Large-scale disaster management training to be held in Uttarakhand; 10 master trainers to be prepared in every district
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To further strengthen disaster management preparedness in Uttarakhand, training and capacity-building programs will be conducted on a large scale across the state. In collaboration with the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), officials, staff, and personnel from various departments—ranging from the state to the district level—will receive training in disaster management, risk reduction, preparedness, search and rescue, and emergency response.
An annual training calendar will be prepared to conduct these programs in a regular and phased manner. Specialized training programs tailored to their specific roles and responsibilities will be organized for personnel across various departments, as well as for officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Provincial Civil Service (PCS).
Madhup Vyas, Executive Director of the National Institute of Disaster Management, visited the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority on Saturday and discussed the action plan for training and capacity building with officials. During the visit, Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, briefed him on the Authority’s activities.
10 Master Trainers to be Prepared in Each District
In the first phase, 10 master trainers will be prepared in each district. They will receive specialized training on various subjects related to disaster management. Subsequently, these master trainers will train personnel from relevant departments and other stakeholders in their respective districts. A trained group of master trainers will also be developed at the state level to provide training and guidance to the district-level trainers.
Emphasis on Mock Drills and Exercises
The meeting emphasized promoting mock drills, exercises, and practical activities alongside formal training. Officials stated that regular training and practice are essential for an effective response during actual disaster situations.
Madhup Vyas noted that Uttarakhand is vulnerable to various disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, avalanches, and forest fires. Given this, continuous capacity building is crucial—not only to strengthen pre-disaster preparedness but also to ensure an effective response during a disaster.
Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, stated that the training programs would be designed to align with departmental requirements and local disaster risks. Its objective is to develop a trained workforce capable of playing an effective role in pre-disaster preparedness, rapid response during a disaster, and post-disaster relief and recovery operations.
