Chandigarh: Need for Enhanced Disaster Response Infrastructure
Retired Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain, now a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), highlighted a pressing issue on Wednesday: many states in India still lack effective emergency response centers. He emphasized the necessity of establishing such facilities at district and tehsil levels to ensure swift and efficient responses during disasters.
While some states have made progress in developing comprehensive response strategies, many remain underprepared. Hasnain noted the critical need to bolster emergency infrastructure across the nation. He pointed out that better mapping of local resources and increased public awareness are essential, as informed communities are better equipped to handle emergencies.
Speaking at the Western Command Disaster Management Conclave in Chandimandir, Hasnain warned that ongoing infrastructure development and industrial growth could lead to a rise in disasters, which would negatively impact people’s livelihoods. He stressed that disaster management is a shared responsibility and should involve all segments of society.
Organized by the Army’s Western Command in collaboration with the NDMA, the conclave aimed to strengthen India’s disaster response and humanitarian frameworks. It gathered military leaders, NDMA officials, and innovative thinkers to shift India toward a proactive disaster preparedness model.
The event began with key presentations focusing on national safety. Lt Gen Hasnain provided the opening address, followed by a keynote speech from Rajendra Singh, a member of the NDMA. Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Chief of the Western Command, emphasized the Indian Army’s vital role as the first responder in times of crisis.
The discussions included topics on Military-Civil Fusion, with insights from Manish Bharadwaj, secretary of the NDMA, and Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria on streamlining protocols to optimize the critical “Golden Hour” during relief efforts.
A significant theme of the seminar was integrating modern technology into disaster governance. Dr. Kala Venkat Udhay from IIT Mandi shared advancements in remote sensing and early warning systems for landslides. Additionally, Mohammad Afzal from the Ministry of Power addressed ways to reduce vulnerabilities in hydroelectric basins.
Santosh Kumar, Commandant of the 7th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force, analyzed challenges faced during the 2025 floods and proposed solutions for both urban and rural flood responses.
A panel discussion featuring KK Pant, additional chief secretary of Himachal Pradesh, Snober Jamil from the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority, and Mohsen Shahidi from NDRF discussed gaps in state frameworks and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in disaster management.
The speakers collectively highlighted the potential benefits of using AI to enhance disaster response efforts.
