CM Sukhu Emphasizes Disaster Preparedness, Announces Major SDRF Training Institute in Palampur at ‘Samarth-2024’

CM Sukhu Emphasizes Disaster Preparedness, Announces Major SDRF Training Institute in Palampur at ‘Samarth-2024’

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over the International Disaster Reduction Day event ‘Samarth-2024,’ stressed the importance of adapting to the growing frequency of disasters due to climate change. He highlighted that awareness and preparedness are key to minimizing the loss of life and property. The event, held in Shimla, focused on disaster management, with the Chief Minister urging all segments of society to take an active role in disaster preparedness.

CM Sukhu announced that the government is setting up a major SDRF training institute in Palampur to further bolster the state’s disaster management capabilities. Additionally, he shared that the state is executing an ₹800 crore project in collaboration with the French development agency AFD, alongside an expenditure of ₹500 crore from the state’s mitigation fund to tackle future challenges.

Highlighting Himachal’s history with disasters, he mentioned the Kangra earthquake of 1905, which claimed over 20,000 lives, and last year’s devastating monsoon season, where over 500 lives were lost and damages exceeded ₹10,000 crore. Despite receiving no assistance from the central government, the state successfully rehabilitated 23,000 families and implemented a ₹4,500 crore disaster relief package. Compensation for completely destroyed homes was raised from ₹1.30 lakh to ₹7 lakh, with amended rules ensuring compensation for families of missing persons.

CM Sukhu emphasized that disaster relief efforts must remain free of political interference, citing delays in receiving ₹10,000 crore for the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). He also highlighted his personal involvement during the disaster, overseeing the evacuation of 75,000 tourists and 15,000 vehicles and restoring essential services within 48 hours. His swift actions received praise from the World Bank, NITI Aayog, and former CM Shanta Kumar. He also credited Revenue Minister Sh. Jagat Singh Negi and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sh. Sanjay Awasthi for their efforts in rescuing 303 stranded tourists from Chandratal, Lahaul-Spiti.

The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State by 2026, urging the diaspora and citizens to contribute to this mission. He also launched a State Disaster Mitigation Fund portal and introduced an Earthquake Retrofitting Program for critical buildings, in collaboration with institutions like CBRI Roorkee, NITTTR Chandigarh, and NIT Hamirpur. Additionally, the “Rebuilding Live” program was launched to develop a Resilient Model Village at Gram Panchayat Bawasni, Solan district, in collaboration with Bal Raksha Bharat and Zee Enterprises Limited.

An MoU was signed between the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) and CBRI Roorkee to enhance the skills of engineers, architects, and builders. As part of this initiative, a Training and Demonstration Unit (TDU) will be established in Rait, Kangra district.

During the event, CM Sukhu released two publications, ‘Kavach-1’ and ‘Kavach-2,’ authored by CBRI Roorkee scientists. Several individuals were also honored for their exceptional contributions during the monsoon disasters, including officials from SDRF, NDRF, and SJVN Jhakri. Kangra and Chamba districts were recognized as the Best Performing Districts in disaster preparedness.

Prominent attendees included MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, ACS Onkar Chand Sharma, ADGP Satwant Atwal, CBRI Director Pradeep Kumar, Special Secretary Revenue DC Rana, DC Anupam Kashyap, and SP Sanjeev Gandhi.

#Samarth2024 #DisasterPreparedness #GreenEnergyState #CMThakurSukhvinderSinghSukhu #HimachalDisasterRelief #SDRFTrainingInstitute #DisasterManagement #ClimateChangeResilience #Sustainability