Modern Technology Should Be Used More in Disaster Management – Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil

Mumbai : Disasters cannot be predicted, but effective disaster management is crucial to prevent loss of life and minimize financial impact. Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil emphasized the need to increasingly incorporate modern technology in disaster management to ensure timely early warnings for citizens.

The ‘Daksha’ Disaster Management Council 2024, organized at the Yashwantrao Chavan Center in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, was inaugurated by Minister Anil Patil. Also present were Bhushan Gagrani, Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation; Sanjay Yadav, Collector of Mumbai Suburbs; Lahuraj Mali, Director of the Disaster Management Department; Mahesh Narvekar, Director of Disaster Management of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation; and others.

Minister Patil stated that while natural calamities are unavoidable, efforts should be made to minimize their damage. Early warnings for disasters such as landslides, floods, lightning, cyclones, hailstorms, and heatwaves are essential, and satellite technology can play a critical role in this. He stressed the importance of spreading disaster management knowledge to the general public.

Patil also highlighted the significance of disaster relief and rescue operations, praising the contributions of NDRF, Disaster Mitra, and the police, along with other departments. He expressed hope that the conference would facilitate discussions on disaster management strategies and future actions.

Mahesh Narvekar, Director of Disaster Management at Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, noted the rapid pace of climate change and the increasing frequency of natural calamities. He emphasized the need for careful disaster management planning and praised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for its efforts in this area.

Anil Lad, retired Deputy Commissioner of Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, led a workshop on disaster preparedness, the role of citizens during disasters, and the media’s essential role.

The seminar was attended by Mahesh Narvekar, Director of Disaster Management at Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation; Sunil Kamble from the India Meteorological Department; Sarang Kurve from NDRF; Shri Dutt Kamat, State Project Officer of the Disaster Management Department; Anil Lad, retired Deputy Commissioner of Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation; and Dinesh Mehta from Rotary International.

The workshop was also attended by Aapda Mitra, Aapda Sakhi, NSS students, and representatives from various NGOs.