Awareness campaign on disaster risk reduction launched in Chamba

In line with the directives of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), a month-long public awareness campaign under ‘Samarth – 2025’ has been launched in Chamba district from October 1 to 31, 2025. The campaign is aligned with the observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction held globally on October 13 every year.

Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Chamba, Mukesh Repaswal, said on October 2, 2025, Gram Sabha meetings will discuss local hazards, mitigation planning and the roles and responsibilities of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members before, during and after disasters. Discussions will also highlight the role of Panchayat Pradhans as Civil Defence Wardens under the Civil Defence Act, 1968.

The deliberations will cover critical issues such as landslide mitigation, promotion of safe and traditional construction practices, scientific debris disposal, improvement of drainage systems, prevention of encroachment on natural water channels, community preparedness, early warning mechanisms and fire safety measures.

The Deputy Commissioner also said under Section 41 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, PRIs are entrusted with responsibilities including training, resource management and ensuring compliance with prevention and mitigation standards in construction projects.

Further, HPSDMA has initiated the plan for each panchayat to constitute a task force of 10–15 trained youth volunteers (aged 18–35) and to establish Panchayat Emergency Response Centres (PERCs). These trained volunteers will work under the Panchayat Pradhan to strengthen local-level disaster response.

Appealing to PRI representatives and community members, Repaswal urged them to identify local hazards, construct earthquake-resistant houses, prepare emergency kits, learn first aid and rescue skills and rely only on official sources of information. He also encouraged families to develop emergency plans and remain alert to early warnings.

He cautioned people against believing in rumours during disaster situations and advised them to seek authentic information by contacting the District Disaster Management Authority’s toll-free number 1077 or 9816698166.