Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday reviewed the state-level pre-monsoon mock drill at the IT Park in Dehradun. He directed officials to strengthen disaster preparedness across the state before the monsoon intensifies.
Speaking during the review meeting, Dhami said disaster management is one of the government's top priorities in a Himalayan state like Uttarakhand. He said better planning, quick response, strong coordination between departments and the use of modern technology are crucial for dealing with monsoon-related emergencies.
Dhami said the mock drill should not be seen as just another exercise. Instead, it should be used to assess how well different departments work together, how effective communication systems are, whether resources are adequate and how prepared rescue teams are. He also asked officials to give equal importance to disaster prevention, preparedness, relief and rescue operations.
He said the state is using modern technologies such as artificial intelligence-based early warning systems, digital monitoring platforms, drones, GIS mapping, satellite monitoring and data-based risk assessment to improve disaster management. These tools, he said, can help identify threats in advance and reduce damage to life and property.
He added that Rapid Response Teams have been strengthened to respond quickly during emergencies. The Early Warning System is also being upgraded so that alerts reach even remote and vulnerable areas on time. Dhami said the government is also focusing on conserving water sources, studying glaciers, promoting plantation drives, protecting the environment and spreading public awareness, as these efforts help reduce disaster risks.
Dhami said Uttarakhand's disaster response system has improved through scientific planning, technology and teamwork. He directed all 13 districts to submit detailed reports on the mock drill to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority within 72 hours. He also called for awareness campaigns to educate people about safety measures, emergency helpline numbers and disaster preparedness.
Dhami said the government's goal is not only to provide relief after disasters but also to reduce risks before they occur. He said the state aims to become a national model for technology-driven and community-based disaster management and urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve this objective.
During the event, the Chief Minister released the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) and District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs) for all 13 districts.
He said the SDMP clearly outlines the responsibilities of different departments for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, early warning, rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction at the state level. The district plans have been prepared according to local risks, available resources and emergency response needs to help administrations respond more effectively.
Prepared under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, these plans will serve as important guiding documents. They are expected to improve coordination, strengthen early warning systems, encourage community participation and ensure faster, better-planned disaster response.
The Chief Minister also visited an exhibition of modern rescue and relief equipment displayed by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Fire Services Department. Officials briefed him on how the equipment is used during emergencies.
Among the major attractions was advanced CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives) response equipment showcased by the NDRF.
The exhibition also featured deep diving sets, night vision cameras, thermal imaging devices, hydraulic cutters, underwater communication systems, underwater drones, sonar systems and other advanced rescue equipment used during disaster response operations.
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