Calling attention to the mounting threat of natural disasters in the Himalayan region, Himachal Pradesh has urged the Centre to step up support for strengthening preparedness and response systems.
Speaking at the Relief Officers’ Conference held at the National Institute of Disaster Management in New Delhi, the state’s Special Secretary (Disaster Management), Dr Pushpendra Rana, highlighted the urgent need for increased financial, technical, and administrative assistance from central agencies, including the National Disaster Management Authority, as well as global partners.
In a comprehensive presentation, Rana outlined the growing scale and complexity of disasters in Himachal Pradesh, attributing heightened vulnerability to its fragile Himalayan ecosystem and the rising frequency of extreme weather events. He noted that incidents such as floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are becoming more intense, placing unprecedented strain on infrastructure and local governance systems.
He stressed that building resilience requires sustained investment in robust infrastructure, advanced early warning mechanisms, and dependable communication networks to ensure swift and effective response during emergencies.
Rana also underlined the importance of forward-looking strategies, arguing that disaster management must move beyond reactive approaches toward anticipatory governance, supported by technology, stronger institutional coordination, and capacity building at all levels.
Highlighting the state’s ongoing efforts, he pointed to initiatives such as the Rapid Incident Reporting System for real-time updates, the State Disaster Management Fund portal for streamlined financial operations, and the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Information System for data-driven planning. He further cited progress in early warning systems, particularly those designed to monitor glacial lake outburst floods in high-altitude zones.
Efforts to boost community preparedness through trained volunteers and grassroots participation were also emphasised, alongside resilience-building measures like HIM Kavach and externally supported programmes, including the World Bank-backed HP READY project and initiatives funded by the Agence Française de Développement.
The conference brought together disaster management officials from across the country to exchange insights and discuss evolving challenges, as states grapple with increasingly unpredictable and severe natural hazards.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
