Uttarakhand number-1 in combating disaster! There was a lot of praise on the BRICS platform, these two incidents were mentioned

New Delhi: Uttarakhand, which often faces natural disasters, is now becoming an example for the world in the field of disaster management. The state’s prompt action, better coordination and use of modern technologies in difficult hilly conditions has made its mark on the international stage as well. Uttarakhand’s disaster management model was especially appreciated in an important meeting of BRICS countries held recently. Especially Dharali disaster and Silkyara tunnel rescue operation were presented as excellent examples.

The second technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group was held from 3 to 5 June in Puri, Odisha under the chairmanship of India. Experts from 11 member and associate countries including Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, United Arab Emirates participated in this conference. Uttarakhand was represented in the meeting by SDRF commander Arpan Yaduvanshi and ULMMC director Shantanu Sarkar. He shared detailed information about the ongoing disaster management programs and successful rescue operations in the state.

The world appreciated the work of SDRF

During the conference, Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation and Dharali Disaster Relief Work of Uttarkashi were specially presented. In both these operations, SDRF and other agencies worked in extremely challenging conditions and saved the lives of many people. International representatives said that the way Uttarakhand showed patience, technology and administrative coordination in difficult geographical conditions, it is a model worth learning for other countries also.

SDRF commander Arpan Yaduvanshi said that to reduce disaster risk in the state, continuous work is being done on scientific planning and better coordination between various agencies. Director Shantanu Sarkar said that continuous efforts are being made to further strengthen the early warning system.

Technology and humanitarian approach praised

The experts present in the meeting described the relief and rescue operations of Uttarakhand as a wonderful example of technical efficiency and human sensitivity. He believed that during any disaster, quick decisions, use of modern equipment and collective efforts of various departments proved to be the key to success.

The land disaster had caused devastation

Dharali town, located on Gangotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district, faced a severe natural disaster on 5 August 2025. After the cloud burst, a huge amount of debris came into the Kheer Ganga river, which badly affected the entire area. After this disaster, SDRF, NDRF, Army, ITBP and Air Force together conducted a large-scale relief and rescue operation. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the affected areas to safe places and relief work continued for several days.

Silkyara tunnel rescue operation became an example

The Silkyara-Barkot Tunnel located in Uttarkashi district is an important part of the Chardham All Weather Road Project. On November 12, 2023, a part of the tunnel collapsed due to a landslide, trapping 41 workers inside. The rescue operation that started after this became one of the largest and most challenging rescue operations in the country. Various agencies worked together in this operation that lasted for about 17 days and finally all the workers were evacuated safely.

This successful campaign attracted the attention of not only the country but also the world. Now even in the BRICS conference, it has been presented as an excellent example of disaster management and rescue operations. The international appreciation of these campaigns of Uttarakhand proves that the state has developed a strong system in the field of disaster management. On the strength of better planning, modern technology and trained teams, Uttarakhand is now emerging as an influential model in this field.