Dehradun: World Bank Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer Pascal Donohoe said that Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and that the efforts being undertaken in the state for disaster risk reduction are commendable. He said the World Bank will continue to provide full support for building a disaster-resilient Uttarakhand.
A high-level World Bank team visited the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) on Wednesday. The team reviewed various projects being implemented with World Bank assistance and received updates on progress in disaster management and risk reduction initiatives.
Pascal Donohoe sought information about efforts being made in Uttarakhand to mitigate landslides, the use of modern technologies, and measures being taken to reduce disaster risks. He said that given the geographical conditions of a mountainous state, it is essential to continuously develop modern technology, scientific research, and strong institutional capacity.
The team also inspected the USDMA building constructed under the U-PREPARE project using advanced earthquake-resistant and base-isolation technology. The World Bank team appreciated the modern technology adopted in the building and its disaster-resilient construction.
During the meeting, officials informed the team that with World Bank support, 36 bridges are being constructed in Uttarakhand, along with disaster shelters, procurement of advanced equipment, and slope-stabilization works. These projects are aimed at strengthening the state’s capacity to respond to disasters.
The World Bank team appreciated USDMA’s efforts and expressed its commitment to continuing financial assistance in the future. Officials said that safe infrastructure and effective disaster management are being given priority in Uttarakhand, a mountainous state highly vulnerable to natural disasters.
