Posted by admin on 2025-01-26 09:14:08 |
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In August 2023, the Himachal Pradesh government launched a comprehensive disaster preparedness program in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD). With an investment of Rs. 890 crore, the initiative aims to bolster the state's resilience to climate-induced disasters, which have become an increasing concern in the region. The program focuses on strengthening infrastructure, governance, and institutional capacity to effectively respond to natural calamities like landslides, flash floods, and forest fires.
A key feature of this program is the establishment of the State Institute for Disaster Management, which will serve as the epicenter for training and research in disaster mitigation and response strategies. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) will be further reinforced, ensuring that the state is better prepared for emergencies and can coordinate rapid and efficient responses.
The initiative also focuses on creating district-level Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), ensuring that local governments play an active role in disaster management. These authorities will help develop region-specific plans that address the unique challenges faced by each district in terms of vulnerability to different types of natural hazards.
In addition to governance improvements, the program will invest in early warning systems, which are crucial for predicting weather-related disasters and giving communities the time to prepare. The initiative will also implement mitigation strategies, such as reinforcing infrastructure and improving disaster-resistant technologies, to reduce the impact of natural disasters on the population.
Through this collaborative disaster management program, Himachal Pradesh is taking significant steps towards enhancing its preparedness, ensuring that the state is better equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change and natural calamities.