Chief Minister Participates in Workshop Organized by State Disaster Authority

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a workshop titled “DAVDEVD2025: Strategic Framework” organized by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Authority at a hotel near Dehradun on Saturday. During the event, he announced the launch of the “Aapda Sakhi Yojana” (Disaster Companion Scheme) modeled after the existing “Aapda Mitra Yojana”. Under this new initiative, women volunteers will be trained in early warning systems, first aid, rescue and relief operations, and psychological support during disasters. The scheme aims to empower women and promote active community participation in disaster management.

The Chief Minister emphasized that this workshop is a vital step toward strengthening disaster preparedness in the face of future challenges. He pointed out that Uttarakhand is a disaster-prone state and stressed the need to learn from past natural calamities. While natural disasters cannot be avoided, he said, loss of life and property can be minimized through quick response, vigilance, and coordinated rescue and relief efforts. He called for inter-departmental coordination along with alertness and sensitivity to ensure effective disaster management.

Community Participation and Proactive Strategy Key to Effective Disaster Management

Stating that disaster management is a collective responsibility of all departments and the public, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of community involvement. Local citizens are the first responders during disasters, and therefore, disaster management committees, women’s and youth groups, NGOs, and organizations like the Red Cross must be trained at the village level.

He said that a mix of proactive and reactive strategies is essential for tackling disasters effectively. For example, a proactive approach during the 2024 cloudburst in Gaurikund helped save thousands of lives. Similarly, timely administrative action before a landslide in Toli village (Tehri district) saved over 200 people. The Chief Minister noted that staying by the side of affected people during crises is a top priority for his government.

Highlighting the role of technology in disaster preparedness, he said the government is focusing on scientific and modern techniques. Rapid Response Teams are being formed, and areas at risk are being identified through drone surveillance, GIS mapping, and satellite monitoring. Strong coordination has been established between the Disaster Management Department, NDRF, SDRF, and local administrations.

The Chief Minister recalled personally interacting with trapped workers during the Silkyara rescue operation, boosting their morale. He also called for ongoing communication with NDRF, SDRF, and military forces to ensure smooth coordination. He instructed officials to identify landslide- and flood-prone zones and deploy essential equipment like JCBs and cranes. He also directed technical inspections of old and sensitive bridges, stockpiling of Bailey bridges, and ensuring the availability of food, fuel, drinking water, and lifesaving medicines in all districts.

Top Officials Emphasize Preparedness Before Monsoon

Chief Secretary Shri Anand Bardhan said the workshop would strengthen preparedness before the monsoon, especially as the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted an early and above-average monsoon this year. He stressed that better use of resources and technology is bringing revolutionary changes in disaster response.

Rajendra Singh, Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), stated that Uttarakhand faces a critical time from June 15 to September, with increased rainfall expected. He praised the Uttarakhand government’s smooth handling of the Char Dham Yatra and announced NDMA’s approval of ₹140 crore for landslide mitigation and ₹40 crore for 190 sensitive lakes. He also noted that ₹16 crore has been allocated for forest fire preparedness, and more funds will be provided for earthquake resilience as needed.

Vice-Chairman of the State Disaster Management Advisory Committee, Shri Vinay Rohela, credited the state government’s efforts for minimizing disaster-related damages. He highlighted the Chief Minister’s hands-on involvement in key events like the Silkyara rescue and Rudrapur floods, which helped boost the morale of affected people. He praised CM Dhami’s effective disaster management approach as a step towards making Uttarakhand a developed state.

Secretary for Disaster Management Shri Vinod Kumar Suman explained that the workshop was organized to further strengthen pre-monsoon preparations. Topics discussed included weather and flood forecasts, early warning systems, landslide risk mitigation, geological surveys, resource and operational readiness, glacier monitoring, monsoon-related diseases, and best practices. These discussions are expected to benefit the state significantly in the future.

The event was also attended by senior officials including Principal Secretary Shri R.K. Sudhanshu, Secretary Shri Shailesh Bagauli, Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Dhananjay Mohan, and heads and experts from various departments.