The Himachal Pradesh government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Development Agency (AFD) to implement the Himachal Pradesh-Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Project (HP-DRRRP). The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena.
Key Features of HP-DRRRP:
- External Funding: The project will receive 100 million Euros in funding from AFD.
- Multi-sectoral Approach: HP-DRRRP will focus on strengthening Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) capacities across various sectors.
- Community Engagement: The project will involve active community participation in disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.
Project Objectives:
HP-DRRRP aims to reduce the vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which frequently impact the state. Key objectives include:
- Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Enhancing early warning systems for various natural hazards.
- Improving Disaster Response: Improving the capacity of government agencies and communities to respond effectively to disasters.
- Building Resilient Infrastructure: Promoting the construction of resilient infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.
- Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Empowering local communities to participate in disaster risk reduction planning and implementation.
Significance of the MoU:
This MoU marks a significant step towards enhancing disaster resilience in Himachal Pradesh. By collaborating with AFD, the state government aims to leverage international expertise and resources to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and build a more resilient future for its citizens.