What Lessons Can We Learn From the Silkyara Rescue Anniversary?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In this important discourse, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasizes the pressing need for effective disaster management on the second anniversary of the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation, addressing the increasing frequency of disasters. This summit serves as a vital platform for experts to collaborate and develop solutions for a resilient future.
Key Takeaways
- Effective disaster management is crucial in the face of increasing natural calamities.
- The Himalayan ecosystem plays a vital role in environmental health.
- Climate change is a significant threat, requiring urgent action to maintain ecological balance.
- Collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and communities is essential.
- Innovative solutions for disaster resilience are needed for a safer future.
Dehradun, Nov 28 (NationPress) Marking the second anniversary of the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spearheaded discussions with experts on the critical necessity for effective disaster management and the development of resilient communities, especially as disasters occur more frequently and with greater severity.
While addressing the World Disaster Management Conference 2025, Dhami emphasized that disaster management in the Himalayan region is not just about the mountains and snow-covered peaks, but serves as a vital lifeline for the entire Indian sub-continent.
“The Himalayan ecosystem impacts the Asian environment significantly and plays a crucial role in the global carbon life-cycle,” he noted.
Pointing out the threats to the ecological balance of the Himalayan regions from climate change, pollution, and unregulated exploitation of natural resources, the Chief Minister underscored the urgent requirement to tackle the disturbances caused by these factors.
“Recent cloudbursts and landslides in the Himalayan areas are indications of these dangers,” he stated, attributing the destruction to climate change and extreme weather conditions.
“It is essential for researchers and policymakers to collaborate effectively and align their efforts; this Summit will act as a conduit for devising solutions to our pressing challenges,” he stated.
Dhami added that, under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, disaster mitigation has gained significant focus across the nation.
He noted that PM Modi has introduced a disaster response strategy founded on four pillars: capacity building, speed, efficiency, and accuracy.
He referred to the rescue operation at Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel along the Dharasu-Yamunotri section of National Highway 134 in Uttarakhand as an exemplary model of effective disaster management. This operation drew international attention after a landslide trapped 41 workers for over two weeks in November 2023.
He expressed hope that the strategies formulated during the conference would be beneficial not only for Uttarakhand but also for other Indian hill states and the global community.
The World Summit on Disaster Management (WSDM) 2025 serves as a global platform bringing together researchers, scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders to tackle these urgent issues.
Hosted by the Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), this summit encourages experiential learning, multi-stakeholder engagement, and the development of innovative, scalable solutions for a safer and more resilient future.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the significance of the discourse on disaster management led by Chief Minister Dhami. The increasing frequency of disasters calls for immediate action and innovative strategies, emphasizing the collective responsibility of researchers, policymakers, and communities to ensure a resilient future for our Himalayan regions and beyond.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation?
The Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation is significant as it exemplifies effective disaster management, drawing international attention when 41 workers were trapped for over two weeks due to a landslide.
How does climate change impact the Himalayan region?
Climate change poses serious threats to the Himalayan region, leading to increased incidents of cloudbursts and landslides, thereby disrupting the ecological balance.
What are the key pillars of the disaster response policy introduced by PM Modi?
The disaster response policy introduced by PM Modi is based on four pillars: capacity building, speed, efficiency, and accuracy.
What is the aim of the World Summit on Disaster Management 2025?
The World Summit on Disaster Management 2025 aims to unite researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address urgent challenges in disaster management and develop scalable solutions.
How can communities become more resilient to disasters?
Communities can become more resilient by collaborating on disaster management strategies, enhancing preparedness, and fostering awareness about the risks associated with climate change.
