Shimla: In a major step towards tackling climate-related challenges, the Himachal Pradesh government inked a deal with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday evening.
The agreement, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, will see the installation of 48 automatic weather stations across the state, improving real-time weather data collection and forecasting, especially for agriculture and horticulture sectors.
At present, 22 such weather stations are already up and running, with more to follow in phases, eventually covering all blocks in the state.
The Chief Minister stated that this initiative will help boost early warning systems for natural disasters like heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, flash floods, and snowstorms, significantly improving disaster management efforts.
In another big development, the state government has secured a Rs 890 crore fund from Agenc Française de Development (AFD) for a project aimed at cutting down climate risks and disasters.
"This project will help Himachal build a stronger disaster management framework," said CM Sukhu, adding that the funds will enhance the state's disaster management authorities at both state and district levels.
The project will focus on building fire stations, upgrading existing ones, setting up landslide-mitigation nurseries, and creating earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
It will also include a new Early Warning System (EWS) for disasters and satellite monitoring.
The government is also planning a state institute for disaster management, new helipads for better emergency response, and the formation of a new State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Key attendees at the event included Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, and representatives from AFD, including Abrassart Theresa and Camille Severac.
