CM Orders Scientific Probe Into Recurring Cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
In the wake of increasing incidents of cloudbursts and flash floods across Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience at Himachal Pradesh University to undertake comprehensive scientific studies on the recurring natural disasters affecting the state.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Friday evening, the Chief Minister reviewed ongoing initiatives related to disaster risk reduction, resilience planning and scientific research being carried out by the Centre. Stressing the urgent need for scientific intervention, he said that cloudbursts had become a frequent phenomenon in the Himalayan state, leading to significant loss of life, property and infrastructure.
The Chief Minister instructed the Centre to conduct detailed studies on the causes and patterns of recurring cloudburst incidents. The research will include assessment of the impact of dams, temperature fluctuations, terrain conditions and aerial-distance-based analysis associated with cloudburst events in the Himalayan region. He also announced that all future state-level disaster-related research, hazard assessments and technical evaluations would be carried out through the Centre.
Highlighting the government’s commitment towards strengthening disaster preparedness, CM Sukhu directed the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) to allocate Rs. 6 crore for capacity building and specialized training programmes for the Centre. In addition, he approved an extra grant of Rs. 10 crore for institutional strengthening and enhancement of technical and scientific capabilities.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of studying Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), which pose an increasing threat in the Himalayan region due to climate change. He directed HPSDMA to provide financial support for GLOF-related scientific studies and sanctioned Rs. 1 crore to initiate research in this area.
To further strengthen the Centre’s research capabilities, the Chief Minister ordered recruitment of additional professionals and domain experts. He said the Centre would also assist the state government in conducting Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) studies and expand its scientific research activities to other disaster-prone regions of Himachal Pradesh.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi underlined the importance of developing in-house technical expertise in disaster risk reduction and resilience instead of relying on external agencies for landslide and GLOF studies. He appreciated the Centre’s work in preparing DPRs, building technical expertise and strengthening scientific capabilities within the state.
During the meeting, officials presented a hydrodynamic model developed for the Thunag region of Mandi district, aimed at scientific assessment of flash flood impacts, disaster-risk-informed planning and development of early warning systems. The presentation also highlighted the Centre’s contribution in disaster research, hazard assessment, mitigation planning and climate risk studies.
Among those present at the meeting were Chairman HPTDC R. S. Bali, Vice-Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University Mahavir Singh, Director of the Centre N. S. Negi, Deputy Director Mahesh Sharma and other senior officers.
