshak Yojana, stating that the initiative aims to develop a trained cadre of community volunteers capable of providing immediate assistance until professional rescue teams reach disaster-hit areas.
He said these trained volunteers could play a vital role in search and rescue operations, first aid, evacuation and supporting vulnerable sections of society during emergencies.
The Chief Secretary also stressed the need for comprehensive resource mapping at the district level, including manpower, machinery, medical facilities, shelters, emergency equipment, transportation assets and communication infrastructure.
He said integrating these inventories with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) would enable scientific planning and ensure optimum deployment of resources during emergencies.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the continued technical guidance and support being provided by the National Disaster Management Authority in strengthening Himachal Pradesh's disaster management capabilities.
He expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the seminar would further enhance institutional preparedness, improve coordination among agencies and contribute significantly towards building a safer and more disaster-resilient Himachal Pradesh.
Krishna S Vatsa, Member and Head of Department, NDMA, appreciated the preparedness and response efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Government during the disasters of 2023 and 2025.
He particularly praised the proactive role played by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and stressed the need to further strengthen the state's capacity for early response and disaster mitigation.
The seminar was attended by senior NDMA officials, including SDMA Member Amit Purohit, Paramilitary Forces representatives, senior officers of various government departments and district administrations.
Participants shared their experiences, best practices and recommendations for strengthening disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response across Himachal Pradesh.
Chairman, State Disaster Management Authority, Deepak Rathore, NDMA Member Rita Mishra, and Director-cum-Special Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Pushpendra Rana also attended the seminar. (ANI)
