New Delhi, Oct. 27 -- P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, on Tuesday called for a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, stressing that the next decade must focus on protecting development, infrastructure and economic assets alongside saving lives.
Addressing a meeting of senior officials on disaster risk reduction, convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by India and the UK, Mishra highlighted the growing links between climate change, urbanisation, infrastructure expansion and environmental degradation.
He said improvements in early warnings, preparedness and emergency response had saved lives, but economic losses remained high. He called for accelerated implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction through 2030, with greater investment in prevention, mitigation and institutional capacity.
Mishra highlighted India's Ten-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction, introduced in 2016, and amendments to the Disaster Management Act in 2025. He stressed the need for resilient infrastructure, stronger urban institutions and nature-based solutions. He also called for greater use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and multi-hazard early warning systems, backed by timely action and financing.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.