PDNA Process to Begin Wednesday in Uttarakhand: Secretary Suman
Chief Minister Dhami directs speedy completion; special package proposal to be sent to Centre after assessment
Dehradun. Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand Disaster Management Department is set to begin the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) process from Wednesday. The assessment, to be conducted with the support of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), will evaluate the actual damage caused during the 2025 monsoon season.
An important review meeting was held on Saturday at the State Emergency Operations Centre under the chairmanship of Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman. The meeting, attended by District Magistrates and senior officials of various departments, focused on collating detailed information on covered and uncovered damages under the PDNA and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Officials were also briefed on the latest SDRF standards and the format for submitting departmental data.
Chief Minister’s Directions
Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman informed that the Chief Minister has instructed that the PDNA process be completed expeditiously so that a comprehensive proposal for a special financial package can be submitted to the Government of India. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring updates on the process.
Suman clarified that while SDRF assistance will cover a portion of the losses, the magnitude of damage caused this monsoon season far exceeds SDRF provisions. Therefore, the state will seek a special package from the Centre to cover non-reimbursable expenses.
The Chief Minister has also directed that:
Closed roads be reopened without delay and patchwork repairs begin immediately after rainfall stops.
Damaged electricity and water supply lines be restored at the earliest.
Essential commodities be continuously supplied to affected regions until normalcy returns.
Chief Secretary’s Instructions: Field Visits by Department Heads
Secretary Suman further stated that Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has directed all department heads to personally visit districts starting next week to review damage and monitor reconstruction work. HODs will spend two days in districts during their visits, coordinating closely with District Magistrates to resolve bottlenecks.
A phased monitoring system has also been set up—where after the HOD, the second senior-most officer will visit the following week, followed by the third senior-most officer in the subsequent week. This will ensure continuous supervision and accelerated progress in rehabilitation works.
Structure of PDNA Teams
The PDNA will be carried out by four assessment teams covering all districts. Each team will be led at the district level by the District Magistrate, with the respective HOD serving as nodal officer. The teams will include officers nominated by both the District Magistrates and department heads.
Every scheme and sector will undergo a scheme-wise damage assessment, and the findings will be compiled into a final proposal for submission to the Government of India.
Focus on Livelihood Restoration
Highlighting the broader impact of the disaster, Secretary Suman noted that it has damaged not only infrastructure but also livelihoods. The Chief Minister has directed that restoring people’s sources of income must remain a priority.
Special emphasis will be placed on those connected with pilgrimage, tourism, and allied services, including hotel and restaurant owners, dhaba operators, taxi and bus drivers, cleaners, tourist guides, pilgrimage priests, farmers, fruit and flower sellers, and others. These losses—both direct and indirect—will also be assessed under the PDNA.
Commendation of Departments
Secretary Suman commended the efforts of all departments during the disaster response. Senior officials present at the meeting included Additional Secretary/Additional CEO Administration Anand Swaroop, Additional CEO Implementation DIG Rajkumar Negi, Finance Controller Abhishek Kumar Anand, Joint CEO Mohammad Obaidullah Ansari, Jyotirmay Tripathi, and representatives of various departments.
