The Yogi government is embarking on a crucial initiative to enhance the disaster management capabilities of Uttar Pradesh by organising a comprehensive training camp for Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) posted across the state.

The camp aims to enhance the expertise of these officials in handling a spectrum of disasters, ranging from pandemics and floods to droughts, excessive rainfall, lightning, and more, ensuring effective management and mitigation.

The training camp, divided into three phases, will cater to 25 ADMs each from diverse districts. Esteemed experts from renowned institutions, including Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), with specialisation in climate change, sustainability, and disaster management, will conduct insightful training sessions during the camp.

The inaugural phase of this transformative initiative is scheduled to take place at IIM Lucknow on February 6 and 7, where 25 ADMs will actively participate. The camp will consist of four sessions, focusing on crucial topics such as climate change, sensitivity, disaster management, relief logistics, stakeholder management, digital initiatives, and design thinking.

Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Sudhir Garg emphasised CM Yogi’s unwavering commitment to minimising loss of life due to disasters. He highlighted the significant progress made in reducing casualties over the past six-and-a-half years, attributing it to the Chief Minister’s foresight and the proactive approach of alerting officials in advance.

Garg elucidated that the two-day training camp aligns with CM Yogi’s vision for effective disaster management, aiming to equip all ADMs in the state with the necessary skills. The discussions during the camp will delve into critical aspects of policy management and implementation mechanisms at the district level.

Professor S Venkataramanaiah from IIM Lucknow shared insights into the camp’s benefits, emphasising its role in fostering officials’ understanding of challenges and risks, along with the utilisation of technology in climate sensitivity and disaster management.

The training camp will also introduce officials to cutting-edge management techniques, high-tech technologies, and opportunities in climate change and disaster management. With a keen focus on the state’s current climate change and disaster response, the Yogi government anticipates that this initiative will significantly reduce the occurrences of disasters, enhance public awareness, and minimise casualties.

The camp’s sessions will feature distinguished individuals, including Neeraj Dwivedi, Professor of Strategic Management at IIM Lucknow, senior officials from the Uttar Pradesh government, Dr Arun Jain, CEO of Intellect Chennai, and Prasad Unnikrishnan and GT Bharat from Kochi, who will offer valuable insights to the participants.