Gov, CM release coffee table book on Disaster Management in Kedarnath
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 25 Feb: Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released a coffee table book, titled ‘Another Effort on Disaster Management in Kedarnath Area’ compiled by the State Disaster Management Authority at the Raj Bhavan here, today, and launched the USDMA dashboard.
Addressing the event, the Governor reminded the audience of Uttarakhand’s vulnerability to natural disasters. He also cited geographical and environmental conditions that cause frequent landslides, floods, cloudbursts, and earthquakes. The state government, with the Centre’s support, swiftly began relief efforts, with commendable efforts from the Chief Minister.
While he praised the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) for coordinating swift relief and rescue operations during the 31 July 2024 disaster in the Kedarnath area, he also added that the state needs to further strengthen its preparedness towards dealing with disasters. The Governor also threw light on the significance of the coffee table book, which documents the contributions of brave individuals and organisations who worked towards mitigating the disaster’s impact with selfless service. Along with the CM, he also inaugurated the USDMA Dashboard, a digital system designed to enhance disaster management accuracy, speed, and transparency. The dashboard will aid data collection, analysis, policy-making, and quick decision-making, giving Uttarakhand technological power in disaster management.
The Governor acknowledged Uttarakhand’s reputation for natural beauty, service spirit, and citizens’ courage. He thanked individuals and organisations for their dedicated efforts during disasters and called for collective work towards a strong, vigilant, and disaster-resistant Uttarakhand.
CM Dhami reiterated the state’s commitment to disaster preparedness, recalling the Kedarnath crisis during the 2024 Chardham Yatra. He lauded government officials, security forces, and local communities for their coordinated efforts in safely evacuating over 15,000 devotees and restoring roads at 29 damaged sites. He also mentioned the efforts made for relief and rescue during the Kedarnath disaster and the innovations promoted by the USDMA dashboard. He also expressed gratitude for the support from the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Governor.
It may be recalled that amid serious challenges during the Char Dham Yatra, the CM had actively coordinated relief operations, with support of various social and religious organisations. On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bahuguna praised the Chief Minister’s leadership during the disaster and highlighted the government’s efficient disaster management.
The USDMA dashboard aims to digitalise the State Emergency Operation Centre’s reporting process, enabling quick analysis and decision-making. It will also collect disaster-related data from districts, enhancing disaster management’s effectiveness. The dashboard will also provide updated information on pilgrims, road conditions, and disaster impacts.
Dignitaries present included MLA Rudraprayag Bharat Chaudhary, Vice President Disaster Management Advisory Committee Vinay Rohila, Mandi Parishad Chairman Anil Dabbu, Secretary to Governor Ravinath Raman, Secretary, Disaster Management, Vinod Kumar Suman, ADG AP Anshuman, Additional CEO Rajkumar Negi, and District Magistrate, Rudraprayag, Saurabh Gaharwar.
