HP-Ready project to build disaster-resilient Himachal: CM

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has emphasised the need to shift from relief-centric governance to resilience-centric governance as the state faces increasing threats from natural disasters and climate-related challenges.To strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery systems, the state govt has launched the Rs 2,688-crore Himachal Pradesh Resilient Action for Development and Disaster Recovery (HP-Ready) project.The project, to be implemented from Jan 2026 to Nov 2030, aims to enhance disaster resilience across the state through improved preparedness, mitigation and recovery mechanisms.Himachal Pradesh, owing to its fragile Himalayan ecology and the growing impact of global warming, remains highly vulnerable to natural calamities. Over the last three years, the state has witnessed more than 66 cloudbursts, 234 landslides and 121 flash floods, causing significant loss of life and extensive damage to public and private infrastructure.Under the HP-Ready project, the govt will restore and strengthen disaster-affected infrastructure, including roads, water supply schemes, sanitation facilities and power networks. The initiative will also focus on livelihood restoration, disaster risk financing and insurance frameworks, and institutional capacity building.Special emphasis will be laid on strengthening early warning systems, promoting disaster-resilient infrastructure, scientific land-use planning and enhancing community preparedness. Training programmes for panchayati raj institutions, mahila mandals, yuvak mandals and schoolchildren will be introduced to foster a culture of disaster preparedness at the grassroots level, said the CM."The natural disasters witnessed in recent years have reinforced the need for resilience-focused development. HP-Ready is our roadmap to protect lives, livelihoods and developmental assets," Sukhu added.MSID:: 131441174 413 |