IBEX NEWS,Shimla
The 6th Raising Day of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (HP-SDRF) was commemorated with a Regional Conference on the theme “Bridging Research and Response: Strengthening Disaster Governance and Community Resilience in the Himalayan Region” at Hotel Peterhof, Shimla.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Mahavir Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), lauded the tireless and commendable efforts of HP-SDRF personnel, describing them as the first responders who play a crucial role in saving lives and mitigating losses during disasters. He congratulated the force on its 6th Raising Day and appreciated its professionalism, dedication, and service to the people of the state.
Prof. Mahavir Singh highlighted the significant academic and research initiatives undertaken by Himachal Pradesh University, with special emphasis on the Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (HIM-DR³). He underlined the relevance of such centres in addressing Himalayan-specific disaster risks and invited HP-SDRF to explore institutional collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HPU to strengthen research-to-response linkages.
The Vice Chancellor also informed the gathering that Himachal Pradesh University has recently introduced a part-time PhD programme, providing an important opportunity for working professionals and officers from various government departments to pursue doctoral research in different disciplines while continuing in service.
The inaugural (morning) session of the programme was graced by Sh. Rajesh Dharmani, Hon’ble Minister for Town and Country Planning and Technical Education, Government of Himachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. The programme was chaired by Smt. Satwant Atwal Trivedi, IPS, Commandant General, HP-SDRF.
Several senior administrators and experts addressed the conference, including DC Rana, IAS, Special Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management), Tikender Singh Panwar, former Deputy Mayor, Shimla, Rajneesh Sharma, Deputy Commandant, 14th Battalion NDRF, Navneet Yadav, Executive Director, Caritas India, and Vijay Lokesh Singh, Consultant, NDMA.
From Himachal Pradesh University, Dr. Mahesh Sharma delivered an expert lecture on “Assessment of a Cloudburst-Induced Flash Flood Event in Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh,” contributing important scientific insights during the technical sessions.
The valedictory session was graced by Sh. Anirudh Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
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