World Disaster Management Conference & 20th State Science and Technology Conference 2025 Held in Dehradun
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh share stage; Young Women Scientist Awards presented; Announcement of three new advanced weather radars for Uttarakhand
The World Disaster Management Conference and the 20th Uttarakhand State Science and Technology Conference–2025 commenced at the Graphic Era Silver Jubilee Convention Centre in the joint presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh. The event brought together international, national, and state-level experts to deliberate on disaster resilience and Himalayan sustainability.
The occasion also witnessed the release of books authored by NDMA member Dr. Dinesh Kumar Aswal.
CM Dhami Presents Young Women Scientist Awards
Chief Minister Dhami felicitated distinguished women scientists for their outstanding contributions in science and technology.
Young Women Scientist Achievement Award–2025 (up to 45 years)
- Dr. Ankita Rajput
- Dr. Garima Punetha
- Dr. Mamta Arya
- Dr. Harshit Pant
- Dr. Priyanka Sharma
- Dr. Priyanka Pandey
UCOST Young Women Scientist Excellence Award (up to 30 years)
- Dr. Priyanka Uniyal
- Palak Kansal
- Radhika Khanna
- Stuti Arya
- Devyani Mungal
The Chief Minister said the awardees’ research would inspire innovators across India and globally.
Three New State-of-the-Art Weather Radars Announced
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that advanced weather forecasting radars will be installed at:
- Haridwar
- Pantnagar
- Auli
These radars will significantly strengthen Uttarakhand’s weather surveillance system and early warning capabilities.
CM Dhami expressed gratitude to the Centre, calling the announcement a “major step towards enhancing disaster preparedness in a sensitive Himalayan region.”
Silkyara Rescue Cited as Model of India’s Disaster Response
Dr. Singh applauded the success of the Silkyara Vijay Abhiyan, where 41 trapped workers were rescued after 17 days, describing it as a testament to India’s “scientific excellence and decisive leadership.”
CM Dhami’s Address: Himalayas, Climate Change, and Disaster Preparedness
In a comprehensive address, Chief Minister Dhami highlighted:
- Himalayan Concerns
- Increasing cloudbursts
- Rising rainfall intensity
- High-altitude landslides
- Rapidly changing weather patterns
He stressed the need for science-backed solutions, global collaboration, and stronger policy–research coordination.
Key Government Initiatives Announced or Reviewed
- Digital monitoring systems for Himalayan conservation
- Glacier research centers
- Satellite-based and sensor-based lake monitoring
- GIS mapping, drone surveillance, and rapid response teams
- Expanded early warning systems
- Promotion of green energy and renewable technologies
- Public campaigns on water conservation, tree plantation, and climate awareness
Dhami emphasized the state’s alignment with PM Narendra Modi’s 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction, based on the 4P mantra—Predict, Prevent, Prepare, Protect.
Innovative State Programs Highlighted
Spring Rejuvenation Authority (SARA)
Revamping traditional water sources and strengthening water conservation projects.
Digital Deposit Refund System (DDRS)
A pioneering plastic-waste management initiative that has already reduced 72 tonnes of carbon emissions in Himalayan areas.
He noted that Uttarakhand securing the No. 1 position in NITI Aayog’s SDG Index reflects the success of such initiatives.
A Global Platform for Disaster and Climate Solutions
The Chief Minister said the conference will guide policymakers, researchers, and global institutions toward developing actionable strategies for disaster resilience in the Himalayan region.
