Himachal Pradesh Launches Ambitious Plan to Build Community Resilience for Disaster Management

In an effort to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve public safety, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has unveiled a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at training 1% of the state’s population as Civil Defence volunteers. The initiative was announced during the 62nd State-Level Raising Day of the Home Guards and Civil Defence at The Ridge in Shimla, as part of a larger Disaster Management Awareness Campaign. The campaign, which started on December 6, 2024, will run until January 6, 2025, and aims to foster widespread public involvement in disaster response.

Empowering Communities for Effective Disaster Response

The initiative underscores the critical role of community involvement in managing natural calamities, which have become increasingly frequent due to climate change. Sukhu emphasized the urgency of preparing citizens to respond proactively in emergency situations. “Our state is facing new challenges, including cloudbursts and devastating weather events. Community participation is the key to effective disaster management,” Sukhu remarked during his speech at the event.

The Chief Minister’s plan not only focuses on training a significant portion of the population but also encourages citizens to actively engage in relief and rescue operations when disasters strike.

Drone Technology Enhancing Rescue Efforts

In line with modernizing disaster management, the Himachal Pradesh government announced the establishment of drone stations at all district headquarters. These drone stations will support rescue and relief operations, with drones capable of handling heavier payloads and covering more ground. This will significantly enhance the capabilities of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and ensure faster, more efficient operations during emergencies.

The use of drones will be particularly useful in difficult-to-reach areas, where traditional rescue methods may be slow or impractical. The drones will play a key role in augmenting the state’s disaster response infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Workforce Expansion for Disaster Response

To further enhance the state’s disaster management capacity, Sukhu revealed plans to construct a dedicated SDRF headquarters in Palampur and a new Kangra Unit campus. The government has also prioritized the establishment of 74 Home Guard company offices and 12 disaster response training centers across the state. These centers will serve as hubs for quick deployment during natural disasters and ensure that response teams are well-equipped and prepared for emergencies.

Sukhu acknowledged the extraordinary contributions of the Home Guards, particularly during the devastating monsoon disaster of the previous year. Their efforts, including the successful evacuation of 75,000 stranded tourists and the rescue of 300 individuals from the remote Chandratal region in Lahaul-Spiti, were lauded as exemplary.

Recognizing and Supporting the Heroes of Disaster Management

The Home Guards, along with personnel from the SDRF and Fire Department, were instrumental in the state’s response to last year’s catastrophic monsoon disaster. Sukhu praised their dedication, noting that they have carried out over 31,000 rescue and relief operations over the past decade, saving 3,600 lives and protecting assets worth more than ₹10,000 crore.

In recognition of their efforts, the Chief Minister announced a series of benefits for the Home Guards. These include a 180-day maternity leave for women and a substantial increase in the daily allowance for deployments outside the state, which will rise from ₹60 to ₹500. To further strengthen the Home Guard workforce, 700 vacant posts will be filled, ensuring the unit is adequately staffed for future operations.

Boosting Fire Safety Across the State

As part of ongoing improvements to the state’s disaster management infrastructure, the government also announced a series of upgrades to the fire services. New fire stations will be established in Nadaun, Deha, Indora, and Kotkhai to improve coverage and response times. The government will also create 240 new positions within the fire services and procure eight new fire vehicles to enhance operational capabilities and readiness.

These initiatives are designed to modernize the state’s fire safety infrastructure, ensuring that it is equipped to handle emergencies efficiently and effectively.

A Vision for a Safer, Resilient Himachal Pradesh

The comprehensive measures introduced by Chief Minister Sukhu reflect a clear vision to bolster disaster management capabilities across Himachal Pradesh. From community-driven preparedness programs to the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies like drones, these initiatives are setting the foundation for a more resilient state.

By empowering citizens, strengthening emergency response teams, and expanding critical infrastructure, the government aims to create a safer, more disaster-resilient Himachal Pradesh. These steps are expected to enhance the state’s ability to manage future challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents.