Blitz Bureau
PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, has highlighted mitigating risks associated with glacial lakes in order to ensure a safer future for our communities. Delivering an address at the 4th Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR) Workshop on “Strategies for Glacial Lakes Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Reduction” in New Delhi on November 12, Mishra underscored the urgent need for effective strategies to address risks associated with glacial lakes.
Complimenting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Department of Water Resources for organising the workshop, he focused on international perspectives and experiences, pertinently India’s experiences, gaps and challenges in mitigating the risks and related aspects. He said the discussions on Sikkim glacial lake outburst flood disaster have brought to focus the enormity of the challenge. He underscored the urgent need for effective strategies to address risks associated with glacial lakes.
Quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s words, “Disaster risk reduction is not just about responding to disasters but also about building resilience.” Mishra reiterated PM’s emphasis that “the best way to deal with disasters is to prevent them,” reminding us that proactive measures are essential in safeguarding our communities. Furthermore, he stated, “We must work together across borders and disciplines to create a safer world,” highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges like GLOF risks.
On the International Cooperation side, Mishra emphasised that India’s commitment extends beyond national borders; hence the vital aspect of engaging with GLOF experts from countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, Peru, Switzerland and Tajikistan. He reiterated that such collaboration is vital to enhancing our understanding of response strategies.
