Sukhu orders scientific study on rising cloudburst incidents in HP

Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience at Himachal Pradesh University to undertake a detailed scientific study on recurring cloudburst incidents in the state.The study will examine factors such as the impact of dams, temperature variations, terrain conditions and aerial-distance-based assessments linked to frequent cloudburst events in the Himalayan region.Chairing a high-level meeting on disaster risk reduction and resilience planning Friday evening, Sukhu said that cloudbursts had become increasingly frequent in Himachal Pradesh, causing heavy losses to life and property.He emphasised the urgent need for scientific analysis to understand the patterns and causes behind such disasters.The CM announced major financial support for strengthening the centre's research and technical capabilities. He directed the state disaster management authority to allocate Rs 6 crore for specialised training programmes and capacity building. An additional Rs 10 crore was approved for institutional strengthening and expansion of research infrastructure.Sukhu also sanctioned Rs 1 crore to initiate scientific studies on glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in the state and instructed the authorities to provide further assistance for related research. He stressed the need to recruit additional professionals and domain experts to improve the centre's scientific and technical expertise.Revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi underlined the importance of developing in-house technical capabilities for landslide and GLOF studies instead of relying on external agencies.During the meeting, the centre presented a hydrodynamic model for the Thunag region in Mandi district aimed at assessing flash flood impacts and strengthening early warning systems.MSID:: 130975800 413 |