Chandigarh September 17, 2026:The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today called for strengthening disaster preparedness, coordination among agencies and public participation to minimise loss of life and property during disasters. Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day “Integrated Symposium on Disaster Management” organised by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), NITSRDR and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Governor emphasised the need to use the experiences and outcomes of such deliberations to develop better disaster management strategies and translate them into effective action.

Highlighting the growing complexity of disasters, Shri Kataria said that effective disaster management requires advance preparedness, risk assessment, mitigation, coordinated response and active community participation, particularly in the vulnerable Himalayan and high-altitude regions. He stressed that the collective efforts of ITBP, NITSRDR, NDMA and other agencies should contribute to evolving more effective mechanisms to protect lives and strengthen disaster resilience.

The symposium aims to facilitate comprehensive deliberations on disaster management challenges in the Himalayan region, preparedness, early warning and forecasting systems, emerging technologies, scientific cooperation and effective response mechanisms. It also provides a platform for various Central and State/UT agencies and expert institutions to share experiences and strengthen coordination in disaster response.

Shri Krishna S. Vatsa, Member and HoD, NDMA, was present as the Guest of Honour. The programme was organised under the leadership of Shri Rajesh Kumar, IPS, IG, Western Command, ITBP. Shri Yudhvir Singh Rana, DIG, NITSRDR, delivered the welcome address to the guests.

The first day of the symposium focused on national disaster risk profiles, disaster management policy and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Experts highlighted the shift in India’s disaster management approach from a primarily relief- and response-oriented model towards greater emphasis on preparedness, risk assessment and risk reduction.

Discussions also covered the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, including its four priority areas for action and the integration of DRR with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The institutional framework for disaster management in India was also discussed, with emphasis on effective coordination among NDMA, NDRF, Central Armed Police Forces, the Ministry of Home Affairs, State Disaster Management Authorities and other agencies.

The role of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in coordinated disaster response was highlighted, along with the need for effective coordination between Central and State agencies during emergencies.

Experts also discussed the functioning of the Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER), aimed at receiving real-time warnings, monitoring relief and response operations and facilitating incident reporting. The use of the NDEM 5.0 portal for accessing disaster-related current status, early warnings and historical data was also explained.

The symposium emphasised the need to strengthen Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Incident Response System and the Common Alerting Protocol for ensuring quick and standardised dissemination of information during disasters. The use of technology for geo-targeted alerts in regional and local languages was highlighted as an important component of an effective warning system.

Experts stressed the importance of expanding the Aapda Mitra scheme and strengthening community-based disaster preparedness. The role of mock exercises, mega mock exercises and inter-state and international joint exercises in enhancing disaster response capabilities was also discussed.

The sessions also examined emerging challenges, including extreme rainfall, cascading hazards, accidents on highways and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Experiences from incidents in Sikkim and the Rishiganga power project were discussed to draw lessons for future preparedness and response.

The need to address fragmented approaches, cross-border impacts and the lack of standardised disaster management mechanisms was also highlighted. Participants stressed the importance of adopting a Whole-of-Government Approach and strengthening coordination among departments and agencies.

Representatives and experts from IMD, CWC, DRDO/DGRE, NCS, IIT Ropar, WIHG, DGDE, BBMB and ITBP, among other institutions, participated in the symposium.

The remaining sessions of the two-day symposium will cover further important aspects of disaster management, with experts and participating agencies sharing their knowledge, experiences and best practices aimed at making disaster management in the Himalayan region more effective, coordinated and resilient.

At the conclusion of the inaugural programme, Shri Mohit Chawla, IPS, DIG, Western Command, ITBP, expressed gratitude to the Governor, Guest of Honour, participating experts, institutions and all stakeholders for their contribution to the successful organisation of the symposium.