Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s disaster management model has received widespread appreciation at the national level. A joint team from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) visited the state to review its disaster preparedness, available resources, and future strategies. During the visit, Colonel Sanjeev Kumar Shahi, Joint Advisor at the NDMA, described Uttarakhand’s disaster management model as exemplary and said it could serve as a model for other states.
During the review meeting, the team commended the state’s efforts in disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, technology-driven monitoring, and institutional coordination. Colonel Shahi noted that Uttarakhand has introduced several innovative practices in disaster management that have the potential to be adopted at the national level.
He emphasized the need to expand the hydrometeorological (hydromet) monitoring network and increase the use of modern technologies to strengthen accurate and timely early warning systems. Referring to the growing threat posed by glacial lakes due to climate change, he stressed the importance of continuous monitoring, timely alerts, and effective evacuation mechanisms.
The meeting also reviewed the existing capabilities of the NDRF and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Considering Uttarakhand’s challenging geographical terrain, discussions were held on enhancing both the capacity and strength of the two forces to ensure faster and more effective relief and rescue operations during disasters.
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman briefed the visiting team on the state’s initiatives to strengthen disaster risk reduction, early warning mechanisms, community participation, technology-based monitoring systems, and relief and rescue operations. The meeting also included detailed discussions on preparedness and response strategies for heat waves, landslides, flash floods, forest fires, and lightning-related disasters.
