Strengthen disaster preparedness to tackle climate risks: Negi
Workshop at HIPA discusses lessons from recent disasters
Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi today said the state government was making sustained efforts to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change and strengthen disaster preparedness.
He was speaking at a two-day state-level workshop on “Climate Change and Disaster Risk Resilience: Himalayan Future —Lessons, Gaps and Policy Pathways for Himachal Pradesh”, which concluded at the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) here. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA).
“The state government needs to strengthen disaster preparedness, early warning systems and resilient infrastructure to address increasing climate and disaster risks,” he said. Negi highlighted the growing impact of climate change on Himalayan states, particularly on sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, infrastructure and livelihoods.
He said the state government was taking steps to enhance disaster preparedness, improve early warning systems and develop resilient infrastructure to cope with the increasing risks posed by climate change and natural disasters.
DC Rana, Special Secretary (Revenue), stressed the need for stronger institutional preparedness, improved inter-departmental coordination and scientific approaches to disaster risk reduction. The workshop featured thematic sessions on climate change adaptation, disaster risk assessment, early warning systems and resilient infrastructure in Himalayan regions.
Discussions focused on lessons from recent disasters in Himachal Pradesh, particularly the events of 2023 and 2025. Experts highlighted the importance of integrated risk assessment, resilient reconstruction and improved preparedness, drawing on findings from Post Disaster Needs Assessments conducted in the state.
Experts from national and state institutions, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), India Meteorological Department (IMD), Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and other institutions delivered presentations on disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, hazard monitoring and infrastructure safety in Himalayan regions.
The workshop concluded with a valedictory address by KK Pant, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), who emphasised the importance of scientific planning, institutional coordination and community participation in building climate and disaster resilience in Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh.
The event was also attended by Rupali Thakur, Director, HIPA, along with policymakers, experts, researchers and students from institutions, including Himachal Pradesh University and Panjab University.
