Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav described the “Silkyara Victory Operation” as a historic milestone for India in disaster management, saying it showed how firm political will, efficient leadership and scientific expertise can make “the impossible possible” even in extreme situations. He delivered a virtual address to the three‑day World Disaster Management Conference 2025 in Dehradun, organised by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology with support from national, state and international partners.
Focus on Uttarakhand and the Himalayas
Greeting Uttarakhand on the silver jubilee of its formation, Shri Yadav said the hill state had carved out a progressive identity despite facing repeated natural challenges over the past 25 years. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership for giving a new direction to the state’s development, and stressed that the Prime Minister has consistently drawn attention to Himalayan conservation and safety.
Himalayas at the centre of disaster discourse
Calling the Himalayas India’s pride and a repository of spiritual, cultural, environmental and biodiversity wealth, the Minister underlined that rivers originating from the region form the bedrock of Indian civilisation. He urged that Himalayan concerns remain central in global disaster‑management discussions, especially as climate change and human‑induced pressures heighten the frequency and intensity of disasters worldwide.
India’s global leadership and CDRI
Shri Yadav highlighted India’s growing leadership in disaster risk reduction, including Prime Minister Modi’s 10‑point agenda, which has received wide international backing. He noted that India spearheaded creation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, a global institution working on resilient infrastructure and disaster‑related challenges, which demonstrates New Delhi’s capacity to shape global norms and solutions.
Lessons from Silkyara Victory Operation
Referring to the rescue of trapped workers from the Silkyara tunnel as the “Silkyara Victory Operation”, the Minister said the mission has become a symbol of how coordinated efforts, technology and specialised skills can save lives in extremely complex emergencies. He called it an inspiring example for other nations and argued that it underscores the value of science‑ and technology‑driven mitigation, forecasting and preparedness in modern disaster management.
Call for science, technology and cooperation
Shri Yadav stressed that only through advanced technology, sustained research and strong international cooperation can countries effectively manage future multi‑hazard risks. Concluding his message, he expressed confidence that the ideas and recommendations emerging from the Dehradun conference would benefit India and the wider world, guiding the development of integrated strategies to tackle multiple disaster threats.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
