Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Launches 2025 Disaster Management Calendar and Supports Districts with Relief Vehicles
Dehradun: In an effort to bolster disaster preparedness across Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami today launched the 2025 calendar for the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA). This initiative aims to raise public awareness regarding disaster safety, ensuring that the citizens of Uttarakhand are better equipped to handle natural calamities.
Along with the calendar launch, CM Dhami also flagged off four pickup vehicles, which were received under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) head. These vehicles, designated for the districts of Champawat, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Udham Singh Nagar, are equipped with essential relief materials. The equipment sent in these vehicles includes tents, sleeping bags, mini generators, and thousands of leaflets for lightning safety awareness.
A Comprehensive Approach to Disaster Preparedness
CM Dhami emphasized that disaster awareness is key to minimizing the damage caused by natural calamities. “With awareness, alertness, and vigilance, the impact of disasters can be significantly reduced,” he stated. The Chief Minister believes that when the public is informed about the different types of disasters and their respective safety measures, they can take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others during times of crisis.
As part of the 2025 New Year calendar initiative, USDMA has included important disaster prevention messages for each season, ensuring that the citizens receive timely and relevant information. The calendar serves as an educational tool, with information on disaster safety tips for specific seasons, such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, storms, and road accidents.
CM Dhami noted that these awareness materials are being disseminated through multiple channels, including social media, where animated videos and safety posts are regularly shared. This digital approach allows for greater reach and ensures that the public remains constantly updated with essential disaster preparedness information.
Strengthening Relief Operations in Uttarakhand
The flagged-off pickup vehicles are part of the state’s ongoing effort to equip districts with the tools necessary for effective disaster response. Each of the four vehicles contains one mini generator, 15 sleeping bags, 70 tents, and 9,500 leaflets for lightning protection. The vehicles, intended for rapid deployment during disaster situations, will support the relief and rescue operations in these high-risk districts.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as Uttarakhand is prone to natural disasters, especially during the monsoon season and periods of heavy rainfall. By supplying districts with necessary relief items and vehicles, the state aims to strengthen its response capabilities, ensuring that first responders are well-prepared.
Disaster Management Education from Early Years
CM Dhami has also taken steps to include disaster management education in the state’s school curriculum. Under his instructions, a committee has been formed to ensure that primary school children in Uttarakhand are taught about the safety protocols for different disasters. Educating children from a young age, the Chief Minister believes, will instill disaster preparedness as a lifelong skill.
“Children who are taught about disasters like earthquakes, floods, and landslides at an early age will be better equipped to handle these situations without panicking,” he said. This initiative will not only contribute to individual safety but also foster responsible citizenship in the community.
Community-Based Disaster Preparedness
The Chief Minister also highlighted the crucial role of local communities in disaster preparedness. Local residents are often the first responders during a disaster, and it is essential for them to be equipped with knowledge and tools to aid in rescue efforts. CM Dhami commended the efforts of USDMA in creating a network of disaster friends, who will be trained to assist during emergencies.
In addition to the local initiatives, the state is also focused on providing timely disaster alerts to the general public. Advisories are regularly issued by the State Emergency Operations Center, ensuring that people are aware of impending risks and can take preventive measures in advance.
A Unified Effort for a Safer Uttarakhand
The event was attended by several key figures, including Secretary of Disaster Management Mr. Vinod Kumar Suman, USDMA Additional Chief Executive Officer Mr. Anand Swaroop, and Additional Chief Executive Officer (Implementation) Mr. Rajkumar Negi, among others. Together, they reinforced the importance of a collaborative approach in ensuring the safety and resilience of Uttarakhand’s communities in the face of natural disasters.
CM Dhami concluded his speech by stressing the importance of building a disaster-resilient society. “It is not just about preparedness; it’s about making every individual in our state aware and capable of taking action in times of disaster,” he said.