AI-powered early warning system to save lives in Himachal: HPU VC

Expressing concern over the recent natural disasters that wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh, Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahavir Singh on Wednesday said the newly established Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) aims to develop a futuristic early warning system to mitigate disaster impacts. The centre was inaugurated in July this year.

Addressing a press conference, Prof Singh said the centre will place special focus on early warning systems by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. “With the development of this system, we will be able to share data that will benefit both the administration and local communities, helping people stay alert about disaster-prone areas,” he added.

The VC said HPU has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, which is under implementation and another with the University of Padova, Italy. He announced that the university will soon organise a brainstorming international workshop with global experts, including specialists from Norway and Italy, as well as national institutes such as IIT Roorkee and IIT Mumbai. “The recommendations from this workshop will be implemented practically and shared with both the state and Central governments,” he said.

Prof Singh emphasised that traditional knowledge from village elders will also be incorporated alongside scientific research. In addition, credit-based disaster awareness courses will be introduced at school, college and university levels. “In a recent meeting with Education Minister Rohit Thakur and the Director of Education, it was decided that curriculum on disaster management, climate change, green energy and sustainable development will be developed for integration into academic programmes,” he noted.

Dr Mahesh Sharma, Deputy Director of the Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience, said the centre is currently monitoring Shimla, Dharamsala, Kullu and Mandi, with plans to expand studies to Chamba. “We are collecting data on landslides and other disasters from the past decade to analyse causes and assess future risks,” he said.