Making sincere efforts to enhance disaster preparedness: HP minister

Shimla: Himachal's revenue, horticulture, and tribal development minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday stated that the state govt is making sustained efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, improve early warning systems, and build resilient infrastructure to tackle the rising threats from climate change and natural disasters.Negi addressed participants on the concluding day of the 2-day state-level workshop on "Climate Change and Disaster Risk Resilience: Himalayan Future – Lessons, Gaps, and Policy Pathways for Himachal Pradesh" at the Dr Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (MSHIPA), Shimla. The minister underscored the increasing impact of climate change on Himalayan states, particularly affecting agriculture, horticulture, infrastructure, and livelihoods. He emphasised that the state govt is committed to strengthening disaster preparedness and developing resilient systems to mitigate climate risks.
Special secretary revenue, DC Rana, stressed the need for stronger institutional frameworks, better inter-departmental coordination, and scientific approaches for disaster risk reduction. The workshop included thematic sessions on climate adaptation, disaster risk assessment, early warning mechanisms, and resilient infrastructure tailored for Himalayan regions. Experts from institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), India Meteorological Department (IMD), Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shared insights on hazard monitoring, climate resilience, and infrastructure safety.Discussions drew lessons from recent disasters in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in 2023 and 2025, emphasising integrated risk assessment, resilient reconstruction, and improved preparedness based on post-disaster needs assessments conducted in the state. MSID: 129214919 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !