Uttarakhand's disaster management practices received global acclaim at the second technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group, held in Puri, Odisha, from June 3 to 5, 2026, according to an official release. The three-day gathering took place under India's presidency of the grouping.
Representing the state, State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, IPS, and Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre (ULMMC) Director Shantanu Sarkar presented the state's comprehensive disaster risk reduction framework. Their presentation covered preparedness measures, capacity building initiatives, technological innovations, and response mechanisms developed under the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority.
The presentation highlighted Uttarakhand's unique geographical challenges, including landslides, extreme rainfall, glacial lake risks, road blockages, and hazards along pilgrimage routes. Yaduvanshi emphasized that in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, effective disaster management requires prior preparedness, community participation, trained forces, and technology-based monitoring systems.
Two notable case studies were presented: the Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation and the Dharali disaster management efforts. Delegates praised both operations as exemplary models of effective disaster response under difficult geographical conditions. The state's early warning systems and inter-departmental coordination also drew appreciation from participants.
"Geospatial technology, remote sensing, data analytics, and early warning systems are making disaster risk reduction more effective," said Sarkar. "Technology-driven solutions will play a decisive role in tackling future disaster challenges."
The meeting brought together senior officials, technical experts, and policymakers from 11 BRICS member and partner countries: Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
