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India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"States should focus on low-cost but high-impact interventions to mitigate disaster risks": Principal Secretary to PM
New Delhi [India], June 17 (ANI): The two-day Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) of States and UTs-2025, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), concluded in New Delhi today. PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired the valedictory session, Ministry of Home Affairs said in an official statement. Speaking on the occasion, P K Mishra said that this annual conference is more than a routine--it's a shared opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and reinforce our collective approach to disaster risk management. Observing that the nature of disasters is changing, he said that we must accept this reality i.e. hazards are interconnected, impacts are multiplying, and risks are evolving faster than we are adapting. P K Mishra highlighted the actions to be focused in the days to come, which will strengthen our position in a long run: Preparedness and awareness is crucial for tackling increasing uncertainty on disaster occurrence. The hazard and vulnerability landscape are changing and so should enhance the preparedness level of the states and for better transition from relief and response approach to preparedness and mitigation approach, states need to institutionalise the lessons learnt. This is essential, so that insights from the past disasters are not forgotten. He emphasised that while India's DRR financing model has been acknowledged at the Global Platform on DRR held in Geneva on 4-6 June, States should ensure for proper utilisation of recovery and mitigation funds. He added the need to highlight India's vast geography, which mandates that besides a robust national disaster response force, states should assess and invest in capacity augmentation of agencies involved in the disaster relief operations, as per the ministry. Disaster preparedness is not a matter of hours but is a matter of minutes, as every minute taken in mobilisation and starting relief operation counts. Thus, the speed of response should be improved. There is still a lot to be done on the early warning from for certain disasters, PK Mishra highlighed, according to the release. He also emphasised, 'Potential of loss in certain disasters is found to be more than estimated. For example, drought has the potential to severely affect lives and livelihood. These days lightning is coming forth as one of the largest-fatality disasters. Hence, our mitigation efforts should be re-calibrated to tackle these kind of disasters.' 'States should focus on low cost but high impact interventions to mitigate disaster risks. Urban flooding solutions need to keep in mind the local geographical and climatic conditions,' he emphasised. He pressed on Volunteer mobilisation like involvement of community through Aapda Mitra is very important for enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response, adding that states should realise the role Jan-Bhagidari can play in saving lives in the aftermath of disasters. Highlighting the importance of data in disaster management, he urged the use of PM's Gati Shakti layers in making DM Plans, according to the release. The two-day conference was attended by over 1000 delegates from State Governments/ UTs, Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations of Central Government and from SDRFs/Civil Defence/ Home Guards/Fire Services in the States/UTs. During the conference, various sessions were organized and the experts dwelled upon the subjects like Early Warning, Post Disaster Need Assessment, Urban floods management, new challenges and adoption of new technologies, Role of Disaster Response Forces, Mock exercises, volunteerism, etc. the release added. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
States should focus on low cost high impact disaster mitigation plans: PK Mishra
New Delhi, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, on Tuesday said that states should focus on low cost but high impact interventions to mitigate disaster risks. Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners and State Disaster Response Force , Mishra said the potential of loss in certain disasters is found to be more than estimated which needs re-calibration of mitigation efforts to tackle them. Observing the nature of disasters is changing, he said that we must accept this reality that hazards are interconnected, impacts are multiplying and risks are evolving faster than we are adapting. "In view of the emerging challenges of extreme events and uncertainties, states need to recalibrate and re-activate their institutions, processes and systems for equipping themselves to be ready to handle such situation by preventing loss of life and property," he added. Mishra said that states should focus on low cost but high impact interventions to mitigate disaster risks. "Preparedness and awareness is crucial for tackling increasing uncertainty on disaster occurrence. The hazard and vulnerability landscape are changing and so should enhance the preparedness level of the states," said Mishra, according to an official statement. "For better transition from relief and response approach to preparedness and mitigation approach, states need to institutionalise the lessons learnt. This is essential, so that insights from the past disasters are not forgotten," he added. Mishra said India's Disaster Risk Reduction financing model has been acknowledged at the global platform on DRR held in Geneva on June 4-6, 2025, states should ensure for proper utilisation of recovery and mitigation funds. Highlighting India's vast geography, which mandates a robust national disaster response force, he said that states should assess and invest in capacity augmentation of agencies involved in the disaster relief operations. "Disaster preparedness is not a matter of hours but is a matter of minutes, as every minute taken in mobilisation and starting relief operation counts. Thus, the speed of response should be improved. There is still a lot to be done on the early warning from for certain disasters," added Mishra. Giving example of drought having the potential to severely affect lives and livelihood, the principal secretary said the potential of loss in certain disasters is found to be more than estimated. "These days lightning is coming forth as one of the largest-fatality disasters. Hence, our mitigation efforts should be re-calibrated to tackle these kind of disasters. States should focus on low cost but high impact interventions to mitigate disaster risks," he added. Mishra said that urban flooding solutions need to keep in mind the local geographical and climatic conditions. The principal secretary further said the Aapda Mitra scheme for volunteer mobilisation like community involvement is very important for enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response. "States should realise the role Jan-Bhagidari can play in saving lives in the aftermath of disasters. 'My Bharat' initiative of the prime minister can used for involving youths in disaster response," he said. Mishra said data plays an important role in disaster management and urged the use of 'Gati Shakti' in making disaster management plans. "The two-day conference was attended by over 1,000 delegates from State Governments/ UTs, Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations of Central Government and from SDRFs/Civil Defence/ Home Guards/Fire Services in the States/UTs," the statement said. Various sessions were organized during the conference and the experts dwelled upon the subjects like early warning, post disaster need assessment, urban floods management, new challenges and adoption of new technologies, role of disaster response forces, mock exercises, volunteerism etc., it said.
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
SM Prime's Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience at UNDRR Global Platform 2025
Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland. Photo from Antoine Tardy for the UNDRR. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland. Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on 'Accelerating Financing and Resilience,' Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions. Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR 'Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,' Sy stated. 'We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.' Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025. He cited SM Prime's integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks. Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships. Embedding resilience into core business strategy In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime's approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster. The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding. Call to scale resilience investment To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. 'From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,' he noted. His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime's leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions. 'Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,' he concluded. The article above is a sponsored press release from SM Prime Holdings.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India calls for global facility for disaster risk reduction
New Delhi: India has called for the creation of a new global facility, backed by the United Nations and multilateral financial institutions, to provide catalytic funding, technical assistance, and a platform for knowledge exchange to boost disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts across the world. Addressing an UN ministerial roundtable on DRR financing in Geneva, PK Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, underscored the absence of a dedicated international financial mechanism to support establishment and strengthening of DRR financing systems. DRR financing is crucial for vulnerable nations to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of escalating climate-related disasters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta é a melhor maneira de se livrar de pólipos na pele! Conselhos E Truques Undo Mishra reaffirmed India's commitment to leadership and collaboration in developing a DRR financing framework that is nationally driven by each country, yet internationally supported. Underlining the need for diverse financial instruments beyond public finance, he said mechanisms such as risk pooling, insurance, and innovative financial tools should be developed in alignment with local affordability and fiscal sustainability. Live Events
Mint
06-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
India calls for dedicated global funding mechanism for tackling disaster risks
New Delhi: India has called for a dedicated international mechanism to support the establishment and strengthening of financing systems to help nations mitigate disaster risks. Speaking at the Ministerial Roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Financing at Geneva on 4 June, P.K. Mishra, principal secretary to prime minister Narendra Modi, called for the creation of a global facility, backed by the UN system and multilateral financial institutions, to provide catalytic funding, technical assistance, and a platform for knowledge exchange, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday. The roundtable was convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) He echoed India's longstanding complaint of the absence of global financing for addressing climate risks. On 29 May, in an address to students of Delhi University, finanace minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that even as countries like India have committed to a greener future, they are having to find their own resources in the absence of global funding, as reported by Mint. She had added that India is continuously working with multilateral institutions to make sure they have enough leverage with their funds to finance the common cause of climate action. Speaking on India's approach to disaster risk reduction, Mishra said that the country's financing system was built on four key principles. This includes dedicated financial windows for preparedness, mitigation, relief, and recovery. Second, prioritization of the needs of affected people and vulnerable communities. The third is accessibility of financial resources across all government levels—central, state, and local. Fourth, accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes guiding all expenditures. Emphasizing on the importance of predetermined, rules-based allocations flowing from national to state and district levels, Mishra added that the Disaster Management Act of 2005 ensured that disaster financing in the country is structured and predictable rather than reactive. Mishra stressed that disaster risk financing must be nationally owned and driven, complemented by international cooperation. The G20 presidency drove efforts to reduce disaster risks by setting up the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group in the 18th meeting of the G20, hosted by India on 9 and 10 September, 2023. In the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, the G20 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the UN's Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), which aims to reduce disaster risks and losses globally. To achieve this, they agreed to support building up capabilities of all countries, especially lesser developed countries to strengthen climate resilience of infrastructure systems.
