A two-day State-Level Workshop on “Climate Change and Disaster Risk Resilience: Himalayan Future – Lessons, Gaps, and Policy Pathways for Himachal Pradesh” concluded today at the Dr. Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (MSHIPA), Shimla. The event, organized in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), was graced by Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi as the chief guest.
In his address, Minister Negi highlighted the rising impacts of climate change on Himalayan states, affecting agriculture, horticulture, infrastructure, and livelihoods. He emphasized that the Himachal Pradesh government is making sustained efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance early warning systems, and build resilient infrastructure to mitigate increasing climate and disaster risks.
Special Secretary Revenue D.C. Rana underlined the need for stronger institutional preparedness, better inter-departmental coordination, and scientific approaches to disaster risk reduction. The workshop featured sessions on climate change adaptation, disaster risk assessment, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure in Himalayan regions. Experts from institutions including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), India Meteorological Department (IMD), Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shared insights on hazard monitoring, infrastructure safety, and climate resilience.
Discussions drew lessons from recent disasters in Himachal Pradesh, particularly the events of 2023 and 2025, highlighting the importance of integrated risk assessment, resilient reconstruction, and improved preparedness based on Post Disaster Needs Assessments.
The workshop concluded with a valedictory address by K.K. Pant, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), who stressed that scientific planning, institutional coordination, and community participation are key to building climate and disaster resilience in Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh.
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