Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, addresses the conference. (Photo: PIB)
YMAM Desk
New Delhi, June 17, 2025 – The Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) of States and Union Territories (UTs)-2025, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), concluded today in New Delhi.
Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired the valedictory session.
Conference Highlights
Dr. Mishra emphasized that this annual conference is more than a routine gathering; it represents a shared opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and reinforce the collective approach to disaster risk management.
He highlighted the evolving nature of disasters, noting that hazards are interconnected, impacts are multiplying, and risks are evolving faster than we are adapting — a reality that must be accepted.
Key Actions Outlined by Dr. Mishra
Enhance Preparedness and Awareness
States must enhance preparedness levels to address increasing uncertainty in disaster occurrence.
Institutionalize Lessons Learned
States need to ensure insights from past disasters are institutionalized for preparedness and mitigation.
Proper Utilization of Funds
States must ensure proper utilization of recovery and mitigation funds under the globally recognized DRR financing model.
Augment Agency Capacity
States should assess and invest in augmenting the capacity of agencies involved in disaster relief operations.
Improve Response Speed and Early Warning
There is a need to improve response speed and work on early warning systems for certain disasters.
Recalibrate Mitigation Efforts
Mitigation efforts should address underestimated disaster risks like drought and lightning fatalities.
Focus on Low-Cost, High-Impact Interventions
States should prioritize interventions like urban flooding solutions tailored to local conditions.
Mobilize Volunteers and Community
States should leverage community participation and youth initiatives like 'Aapda Mitra' and 'My Bharat.'
Utilize Data in DM Plans
Dr. Mishra urged the use of the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti layers in Disaster Management Plans.
Recalibrate and Re-activate Institutions
Institutions, processes, and systems need recalibration to tackle emerging challenges and extreme events.
The conference brought together delegates from State Governments, UTs, Central Government Ministries, Departments, Organizations, and various disaster response forces. Sessions covered critical subjects like early warning, urban floods management, and the role of disaster response forces.