NEW DELHI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired the third Governing Body meeting of the National Institute of Disaster Management and called for dedicated cells in concerned departments to build disaster-resilient villages and cities. The move is aimed at strengthening infrastructure against challenges linked to climate change and global warming.
Shah said NIDM has developed into a national centre for research, innovation, policy support, training and cooperation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving “zero casualties” in disasters. He stressed the need for proactive adaptation to emerging environmental risks and directed departments to work towards making urban and rural areas more resilient.
NIDM Executive Director Madhup Vyas welcomed Shah and highlighted the institute’s continued efforts in training, capacity building, research and knowledge development in disaster management. During his visit, Shah interacted with senior officials and members of the institute and reviewed its work in disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
The meeting was attended by Home Secretary Govind Mohan, NDMA Member and Head Krishna S. Vatsa, Home Ministry Additional Secretary Anuj Sharma and several senior officials. Representatives from agriculture, animal husbandry, earth sciences, disaster management and other institutions also participated. Assam Additional Chief Secretary L. Sweety Changsan, NDRF Director General Piyush Anand and India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra were among those present.
NIDM said Shah’s visit provided guidance and encouragement to further strengthen the institute’s contribution to disaster risk reduction, preparedness and capacity building. The discussions underlined the need for coordinated action across departments to support safer communities and strengthen India’s ability to respond to disasters intensified by climate change and environmental risks. Focus included strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing among agencies involved in disaster management.
