New Delhi |
Over 1,000 delegates, including Relief Commissioners, State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs), and representatives from disaster response agencies. They gathered in New Delhi for the Annual Conference on Disaster Preparedness. This held over two days, concluding on June 17, 2025. Organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the two-day conference aimed to enhance India’s capacity to manage evolving disaster risks, emphasising faster response, smarter planning, and deeper community involvement.
The valedictory session was chaired by Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, who described the gathering as more than a routine meet—it was a platform to reflect, recalibrate, and reinforce India’s disaster risk management approach.
“Disaster preparedness is not a matter of hours but a matter of minutes. Every minute taken in mobilisation and starting relief operations counts.”— Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
Key Priorities Outlined:
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From Relief to Preparedness
Dr. Mishra called for a shift in mindset from reactive relief to proactive preparedness and mitigation, urging states to institutionalise lessons learned from past disasters. -
Speed Saves Lives
“Preparedness is no longer a matter of hours, but minutes.”
He said, stressing the importance of early warning systems and rapid mobilisation during emergencies.
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Strengthening State Agencies
States were advised to invest in the capacity of their own response units, complementing the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), especially in a country as geographically diverse as India. -
Focus on Emerging Threats
High-impact but often underestimated disasters like drought and lightning were identified as key focus areas for mitigation strategies. -
Smart, Local Solutions
Dr. Mishra recommended low-cost, high-impact interventions, particularly to tackle challenges like urban flooding, tailored to local geographical conditions. -
Community Participation as a Force Multiplier
Initiatives such as Aapda Mitra and the Prime Minister’s ‘My Bharat’ programme were highlighted as critical tools for engaging youth and volunteers in disaster response. -
Data-Driven Planning
The use of PM Gati Shakti’s spatial layers was encouraged for creating accurate and responsive disaster management plans.
What the Conference Covered
The event featured sessions on:
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Early Warning Systems
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Urban Flood Management
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Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
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Role of Disaster Response Forces
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Mock Drills and Volunteerism
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Adoption of New Technologies
Dr. Mishra also praised India’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) financing model, which was recently recognised at the Global Platform on DRR in Geneva (June 4–6, 2025), and urged states to ensure effective use of Recovery and Mitigation Funds.
The 2025 conference marked a reaffirmation of India’s resolve to build a resilient disaster response ecosystem, grounded in community participation, institutional reform, and rapid adaptation to new challenges.
