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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.
India Gazette
6 days ago
- Science
- India Gazette
IMD DG Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra felicitated in Bhadrak after being conferred with UN Sasakawa Award
Bhadrak (Odisha) [India], June 16 (ANI): Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra, the Director-General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), was conferred with the United Nations Sasakawa Award-2025 for his contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction. His work in disaster risk reduction has been recognised globally, showcasing his expertise in meteorology and commitment to saving lives. Dr. Mohapatra has significantly improved cyclone warning services for 13 WMO/ESCAP Panel member countries, reducing track and intensity forecast errors. He has held various leadership positions in WMO committees, including Chairman of the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones and the Regional Sub-project Management Team of SWFP-South Asia. This prestigious award acknowledges Dr. Mohapatra's outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction. His hometown, Bhadrak, has enthusiastically felicitated him, recognising his achievements and dedication to public Mohapatra's work has had a profound impact on disaster management and mitigation, inspiring others in the field of meteorology. According to Giridhari Natha, who is a friend of Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra, the IMD DG is his friend and classmate. Both live in the same locality. He hailed Dr Mohapatra, and believes that he is a talented person who has saved many lives not only in India but the world as well. The latter said that Dr Mohapatra should be respected and felicitated in their locality and soil. 'Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra is a friend of mine, my classmate and schoolmate. We belong to the same locality. On June 5, 2025, when he was awarded with the Sasakawa award at Geneva. Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra, a scientist and a talented person who has been saving huge lives not only in India but in the world as well. He should be felicitated and respected in our locality and soil', Giridhari Natha told ANI. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Odisha Guv, CM, opposition leader congratulate IMD director general M Mohapatra for UN award
Bhubaneswar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Monday congratulated IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra for receiving the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. Congratulating Mohapatra on being conferred the prestigious award, Kambhampati in post on X said, "Dr. Mohapatra's pioneering work in cyclone forecasting and early warning systems has significantly enhanced disaster preparedness, safeguarded vulnerable communities, and saved countless lives." "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the Director General of the India Meteorological Department, Shri Miunjay Mohapatra, on being awarded the prestigious UN Sasakawa Prize - 2025. Your accurate assessments during natural disasters have helped save countless precious lives. As an Odia, your achievement is a matter of pride and honour for both the state and the country. I wish you continued success," Chief Minister Majhi said in a social media post. Taking to X, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik said, "Congratulate #Odisha's Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology of @Indiametdept on being conferred with United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. He has been awarded for his pioneering work in reducing cyclone-related fatalities across the Indian Ocean region. #Odisha is proud of your achievement." Mohapatra, who hails from Odisha's Bhadrak district and is popularly known as the 'Cyclone Man of India,' was recognised for his outstanding contributions to tropical cyclone forecasting and early warning systems. He has been serving as the IMD Director General since 2019. He is also one of the three vice-presidents of the World Meteorological Organisation, the UN agency for climate change, weather and water. The award was presented during the eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Geneva recently. In a message, Mohapatra said, "Received United Nations Sasakawa Award, 2025 for disaster risk reduction. I am really grateful." Earlier this year, Mohapatra received the Scientific and Technological Activities Commission Outstanding Service Award 2025 from the American Meteorological Society in recognition of his transformative work in enhancing tropical cyclone prediction and warning systems.
