Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that natural disasters cannot be avoided but its effects can be reduced by quick response and coordinated relief and rescue operations. For this, coordination with sensitivity in all departments is also very important. He said that like the Disaster Mitra Yojana, “Disaster Sakhi Yojana” will be started in the state. CM Dhami said this in a workshop organized on preparations for Monsoon-2025 in collaboration with the State Disaster Management Authority at a hotel.
The CM said that with the launch of Disaster Sakhi Yojana, women volunteers will be trained for pre-disaster warning, first aid, relief and rescue operations, psychological support etc. In the first phase, 95 women associated with community organizations will be trained under the State Livelihood Mission. Disaster management is the collective responsibility of all departments, in which active participation of all departments along with the general public is also necessary. He said that strict action will be taken against those who are negligent in the disaster.
It is necessary to adopt both proactive and reactive strategies
The Chief Minister said that for effective handling of disasters, we have to adopt both proactive and reactive strategies. Like during the cloudburst incident in Gaurikund in 2024, by adopting a proactive approach, we were successful in saving the lives of thousands of people. He said that by identifying landslide, flood and other sensitive areas, deployment of JCB, crane and necessary equipment should be ensured. Technical inspection of sensitive and old bridges was done and other instructions were given including ensuring Bailey bridge and alternative arrangements as per requirement. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said that this year the Meteorological Department has predicted early arrival of monsoon and it will be more than normal. We have to reduce the impact of the disaster by making strong arrangements before the monsoon.
NDMA approved 140 crores for protection from landslides
National Disaster Management Authority member Rajendra Singh said that the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast more than normal rains for Uttarakhand in the upcoming monsoon. In such a situation, the time from 15 June to September is important for Uttarakhand in terms of disaster. He said that NDMA has sanctioned Rs 140 crore to Uttarakhand for landslide prevention. Rs 40 crore has been allocated to Uttarakhand for 190 sensitive lakes of the state. A scheme of about Rs 16 crore has been approved for forest fire in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand will also be given funds as per requirement for earthquake. NDMA has made guidelines for disasters in the country, which have to be taken to the district level. State Disaster Management Advisory Committee Vice President Vinay Rohela said that due to the efforts of the state government, the loss caused during the disaster has been minimized. Secretary Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman said that this workshop has been organized to further strengthen the preparations before the monsoon. Technical sessions were organized
In the technical sessions, Director of Meteorological Center Dehradun Vikram Singh addressed on weather forecasting, flood forecasting, monitoring and dissemination of EWS, Sudhir Tripathi of CWC, Director of Geological Survey of India Ravi Negi. NDRF Deputy Commandant Rohitashv Mishra and other experts addressed on deployment and operational preparedness – Monsoon-2025. During this, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Chief Forest Conservator Dhananjay Mohan etc. were present.
