On the initiative of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, ‘Disaster Management Day’ will now be observed annually in the state on November 28. This date has been designated to commemorate the successful rescue operation at the Silkyara tunnel. A framework for the programs and events to be held on this day is currently being drafted.
The Department of Disaster Management is working at multiple levels to effectively tackle disasters. The department is continuously augmenting its resources to mitigate the impact of such calamities. The disaster management mechanism is being strengthened at the local level through the ‘Aapda Mitra’ (Disaster Friends) and ‘Yuva Aapda Mitra’ (Youth Disaster Friends) initiatives. Efforts are also underway to further reinforce the early warning systems. The department has taken the decision to observe Disaster Management Day across the state, with the primary objective of enhancing public awareness regarding disasters.
On November 28, 2023—following a long and arduous rescue operation spanning 17 days—the 41 workers who had been trapped in the Silkyara-Polgaon tunnel in the Uttarkashi district since November 12, 2023, were safely evacuated. The eyes of the entire nation and the world were fixed on this operation, which proved to be a monumental success for the state.
**Activities for the Day**
The Department of Disaster Management is currently formulating a plan of activities for the designated day. These activities will include mock drills and awareness programs. A detailed outline of the various activities to be undertaken is being prepared; this framework will be submitted to higher authorities for review. The planned activities for the day will be executed only after receiving the necessary approval.
The comprehensive plan for the activities to be conducted on Disaster Management Day is currently being drafted, and the proposal will subsequently be forwarded to higher authorities for their formal approval.
