Bhupender Yadav Calls for Global Himalayan Focus at Disaster Meet in Dehradun

Shri Yadav congratulated the people of Uttarakhand as the state celebrates 25 years of its formation, noting its progress despite ongoing geographical and climatic challenges.

The World Disaster Management Conference–2025, a three-day global gathering hosted in Dehradun by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), opened with a strong call for science-driven resilience and worldwide cooperation in managing disasters. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, addressed delegates through a video message on Friday, underscoring the urgent need for a global perspective that places the Himalayas at the centre of disaster preparedness and environmental protection.

A Landmark Event for Uttarakhand in Its Silver Jubilee Year

Shri Yadav congratulated the people of Uttarakhand as the state celebrates 25 years of its formation, noting its progress despite ongoing geographical and climatic challenges. He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state has carved a distinct profile—one defined by resilience, ecological consciousness and development rooted in its Himalayan identity.

Yadav emphasized that the Prime Minister has consistently advocated for the conservation and safety of the Himalayan region, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to the unique environmental and cultural heritage of the mountains.

Himalayas as India’s Ecological and Spiritual Backbone

In his message, the Minister described the Himalayas as “our pride and a treasure of India’s spiritual, cultural, environmental, and biodiversity legacy.” He reminded participants that the rivers flowing from the Himalayan glaciers form the lifeline of Indian civilization and sustain millions across the subcontinent. This geographic importance, he said, demands that the Himalayas be placed at the forefront of international discussions on disaster risk reduction.

Yadav warned that with the twin impacts of climate change and human-driven pressures, disaster incidents—such as floods, landslides, glacial lake outbursts and extreme weather—are becoming more frequent and more severe worldwide. These trends, he said, necessitate a comprehensive global strategy that integrates science, technology, community participation and international cooperation.

India’s Global Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction

Reflecting on India’s contributions, Shri Yadav highlighted the global endorsement of the Prime Minister’s 10-point agenda on disaster management, which emphasizes risk reduction, resilience-building, early warning systems, and the integration of disaster preparedness into all levels of development planning.

He also noted the success of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)—an international organization launched by India that now plays a key role in supporting nations to build climate- and disaster-resilient public infrastructure. He called CDRI’s progress a testament to India’s leadership in shaping the global disaster preparedness landscape.

Silkyara Rescue: A Model of Determination and Technology

Referring to the recent “Silkyara Victory Operation”—the rescue of trapped tunnel workers in Uttarakhand—Shri Yadav said the episode has become an iconic example of what determined leadership, technical expertise and coordinated effort can achieve even in the most perilous conditions. The operation, which combined cutting-edge machinery with traditional tunnelling skills, has gained international recognition for its precision and success under intense pressure.

Yadav urged that such examples inspire stronger integration of science, technology, forecasting tools, and data-driven planning into disaster management systems across India and the world.

Strengthening Preparedness Through Research and Collaboration

The Minister stressed that to address the growing complexity of natural disasters, countries must invest in:

• Advanced forecasting systems

• Satellite-based monitoring

• Climate-resilient infrastructure

• Community-level disaster education

• Cross-border information-sharing

• Robust emergency response mechanisms

He expressed confidence that the research, discussions, and recommendations produced during the Dehradun conference would contribute meaningfully to shaping multi-hazard strategies—approaches that consider the interconnected nature of disasters.

Charting the Path Forward

Concluding his address, Shri Bhupender Yadav extended his best wishes to UCOST and the collaborating national and international organizations. He expressed hope that the conference will help policymakers, scientists, and disaster management professionals develop practical solutions that benefit not only India but vulnerable regions across the world.

With its focus on scientific innovation, climate resilience, and Himalayan conservation, the World Disaster Management Conference–2025 opens a new chapter in global dialogue—one driven by collaboration, foresight and a commitment to safeguarding communities against the rising tide of disasters.