Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has stressed the urgent need to transition from relief-centric governance to resilience-centric governance as the state confronts escalating threats from natural disasters and climate-related challenges. To bolster disaster preparedness and recovery systems, the state government has launched the Rs 2,688-crore Himachal Pradesh Resilient Action for Development and Disaster Recovery (HP-Ready) project.
Project Details and Timeline
The HP-Ready project, scheduled for implementation from January 2026 to November 2030, aims to significantly enhance disaster resilience across the state through improved preparedness, mitigation, and recovery mechanisms. This comprehensive initiative seeks to address the vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change and the fragile Himalayan ecology.
Vulnerability to Natural Calamities
Himachal Pradesh, owing to its fragile Himalayan ecosystem and the growing impact of global warming, remains highly susceptible to natural calamities. Over the last three years, the state has witnessed more than 66 cloudbursts, 234 landslides, and 121 flash floods. These events have caused substantial loss of life and extensive damage to public and private infrastructure, underscoring the critical need for a resilience-focused approach.
Key Components of HP-Ready
Under the HP-Ready project, the government will restore and strengthen disaster-affected infrastructure, including roads, water supply schemes, sanitation facilities, and power networks. The initiative will also focus on livelihood restoration, disaster risk financing and insurance frameworks, and institutional capacity building. Special emphasis will be placed on strengthening early warning systems, promoting disaster-resilient infrastructure, scientific land-use planning, and enhancing community preparedness.
Community Engagement and Training
Training programmes for panchayati raj institutions, mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, and schoolchildren will be introduced to foster a culture of disaster preparedness at the grassroots level. The Chief Minister emphasized that these measures are essential to build a resilient society capable of withstanding future disasters.
"The natural disasters witnessed in recent years have reinforced the need for resilience-focused development. HP-Ready is our roadmap to protect lives, livelihoods and developmental assets," Sukhu added.
