Haryana makes disaster risk reduction mandatory in projects across departments

In a bid to prioritise preparedness over a post-disaster response, all administrative secretaries have been directed to integrate disaster risk reduction into every stage of planning, execution and budgeting of government projects in Haryana, officials said on Thursday.

Issuing directions in line with the Government of India's vision of a "Whole of Government" approach, Financial Commissioner (Revenue and Disaster Management) Sumita Misra said all departments must mainstream disaster prevention and mitigation measures in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Move aimed to ensure disaster preparedness

The move is aimed at ensuring that disaster preparedness becomes an integral part of governance rather than a post-disaster response, an official statement Thursday said.

Misra directed departments to ensure that every new and ongoing development project factors in disaster resilience from the planning stage itself.

She also instructed that adequate budgetary provisions be made for disaster management activities, recognising that preparedness and prevention are key to safeguarding lives, infrastructure and public assets.

All departments asked to nominate dedicated nodal officers

To fast-track implementation, all departments have been directed to nominate dedicated nodal officers for disaster management and submit action taken reports (ATRs) within 15 days, detailing the preventive and mitigation measures initiated.

These reports will be consolidated by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department for submission to the Government of India, according to the statement.

She also emphasised the need to sensitise officers at all levels so that disaster risk reduction becomes an integral component of departmental functioning.

The initiative is expected to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and improve the state's preparedness to deal with floods, heatwaves, storms and other natural disasters.