In a major stride towards disaster preparedness, Chief Minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath has spearheaded a historic initiative to strengthen and modernize the disaster management framework of Uttar Pradesh. The state government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at reducing disaster risks and creating a robust, scientific, and coordinated relief system.
Agreement to Cover All 75 Districts in Phased Manner
The agreement, signed in Lucknow in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Adityanath, marks a significant collaboration to enhance institutional capacity and implement disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies at the grassroots level. UNDP India Head Ms. Angela Lusigi, who was present during the signing, praised the efforts of the state government and assured full technical support for the initiative.
Comprehensive Disaster Planning Across Departments and Cities
Under the agreement, a wide range of disaster management measures will be implemented over the next three years:
- District disaster management plans will be prepared in all 75 districts of the state.
- Separate departmental disaster plans will be created for 15 key departments.
- Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will be prepared for 10 departments.
- Urban disaster management plans will be developed in 20 major cities after analyzing their risk and vulnerability profiles.
Rs. 19.99 Crore Approved for Project Implementation
To execute this ambitious plan, the Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned Rs. 19.99 crore, which will be spent in a phased manner over three years. The project will focus on:
- Strengthening the state-level disaster information system through enhanced integration.
- Organizing special training workshops for better preparedness.
- Procuring ICT equipment.
- Establishing a Project Management Unit (PMU) in the Relief Commissioner’s Office.
All initiatives will align with UNDP’s technical guidelines and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s recommendations.
Chief Minister Emphasizes Urgency and Impact
Chief Minister Mr. Adityanath asserted that disaster management is no longer optional, but an essential administrative priority. He emphasized that timely warnings, effective planning, and coordinated action are vital to reduce loss of life and property during disasters.
“This partnership with UNDP will prove to be a turning point for Uttar Pradesh,” he said. “It will bring decision-making in line with global standards, enhance administrative efficiency, and help make citizens more aware and disaster-ready.”
UNDP Assures Full Support
UNDP India Head Ms. Angela Lusigi lauded the state government’s vision and commitment and assured continued support in areas such as policy-making, capacity-building, and implementation. She reaffirmed that the success of this program lies in the strength of Uttar Pradesh’s leadership and its focus on preparedness.
This agreement marks a transformational shift in how Uttar Pradesh prepares for and responds to disasters, setting a model for other states to emulate in disaster risk reduction and management.
