A high-level central team comprising experts from various scientific and academic institutions met with Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena today to assess the rising trend of natural disasters in the state.
Led by Col. K. P. Singh, Advisor (Operations & Communications), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the team is on a deputation to investigate the causes behind the increasing frequency and intensity of events such as cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and torrential rainfall.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary highlighted the growing concern over the devastation caused by such disasters, which have led to significant loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, and long-term environmental impacts. He emphasized that the unique geographical and ecological characteristics of hilly states like Himachal Pradesh present specific challenges in disaster response and rehabilitation efforts.
The central team includes Dr. S.K. Negi, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CBRI (Roorkee); Prof. Arun Kumar, retired Geologist from the University of Manipur; Dr. Susmita Joseph, Research Scientist, IITM (Pune); and Dr. Neelima Satyam, Professor of Civil Engineering, IIT Indore.
Tasked with conducting a scientific analysis, the team will investigate the root causes of these calamities and recommend evidence-based remedial measures for both the State and Central Governments. Given the urgency of the situation, the team is scheduled to visit the affected regions immediately and will submit its report within a week to the Disaster Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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