Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha today unveiled the State Disaster Management Plan for the financial year 2024–25, stressing the need to harness technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to mitigate the loss of life and property during disasters.
Launching a series of initiatives under the Revenue Department at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister said, “In today’s tech-driven world, we must prioritize the integration of advanced technologies and AI in disaster preparedness and response. Alongside this, creating public awareness and enhancing the skills of workers and volunteers involved in rescue operations is absolutely crucial.
As part of the unveiling, Dr. Saha inaugurated a slew of new projects including, Technology Demonstration Unit at Hapania, Civil Defence Training Scheme, 26 Automated Weather Stations and Rain Gauges across the state, Disaster Management Equipment Verification Portal, Change of Land Use (Diversion of Land) Portal.
These initiatives, developed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, aim to revolutionize disaster preparedness and enhance governance.
Highlighting the state’s vulnerability, Dr. Saha recalled the devastation caused by Cyclone Sitrang (2022), Cyclone Mocha (2023), Cyclone Remal (2024), and the major floods of 2018 and 2024. He stated,
“These repeated calamities have underlined the urgent need for advance planning and efficient relief operations.”
The State Disaster Management Plan 2024–25, he said, is a step in line with the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Thousands of volunteers will be trained at the Technology Demonstration Unit. Under the Civil Defence Training Scheme, 2,880 volunteers will receive specialized training to strengthen first response capabilities during emergencies.”
Dr. Saha further emphasized the importance of accurate and real-time weather data in disaster mitigation. He announced plans for a Doppler Weather Radar Station in Belonia, while 26 automated weather monitoring stations and rain gauges have already been installed across Tripura.
In a move to streamline operations, the Chief Minister launched the Disaster Management Equipment Verification Portal, which will help track equipment availability across districts, subdivisions, and TSR battalions.
