Dehradun, November 28. (Senior correspondent–Tarun mohan) The 6th World Disaster Management Conference, one of the largest global conferences on disaster management, has commenced today at Graphic Era (Deemed University) in Dehradun. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, who lit the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed all participants, research scholars, practitioners, and scientists attending the “World Conference on Disaster Management.” He expressed gratitude tothe guests from over 50 countries worldwide and highlighted the significance of the conference. He stated that the conference would involve extensive deliberations, leading to the Dehradun Declaration, which is expected to bring forth numerous valuable insights into disaster management. He emphasized the importance of translating these insights into practical actions for the future, making it a crucial document.
The Chief Minister also informed the audience about the ongoing efforts to rescue individuals trapped in the tunnel in Uttarkashi. He assured that the central and state government are working collaboratively to ensure the swift evacuation of people and the provision of essential supplies such as oxygen and medication to those inside, maintaining their health and safety.
Discussing the context of the conference, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami remarked on the enduring relationship between humanity and nature. He emphasized Uttarakhand’s vulnerability to disasters like landslides, heavy rainfall, and excessive snowfall due to its mountainous terrain. He highlighted the success of a proactive approach in identifying and mitigating the impacts of disasters, citing the establishment of health services, helplines, and other essential facilities in the mountains under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance.
The Chief Minister asserted that while disasters cannot be entirely prevented, their impacts can be minimized through technology and systematic identification of potential risks. He expressed the government’s commitment to incorporating disaster management into Uttarakhand’s curriculum, ensuring that students are well-informed about disasters and remain vigilant for the future.
Touching upon the G20 Summit, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami shared that Uttarakhand had the opportunity to host three summits, enhancing the state’s national and international recognition. He mentioned the upcoming Global Investor Summit on December 8-9, 2023, stating that the state has already secured a contract worth 2 lakh crore rupees, with further progress expected after the summit concludes.
During the program, the Chief Minister launched the book “Resilient India: How Prime Minister Narendra Modi Changed India’s Disaster Management Model” based on the experiences of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Addressing the program, Dr. Ranjit Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Uttarakhand Disaster Management, welcomed all the guests and emphasized the need for collective efforts to save the Earth. He mentioned that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji, they are currently brainstorming on the subject of disaster management, which is expected to yield positive results.
Dr S. Anand Babu, President & Convener, Disaster Management, Initiatives and Convergence Society (DMICS), questioned the choice of Dehradun for this world event, emphasizing the severe conditions observed in the Himalayas, making it convenient for scientists and research scholars to contribute. Prof Durgesh Pant, Director General of Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), highlighted the global representation of 51 countries in the event, emphasizing the seriousness of disaster management. He praised the efforts of Chief Minister Dhami in handling the crisis, especially the rescue operations in the Uttarkashi tunnel incident.
Prof Durgesh Pant emphasized the importance of understanding the concept of “Earth is my mother, and I am her child” and applying it. He shared a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office praising the WCDM and conveyed best wishes to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the state of Uttarakhand for the success of the conference.
Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, environmentalist, discussed the significance of the congress, pointing out the increasing challenges of disasters despite the country’s efforts to become smarter. He stressed the need for disaster-free development, mentioning the recent Uttarkashi tunnel incident and expressing helplessness despite technological advancements. He called for a review of scientific and system approaches to deal with such incidents.
Dr. Mahantesh, founder of Samarthan International Bangalore, spoke about the impact of disasters on people, especially women and children. He highlighted his organization’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uttarakhand and reiterated their commitment to supporting the people during disasters.
Shri Rajendra Ratnoo, IAS, and Executive Director of the National Institute of Disaster Management, discussed climate change as a serious global issue and emphasized the importance of working on disaster risk reduction.
Smt Radha Raturi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Uttarakhand government, focused on the vulnerability of women and children during disasters. She expressed hope that the conference would lead to fruitful discussions and concrete conclusions on addressing these issues.
Dr. SS Sandhu, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, welcomed guests from various countries, emphasizing the need for a balance between development projects and disaster control measures. He stressed upon the importance of integrating development with natural balance.
Shri Shomie Sharpe, UN Resident Coordinator, praised Uttarakhand’s serious steps in disaster management. He discussed the dual nature of disasters—natural and man-made—and emphasized the need for international cooperation. He commended India’s early warning system and highlighted the role of technology, apps, GIS systems, sensors, and drones in disaster preparedness.
Admiral DK Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, drew parallels between Uttarakhand and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, both facing different types of disasters. He highlighted technological advancements and systems for alerting communities and underlined the role of technology and apps in education and minimizing losses during disasters.
Prof Kamal Ghanshala, President, Graphic Era Group of Institutions, in the closing ceremony of the inauguration event, expressed gratitude to all attendees and took pride in hosting the event and launching the book based on Modi Ji’s experiences. He stated that this four-day conference shall be crucial for understanding our disaster management system, offering valuable learning opportunities.
