30-11-2025:Governor attends the Valedictory Session of DWSDM–2025 at Graphic Era Deemed University

Governor Lt. General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) participated as the Chief Guest in the valedictory session of the three-day “World Summit on Disaster Management–2025” and the “20th Uttarakhand State and Technical Convention” organized at Graphic Era Deemed University on Sunday.

In his address, the Governor said that everyone present, who is contributing towards environmental conservation through scientific research, technological innovation, policy insight, social involvement and institutional framework, truly deserves appreciation. He emphasized that solving environmental challenges demands a comprehensive approach involving science, technology, policy and community participation.

The Governor said that environmental degradation has crossed the alarming threshold. We must not ignore the warnings of nature. COVID-19 has already cautioned the world to embrace responsible and policy-driven development. He stressed adopting traditional and eco-friendly construction practices over heavy engineering in fragile Himalayan regions. The Governor said that the people of the Himalayas must take greater responsibility and find simple, sustainable pathways for environmental protection.

The Governor called the participating scholars and experts “Brand Ambassadors of Environmental Preservation” and appealed to them to internalize the Prime Minister’s vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” He urged for enhanced public involvement, mass awareness and training of communities to strengthen environmental conservation. He highlighted the relevance of the 5E principles — Engage, Educate, Enable, Empower & Excel — for effective disaster management.

On this occasion, the Governor honoured young scientists for excellence in the science convention and felicitated the winners selected from 95 blocks for the Premiere League. He also released the book “Water Resources of Himalayan Region.”

Padma Shri Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, Founder of HESCO, said in his address that disasters are nature’s reaction to human actions. No nation today is completely safe from disasters. Therefore, united and collective efforts are essential for mitigation. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive roadmap involving participation from every level of society. He urged people to abandon environmentally harmful habits and adopt sustainable practices with commitment.

Shri Rajendra Singh Chauhan, HOD Member of the National Disaster Management Authority, said that India ranks among the top 10 most disaster-prone countries in the world. Every citizen must be aware of disaster-management techniques and eliminate small everyday actions that increase vulnerability. He informed that NDMA’s Sachet App has saved many lives by providing timely alerts and urged all citizens to download it. He also stressed adopting earthquake-resistant construction, proper waste disposal and water conservation as daily habits.

Prof. Durgesh Pant, Director General of UCOST, shared the key outcomes and recommendations of the three-day event. He stated that the Hon’ble Chief Minister has announced 28 November to be observed as “Silkyara Vijay Diwas.” He also read the Dehradun Declaration of the World Disaster Management Summit.

Expressing gratitude, Prof. Kamal Ghanshala, President of Graphic Era University, said that moving forward, cooperation and community empowerment will be crucial. The program was attended by experts, researchers, thinkers and students from various institutions.
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