The two-day Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) of States and Union Territories, hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), concluded in New Delhi today. Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired the closing session, stressing the urgency of adapting to evolving disaster risks through proactive and collaborative strategies.
Speaking to over 1,000 delegates from state governments, Union Territories, central ministries, and agencies like SDRFs, Civil Defence, Home Guards, and Fire Services, Dr. Mishra called the conference a vital platform for reflection and recalibration of India’s disaster management approach. He noted that disasters are becoming more interconnected, with multiplying impacts and risks outpacing current adaptations.
Dr. Mishra emphasized the need for enhanced preparedness to tackle the growing uncertainty of disasters, urging states to adapt to shifting hazard and vulnerability patterns. He highlighted the importance of institutionalizing lessons from past disasters to transition from a relief-focused approach to one prioritizing preparedness and mitigation. India’s disaster risk reduction financing model, recently praised at the Global Platform on DRR in Geneva (June 4-6, 2025), requires effective utilization of Recovery and Mitigation Funds by states, he added.
Given India’s diverse geography, Dr. Mishra called for increased investment in the capacity of disaster relief agencies to complement the National Disaster Response Force. He stressed that disaster preparedness hinges on rapid response, where every minute counts, and urged improvements in early warning systems for specific disasters. He also advocated for recalibrated mitigation efforts to address high-impact disasters like droughts and lightning, which pose severe threats to lives and livelihoods. Low-cost, locally tailored interventions, particularly for urban flooding, were highlighted as critical.
Community engagement was another key focus, with Dr. Mishra encouraging volunteer mobilization through initiatives like Aapda Mitra and the Prime Minister’s ‘My Bharat’ program to involve youth in disaster response. He also underscored the role of data, recommending the use of PM Gati Shakti’s layers for crafting robust disaster management plans. In light of extreme weather events and uncertainties, he urged states to overhaul institutions, processes, and systems to minimize loss of life and property.
The conference featured discussions on early warning systems, post-disaster needs assessment, urban flood management, new technologies, the role of disaster response forces, mock exercises, and volunteerism. Experts and delegates explored strategies to address emerging challenges, particularly extreme weather events, to bolster India’s resilience.
The event reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness through collaboration, innovation, and community-driven efforts, aiming to mitigate the risks of an increasingly complex disaster landscape.
