Uttarakhand CM Dhami Launches “Aapada Sakhi Yojana” At Monsoon Preparedness Workshop
CM urged SDRF, NDRF and other armed forces to maintain continuous coordination and prepare for early deployment in landslide and flood-prone areas
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday, presided over the Monsoon & 2025 Preparedness Workshop organized by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Authority in Dehradun. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced the launch of the “Aapada Sakhi Yojana”, modeled after the existing Aapada Mitra scheme, to empower women volunteers in disaster preparedness and response.
The Chief Minister emphasized that under this scheme, women will be trained in pre-disaster warnings, first aid, relief and rescue operations, and psychological support, promoting both women empowerment and grassroots participation in disaster management.
Highlighting the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters, CM Dhami stressed the importance of learning from past calamities, rapid response, and inter-departmental coordination. “Natural disasters cannot be avoided, but their impact can certainly be mitigated through preparedness and vigilance,” he noted.
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of proactive and reactive strategies, citing successful examples from Gaurikund cloudburst and the Toli village landslide in 2024, where prompt action saved hundreds of lives.
He said that technological tools such as GIS mapping, drone surveillance, and satellite monitoring are being deployed to identify high-risk zones. The government is ensuring proper deployment of rescue equipment like JCBs, cranes, and Bailey bridges, along with stockpiling essentials like food grains, fuel, and medicines in vulnerable districts.
He urged SDRF, NDRF and other armed forces to maintain continuous coordination and prepare for early deployment in landslide- and flood-prone areas.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan noted that the workshop was vital ahead of an early and above-normal monsoon, as forecasted by the India Meteorological Department. He emphasized the importance of technical resources and efficient disaster response mechanisms.
NDMA Member Rajendra Singh praised Uttarakhand’s disaster preparedness, particularly during the Char Dham Yatra, and shared that NDMA has sanctioned ₹140 crore for landslide prevention and ₹40 crore for monitoring 190 sensitive lakes. A ₹16 crore scheme for forest fire preparedness has also been approved, with more support planned for earthquake readiness.
Vice Chairman of the State Disaster Advisory Committee, Vinay Rohela, lauded the Chief Minister’s on-ground leadership during disasters in Silkyara, Rudrapur, and Ghansali, asserting that CM Dhami’s approach has significantly strengthened the state’s disaster management framework.
Secretary of Disaster Management, Vinod Kumar Suman, detailed that the workshop would cover forecasting, early warning systems, landslide risk reduction, operational preparedness, glacier monitoring, and disease prevention during monsoons, aimed at boosting Uttarakhand’s resilience.
Also present at the workshop were Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Chief Forest Conservator Dhananjay Mohan and other senior officials and subject-matter experts.
