DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

A meeting of the Multi-Sectoral Central Team (MSCT), constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the increasing incidents of natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, was held today under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) K.K. Pant.

The meeting was attended by the MSCT team leader Col. K.P. Singh and members Dr. S.K. Negi, Prof. Arun Kumar, Dr. Neelima Satyam and Dr. Sushmita Joseph.

Welcoming the MSCT team, Shri Pant stated that Himachal Pradesh's geographical conditions are different from other states, making it necessary to revise the norms related to disaster recovery and rehabilitation in the region. He stressed the need for institutions such as the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to conduct in-depth studies on the causes of natural disasters while being stationed in the state.

He highlighted the importance of assessing disaster-prone areas and focusing on early forecasting of such events. He said that emphasis should be laid on pre-disaster planning rather than post-disaster response in order to minimize loss of life and property. He also called for the installation of advanced sensors to improve data collection across the state.

(editor@dailyworld.in)