Uttarakhand's disaster management model praised at Brics forum in Puri

Uttarakhand's disaster management practices received global appreciation at the second technical meeting of the Brics Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group, held in Puri, Odisha, from June 3 to 5, 2026, as per an official release.The three-day meeting was held under India’s presidency of the grouping.Representing Uttarakhand, SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, IPS, and ULMMC (Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre) Director Shantanu Sarkar delivered a presentation on the state’s disaster risk reduction framework, preparedness measures, capacity building initiatives, technological innovations and response mechanisms developed under the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority.The presentation covered the state’s geographical challenges, including landslides, extreme rainfall, glacial lake risks, road blockages and hazards along pilgrimage routes. Yaduvanshi said that in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, disaster management required prior preparedness, community participation, trained forces and technology-based monitoring systems.The Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation and the Dharali disaster management efforts were cited as case studies during the presentation. Delegates described both operations as examples of effective disaster response under difficult geographical conditions. The state’s early warning systems and inter-departmental coordination also earned appreciation from participants. “Geospatial technology, remote sensing, data analytics, and early warning systems are making disaster risk reduction more effective. Technology-driven solutions will play a decisive role in tackling future disaster challenges,” said Sarkar.The meeting brought together senior officials, technical experts and policymakers from 11 Brics member and partner countries: Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.