A Two-Day State Level Consultation on Public, Government and Private Partnership for People-Centered Disaster Management Policy in Himachal Pradesh on October 5 & 6, 2006.

A Two-Day State Level Consultation on Public, Government and Private Partnership for People-Centered Disaster Management Policy in Himachal Pradesh was organized by Mountain Forum Himalayas (MFH) in collaboration with CASA, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) Govt. of India & State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Himachal Pradesh (SCSTE HP) on October 5 & 6, 2006.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Kuldeep Kumar, Honorable Minister for Industries and Cooperatives, H.P. Govt. on 5th of October, 2006. Workshop was attended by Policy Makers, Representatives from multilateral agencies, UNDP, NIDM, Senior Govt. officials, Representatives from Panchayat, CBOs, Academicians and Civil Society Organizations. Various specialists like Prof. Santosh from NIDM, Mr. Prabodh Saxena (IAS) Member Secretary, HP SCSTE, Mr. Kamal Kishore from UNDP, Ms. Abha Mishra from UNDP, Major General (Retd.) A.P.S. Chauhan from Sainik Sangh, Mr. Amod Mani Dixit from NSET, Nepal and Mr. Jayant Kumar from CASA delivered lectures & presentations. It is expected that this consultation would facilitate and contribute to the process of policy formulation and formation of SDMA in Himachal Pradesh, develop collective strategies for the mitigation and management of disasters in the state through a multistakeholder involvement, to develop disaster resource centers for effective mitigation measures, increase community preparedness through capacity enhancement and would result in promotion of effective mass awareness and sensitization campaigns.

Mountain Forum Himalayas (MFH) is a multi-stakeholder platform mandated to address issues concerning the people of Himalayan region by promoting joint, collective and participatory actions. MFH has developed a long term approach towards strengthening Governance, Disaster Management, assurance of Sustainable Livelihood and Water related issues in the Himalayan region. With regards to disasters, MFH has focused its intervention towards developing a long term strategy for strengthening Community Based Disaster Management and mitigation efforts for the Himalayan states. It includes capacity and perspective building of local community, CBOs, and other stakeholders and strengthening of local institutions. The forum has also undertaken research, vulnerability analysis, hazard mapping, research and documentation for wider sharing and learning. The mandate of MFH promotes involvement of different stakeholders in addressing issues and facilitating actions which are people-centered and pro-poor. Thus, it is incumbent upon MFH to facilitate dialogue between different stakeholders for a people-centered Disaster Management Policy in the State. MFH has also focused its efforts and initiated strategies which promote community preparedness for disaster management.

This is understood that disasters not only upset normal life but also play havoc with lives and livelihoods of the people. The response by the government in all such tragedies is focused on providing relief, rescue and rehabilitation, primarily in the initial phases. There is a lack of an appropriate long term approach to disaster risk reduction. With the increase in frequency of disasters, it is imperative that a long term planning with regard to risk reduction should be undertaken. Disaster risk reduction plans should be thoroughly integrated with the development plans at different levels. Total 210 participants took part in this workshop and produced a number of recommendations for state policy makers and institutions responsible for developing the State Disaster Management Authority and Policy for Himachal Pradesh. This consultation has brought out 25 recommendations as the key points for developing the State Disaster Management Policy and establishing the State Disaster Management Authority.

Mountain Forum Himalayas (MFH) is committed to facilitate the process of risk reduction in Himachal Pradesh along with various organizations and institutions.