Latest news with #WorldDisasterManagementConference
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Karnataka governor urges grassroots disaster committees, highlights tech role
BENGALURU: Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday stressed the need for grassroots participation in disaster preparedness, urging the formation of disaster management committees at the village level. Speaking at the World Disaster Management Conference at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), he highlighted that local communities play a crucial role in reducing the impact of disasters. 'The local community is the backbone of disaster management. Empowering, training and making people aware at the grassroots level can significantly reduce the impact of disasters,' the governor said. He called for better training and resource support for these committees and advocated introducing disaster awareness training from the school level itself. The conference, held under the theme - Technology for Climate and Disaster Resilience - also highlighted the role of technology in disaster management. Gehlot pointed out that tools like AI, big data, satellite imaging, GIS mapping, drones and mobile alerts are transforming how disasters are detected, managed and mitigated. He stressed the importance of incorporating disaster resilience into national development policies and praised India's leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advancing disaster preparedness. He also lauded the upcoming World Disaster Management Conference scheduled in Uttarakhand this November. The event was attended by Prof Durgesh Pant, Director General of the Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology, and Prof Umesh Waghmare of JNCASR.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Disaster management committees should be formed at village level: Karnataka Governor
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has emphasised the importance of community participation in disaster preparedness and response, speaking at the World Disaster Management Conference in Bengaluru. 'The local community is the backbone of disaster management. Empowering, training, and making people aware at the grassroots level can significantly reduce the impact of disasters,' he said. The Governor called for the formation of disaster management Committees in villages and highlighted the need to provide them with proper resources and training. He also stressed the importance of incorporating disaster awareness training starting from the school level and integrating disaster management into overall development policies. International cooperation At the event, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, with the theme 'Technology for Climate and Disaster Resilience', Mr. Gehlot said climate change and disasters are global challenges, and international cooperation, along with science and technology, is vital for tackling them. Speaking about the transformative role of technology in managing disasters, he noted that tools like artificial intelligence, big data, satellite imaging, and GIS mapping are helping in early warning, response, and policymaking. Drones and robotics are proving essential in hard-to-reach areas during rescue operations, and mobile alerts and social media are helping spread timely information, even in rural areas, he said. Disasters doubled Highlighting recent trends, Mr. Gehlot pointed out that the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have nearly doubled in the past two decades due to climate change. These events are affecting lives, property, mental health, and economies worldwide, he said, while underlining the need for tree plantation and sustainable practices to protect the environment and reduce disaster risks. Mr. Gehlot praised the upcoming World Disaster Management Conference in Uttarakhand this November, which aims to draw global attention to India's leadership in spirituality, science, and resilience. The conference was attended by Durgesh Pant, Director-General, Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology, Umesh Waghmare of JNCASR, and other eminent scientists and experts.
