In a significant step towards strengthening disaster preparedness, the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, chaired by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, has approved the implementation of a real-time Early Warning System (EWS) for the state.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held to review the emergency relief and rehabilitation measures in the wake of recent cloudbursts and flash floods across Himachal Pradesh. The committee emphasized the immediate restoration of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and drinking water supply systems in affected areas.
The Early Warning System will enable real-time monitoring, forecasting, and dissemination of alerts, allowing communities and authorities to take preventive and timely action, thereby reducing loss of life and property.
To further boost disaster response capabilities, the committee also approved the hiring of a helicopter for rescue and relief operations, ensuring faster access to remote and affected regions during emergencies.
In a separate session, the sub-committee also discussed the regularization of land for small and marginal farmers and resolved to file an appeal in the Supreme Court seeking concession under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) in favor of the state.
The meeting was attended by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Town & Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Special Secretary (Revenue-Disaster) D.C. Rana, and other senior officials.
