CS Stresses Community Role, Tech Use in Disaster Preparedness
Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant has stressed on strengthening the institutional mechanisms, community participation and technological interventions to build a disaster-resilient Himachal Pradesh. He was presiding over the post disaster review seminar organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), here today.
The Chief Secretary said that Himachal Pradesh, owing to its fragile Himalayan ecology and difficult terrain, remains highly vulnerable to cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides and other climate-induced disasters. The State has experienced several devastating disasters in recent years, particularly during the monsoon seasons, which have highlighted both the strengths and limitations of the existing disaster management framework.
He said that while the coordinated response of government agencies, armed forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Police, Fire Services, local administration, Panchayati Raj Institutions, volunteers and community had significantly minimized loss of life during recent disasters, every disaster provides valuable lessons that must be used to improve future preparedness.
Chief Secretary said that the review of previous disasters enables the government to identify operational gaps, assess institutional capacities and strengthen standard operating procedures. He highlighted that challenges encountered during recent disaster events included disruption of road connectivity, communication failures, inaccessible terrain, adverse weather conditions, logistical constraints, delayed availability of real time information and the need for improved coordination among responding agencies.
He said that the seminar serves as an important platform for analyzing these challenges and documenting best practices so that future disaster response becomes faster, more coordinated and technology driven.
Highlighting the importance of community-based disaster management, the Chief Secretary said that local communities are always the first responders during any disaster. Therefore, empowering citizens through awareness programmes, capacity-building initiatives and volunteer networks is essential for creating resilient communities.
He laid special emphasis on the Aapda Rakshak Yojana, stating that the initiative aims to develop a trained cadre of community volunteers capable of providing immediate assistance during emergencies until professional response teams reach the affected areas. He said that these volunteers can play a vital role in search and rescue, first aid, evacuation and assisting vulnerable sections of society during disasters.
Emphasizing the importance of resource mapping, he said that accurate and dynamic inventories of critical resources including manpower, machinery, medical facilities, shelters, emergency equipment, transportation assets and communication infrastructure must be maintained at the District Disaster Management Authority level. Such resource mapping, integrated with Geographic Information Systems would significantly improve response planning and ensure optimal deployment of resources during emergencies.
Chief Secretary appreciated the continued guidance and technical support being provided by the National Disaster Management Authority in strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s disaster management capabilities. He expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the seminar would further enhance institutional preparedness, improve coordination mechanisms and contribute towards building a safer and more disaster-resilient State.
Member and Head of Department NDMA Krishna S. Vatsa appreciated the preparedness and efforts of Himachal Pradesh government during the disasters of 2023 and 2025. He said that SDRF responds proactively in Himachal Pradesh and highlighted the need for further strengthening the capacity of the State in early response and mitigating the disaster.
Senior officials of NDMA, SDMA, NDRF, Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, various Government departments and district administrations participated in the seminar and shared their experiences, best practices and recommendations for strengthening disaster risk reduction and preparedness across Himachal Pradesh. Vice Chariman SDMA Deepak Rathore, Member NDMA Rita Missal, Director-cum-Special Secretary (Revenue & Disaster) Dr. Pushpendra Rana also attended the seminar.
-0—
