Dehradun, November 30, 2025:
At the World Summit on Disaster Management held in Dehradun, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted India’s robust disaster preparedness and the significant expansion of Uttarakhand’s weather monitoring infrastructure. The summit, which brought together global leaders, policymakers, scientists, and disaster management experts, was held at the Graphic Era Silver Jubilee Convention Centre and marked a major step toward enhancing climate resilience in the Himalayan region.
Expansion of Weather Monitoring Infrastructure
Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the installation of three new weather radars at Haridwar, Pantnagar, and Auli, complementing the three already operational at Surkanda Devi, Mukteshwar, and Lansdowne. This expansion will significantly improve real-time forecasting and early warning capabilities in Uttarakhand, a state particularly vulnerable to hydrometeorological hazards such as cloudbursts and flash floods.
The minister noted that the state now boasts 33 meteorological observatories, 142 automatic weather stations, 107 rain gauges, and extensive app-based outreach programs to disseminate alerts to farmers and communities. He emphasized that such infrastructure is vital for mitigating risks posed by climate change, glacial retreat, and ecological disruptions in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Uttarakhand as a Global Model for Disaster Resilience
Dr. Singh described Uttarakhand as the most appropriate venue for a global disaster management dialogue due to its unique geographical and ecological challenges, as well as its proven track record in disaster response. He cited the successful Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation as a landmark achievement in global disaster management literature and pointed out that future research on Himalayan disasters will inevitably reference Uttarakhand’s leadership and experiences.
Himalayan Climate Study and Advanced Forecasting
The minister revealed that India has launched a specialized Himalayan climate study to analyze the triggers of sudden cloudbursts and generate predictive indicators for vulnerable districts. The “Nowcast” system, providing three-hour forecasts, is being expanded across Uttarakhand to deliver timely alerts to local administrations and communities. He also highlighted the coordinated efforts of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and scientific institutions in developing advanced forest fire weather services.
Call for Strict Compliance and Sustainable Practices
Dr. Singh expressed concern over inadequate compliance with India Meteorological Department (IMD) alerts in some regions and stressed the need for stricter administrative action. He cited a recent incident in Jammu & Kashmir where timely closure of a highway following a red alert prevented a major tragedy. The minister warned against illegal mining and land-use violations that exacerbate flash flood risks and urged communities to prioritize long-term ecological health over short-term gains.
Economic Opportunities and Global Leadership
Highlighting the economic potential of disaster resilience, Dr. Singh encouraged the replication of successful agri-startup and CSIR-led value-addition models in Uttarakhand. He noted India’s growing role in offering technical expertise and services to neighboring countries and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, with disaster preparedness and climate adaptation as key pillars of sustainable growth.
Conclusion
The World Summit in Dehradun has reinforced India’s commitment to building a resilient, science-driven disaster management ecosystem. The expanded weather network, advanced forecasting systems, and cross-sector collaboration set a benchmark for other vulnerable regions and reaffirm India’s leadership in global disaster resilience.
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Source: PIB
