A three-day advanced training programme focused on climate change-related hazards and disaster risk reduction has concluded at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, aiming to boost preparedness and response capacity in vulnerable hill regions.
Organised by the university’s Department of Environmental Science, the programme brought together officials from multiple government departments and related agencies to strengthen their understanding of climate resilience and disaster management practices. More than 50 participants took part, actively interacting with experts and discussing real-world challenges linked to environmental risks in mountainous areas.
The training was structured across seven technical sessions featuring 14 expert lectures delivered by specialists from leading institutions across India. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including climate-induced hazards in Himachal Pradesh, sustainable infrastructure design, and modern approaches to disaster mitigation.
In the inaugural session, Prof. Satish Kumar Bhardwaj highlighted key environmental threats confronting the state. District Disaster Management Officer Vijay Singh explained institutional mechanisms and legal provisions guiding disaster response. Experts such as Dr. Pratima Vaidya, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, and Dr. Ghanshyam Agrawal shared practical insights on drought resilience, slope stability, and soil conservation in fragile hill ecosystems.
Further sessions explored themes such as sustainable development strategies, water resource conservation, behavioural adaptation for climate resilience, advanced weather forecasting applications, and green building standards under the GRIHA framework.
The concluding session was addressed by Dr. CL Thakur, Dean of the College of Forestry, who urged participants to translate the training inputs into field-level action to strengthen climate resilience and disaster preparedness across the region.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
