World Disaster Management Conference and 20th State Science & Technology Conference 2025 Held in Dehradun
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh share the dais • Young Women Scientist Awards presented • Three new advanced weather radars to be installed in Haridwar, Pantnagar and Auli
DEHRADUN: The World Disaster Management Conference and the 20th Uttarakhand State Science and Technology Conference 2025 were held on Friday at the Graphic Era Silver Jubilee Convention Centre in Dehradun in the august presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh. On this occasion, books authored by NDMA Member Dr. Dinesh Kumar Aswal were formally released.
Honoring Excellence: Young Women Scientist Awards Presented
Chief Minister Dhami felicitated outstanding women scientists for their exceptional contributions to science and technology. Awardees from various research and academic institutions across the state received the Young Women Scientist Achievement Award – 2025 and the UCOST Young Women Scientist Excellence Award.
Awardees (Up to 45 years – Achievement Award 2025):
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Dr. Ankita Rajput
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Dr. Garima Punetha
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Dr. Mamta Arya
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Dr. Harshit Pant
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Dr. Priyanka Sharma
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Dr. Priyanka Pandey
Awardees (Up to 30 years – UCOST Excellence Award):
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Dr. Priyanka Uniyal
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Palak Kansal
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Radhika Khanna
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Stuti Arya
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Devyani Mungal
The Chief Minister said the innovative research of Uttarakhand’s young women scientists is inspiring for the state as well as the nation and the world. He emphasized the crucial role of science, research, and technology-driven solutions in strengthening disaster management.
New Weather Forecasting Radars Announced
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the installation of state-of-the-art weather forecasting radars at Haridwar, Pantnagar and Auli, significantly boosting Uttarakhand’s meteorological warning capabilities. He added that there could be no better host than Uttarakhand for a global disaster management conference, given its unique Himalayan challenges.
Referring to the Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation, Dr. Singh said it showcased how strong leadership, technical expertise, and scientific innovation can overcome even the most complex rescue situations.
Chief Minister Dhami’s Address: Himalayan Conservation & Advanced Disaster Preparedness
In his detailed address, Chief Minister Dhami highlighted:
1. Strengthening Scientific Disaster Preparedness
He said the three-day conference, attended by Himalayan state representatives and national-international experts, would yield actionable strategies for technological innovation, research partnerships, and global cooperation.
2. Importance of Himalayan Ecosystems
Calling the Himalayas the “life source of the Indian subcontinent,” he said glaciers, rivers, and biodiversity are under stress due to climate change, unregulated development, and resource exploitation.
3. Increasing Climate Challenges
The CM pointed to:
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Rapidly changing weather patterns
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Increased rainfall intensity
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Unpredictable cloudbursts
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Rising landslides in high-altitude regions
He stressed improved coordination between scientists, policymakers, and field experts.
4. India’s 10-Point Disaster Risk Reduction Agenda
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India follows a 10-point agenda based on the 4P Formula: Predict, Prevent, Prepare & Protect.
The Silkyara operation, where all 41 workers were safely rescued after 17 days, stands as a historic milestone in global disaster management.
5. Technological Upgradation in Uttarakhand
The CM listed several initiatives:
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Digital monitoring systems
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Glacier research programs
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Water source conservation
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Rapid response teams
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Drone surveillance
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GIS & satellite monitoring
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Sensor-based lake monitoring in high Himalayan areas
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Strengthening early-warning systems
6. Environmental and Water Conservation Initiatives
The CM highlighted:
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Accelerated tree plantation and water conservation drives
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Promotion of green and solar energy
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Establishment of the Spring Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) for restoring traditional water sources
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Implementation of the Digital Deposit Refund System, which reduced 72 tons of carbon emissions in the Himalayan region
He noted that these innovations helped Uttarakhand secure the first position in NITI Aayog’s SDG Index.
7. Integrating Tradition with Scientific Approach
Dhami said India’s culture of worshipping nature must align with modern scientific methods to ensure long-term environmental protection. He expressed confidence that the conference would set new benchmarks in global disaster management and climate resilience.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by:
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Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal
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Secretary Nitesh Jha
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UCOST DG Durgesh Pant
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Graphic Era University Chairman Dr. Kamal Ghansala
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Ambassadors of various nations
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Senior officials from central and state governments
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Scientists, researchers, and students from India and abroad
