The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) will launch its annual flagship awareness campaign “SAMARTH–2025” from 1st to 31st October, with a strong focus on disaster preparedness, resilient communities, and safe construction practices.
Announcing the campaign, Director-cum-Special Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management) D.C. Rana said that SAMARTH has become a cornerstone of disaster risk awareness efforts in the State since its inception in 2011, coinciding with the global observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on 13 October.
The United Nations-designated IDDRR aims to build a culture of safety and resilience globally. This year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”, underscores the importance of proactive investment in risk reduction, rather than reactive disaster response.
A state-level function will be held in Shimla on 13 October at Padam Dev Complex, The Ridge, where a five-day exhibition (13–17 October) will showcase disaster preparedness equipment, technologies, and best practices in risk mitigation.
Throughout the month of October, HPSDMA and all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), in collaboration with line departments, NGOs, schools, colleges, and community bodies, will organize a wide range of awareness and capacity-building activities, including:
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Street plays, folk performances, and multimedia awareness drives
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Model-building, quiz, essay, and poster competitions in schools and colleges
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Mock drills and interactive sessions on emergency response
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Workshops for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on resilient urban planning
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Community engagement via Gram Sabha meetings on 2 October, with support from Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Aapda Mitras, and technical staff
HPSDMA has appealed to all citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to actively participate in the SAMARTH–2025 campaign and contribute to building a safer, disaster-resilient Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
