Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 7 Jun: Uttarakhand, highly vulnerable to natural disasters and rain-induced crises, has once again established its strong presence not only at the national but also international level in the field of disaster management. Uttarakhand’s disaster management model was widely praised at the second technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) working group, held in Puri, Odisha, from 3 to 5 June under India’s chairmanship. Senior officials, technical experts, and policymakers from 11 BRICS member and partner countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, participated in this important three-day meeting. The objective of the meeting was to exchange experiences on disaster risk reduction, robust infrastructure, community-based early warning systems, forecast-based rapid response mechanisms, and sustainable financial arrangements for disaster management.
At the conference, various countries shared their innovations and successful models in the field of disaster management. Uttarakhand was represented by Commander, SDRF, Arpan Yaduvanshi (IPS), and Director, ULMMC, Shantanu Sarkar. Both officials gave detailed presentations on disaster risk reduction, pre-preparedness, capacity building, technological innovations, and effective response mechanisms developed under the leadership of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority.
The presentations detailed Uttarakhand’s geographical complexities, Himalayan conditions, landslides, heavy rainfall, glacier lakes, road blockages, and pilgrimage-related risks. The state’s developed multi-agency coordination system, early warning system, and rapid relief and rescue systems were also highlighted.
In particular, the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation and the Dharali disaster management operations were highlighted as successful disaster management models for Uttarakhand. Delegates at the conference described these operations as excellent examples of patience, technology, administrative coordination, and human sensitivity in difficult geographical conditions.
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority’s early warning system, risk mitigation measures, and coordination between various departments were particularly appreciated. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand SDRF’s quick and effective response capability was highlighted as an excellent model of disaster response in challenging circumstances.
SDRF Commander Arpan Yaduvanshi said, “Due to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s sensitive and proactive approach to disaster management, risk reduction, pre-preparedness, capacity building, and coordination between agencies are being continuously strengthened in the state. Through scientific planning, efficient administration, and timely decision-making, efforts are being made to minimise the impact of disasters.”
He stated that disaster management in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand cannot be limited to relief and rescue. Prior preparedness, involvement of local communities, availability of trained forces, and technology-based monitoring systems are essential.
The activities being conducted in the state under the guidance of Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman were also shared with the delegates. ULMMC Director Shantanu Sarkar said, “Geospatial technologies, remote sensing, data analytics, and early warning systems are making disaster risk reduction more effective. Technology-based solutions will play a crucial role in addressing future disaster challenges.”
Key achievements of the conference included strengthening cooperation in disaster risk reduction among BRICS countries, promoting technological innovations, developing common strategies to strengthen community-level preparedness, and giving new direction to global disaster management cooperation.
The appreciation of Uttarakhand’s model at the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) working group meeting is considered a major achievement for the state. This is international recognition of the sustained efforts of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, SDRF, and other agencies.
