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Silkyara Rescue Anniversary: Why Himalayan Disaster Management Matters Globally

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked the second anniversary of the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation by emphasizing the critical need for robust disaster management. He highlighted how the Himalayan region's environmental balance faces serious threats from climate change and unregulated development. The conference serves as a global platform to coordinate researchers and policymakers in finding solutions. Dhami also praised Prime Minister Modi's disaster response framework that focuses on capacity building and efficiency.

Key Points: CM Dhami Urges Robust Disaster Management After Silkyara Rescue

  • CM Dhami warns of Himalayan threats from climate change and pollution
  • Calls for urgent action against unregulated development in fragile regions
  • Highlights PM Modi's four-pillar disaster response policy framework
  • Cites Silkyara tunnel rescue as example of efficient disaster management
2 min read

Silkyara rescue anniversary: CM Dhami reminds need for robust disaster management

On Silkyara tunnel rescue anniversary, CM Dhami highlights Himalayan disaster threats and calls for coordinated global action on climate resilience.

"The Himalayan ecosystem not only has a bearing on the Asian environment but also has an important role in the global carbon life-cycle - Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Dehradun, Nov 28

On the second anniversary of the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday led experts in discussing the need for robust disaster management and resilient communities in the wake of disasters striking with increasing frequency and intensity.

Addressing the World Disaster Management Conference 2025, Dhami said disaster management in the Himalayan region does not merely represent mountains and snow-capped peaks but a lifeline for the entire Indian sub-continent.

“The Himalayan ecosystem not only has a bearing on the Asian environment but also has an important role in the global carbon life-cycle,” he said.

Highlighting the threat to the Himalayan regions' balance due to climate change, pollution and unregulated development and exploitation of natural resources, the Chief Minister called for an urgent need to address the imbalance being created by these factors.

“The cloudbursts and landslides in the Himalayan region are an indication of these threats,” he said, blaming climate change and extreme weather phenomena for damage.

“Researchers and policy makers need to coordinate well and work in the same direction, and the Summit will serve as a bridge for finding solutions to address the challenges before us,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, disaster mitigation is getting the utmost attention in the country.

He said that PM Modi has promoted a disaster response policy based on four pillars of capacity building, speed, efficiency and accuracy.

He cited the rescue operation at Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel on the Dharasu-Yamunotri section of National Highway 134 in Uttarakhand as an example of efficient disaster management. The incident gained international attention after a landslide trapped 41 workers for over two weeks in November 2023.

He hoped the strategies devised during the conference would benefit not just Uttarakhand, other Indian hill states and the entire world.

The World Summit on Disaster Management (WSDM) 2025 is a global platform uniting researchers, scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders to address these urgent challenges.

Hosted by the Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), this summit fosters experiential learning, multi-stakeholder engagement, and the creation of innovative, scalable solutions for a safer, more resilient future.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the focus on disaster management, I hope this isn't just talk. We need actual implementation of strict building codes in hilly areas. Too many illegal constructions are making our mountains vulnerable to disasters.
A
Arjun K
The Himalayan ecosystem is crucial for our entire country's water security. Glad to see Uttarakhand taking the lead in disaster management. We need more such conferences with practical outcomes. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
As someone who visited Uttarakhand last year, I can see the environmental challenges firsthand. The Silkyara rescue showed incredible coordination. Hope the summit leads to real solutions that balance development and ecology.
S
Shreya B
We need to involve local communities more in disaster management planning. They know the terrain best and can be first responders. Good initiative by CM Dhami! 👍
K
Karthik V
The four pillars approach mentioned by PM Modi makes sense. But we also need better early warning systems and community training. The increasing frequency of cloudbursts in Uttarakhand is alarming. Stay safe everyone!

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