Dr. Singh stated that three weather radars have already been installed at Surkanda Devi, Mukteshwar, and Lansdowne, and three more will soon be commissioned at Haridwar, Pantnagar, and Auli. The state now has 33 meteorological observatories, 142 automatic weather stations (AWS), and an extensive network of rain gauges and block-level monitoring systems.
Strategic Importance of Uttarakhand
Calling Uttarakhand the ideal venue for a global disaster dialogue, the Minister emphasized the state’s unique geographical sensitivities, Himalayan ecosystem, and past experiences with extreme events such as the 2013 Kedarnath cloudburst and 2021 Chamoli disaster. The state’s disaster response over the past 25 years, including the Silkyara Tunnel rescue, has set benchmarks in global disaster management literature.
Advanced Early Warning Systems
The Minister highlighted the introduction of the “Nowcast” system to provide three-hour forecasts, enabling timely alerts to administrations and communities. Coordinated efforts by NDMA, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and scientific institutions have led to advanced forest fire weather services and real-time monitoring to mitigate hydrometeorological hazards.
Climate, Disaster Research, and Economic Opportunities
Dr. Singh announced a specialized Himalayan climate study program to generate predictive indicators for vulnerable districts. He emphasized leveraging Himalayan strengths for economic opportunities, promoting agri-startups, and supporting CSIR-led value-addition models to create sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities.
Global Leadership in Disaster Preparedness
The Minister emphasized India’s growing role in offering technical expertise to neighboring countries in disaster resilience. Linking climate adaptation, early warning systems, and sustainable development, Dr. Singh underscored that disaster mitigation is both an economic and humanitarian priority.
The summit was attended by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, NDMA members, scientists, faculty, and students. Dr. Singh congratulated organizers and highlighted Uttarakhand’s critical contributions to shaping the global narrative on disaster management.