Himachal Pradesh CM Orders Study on Cloudburst Triggers

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience at the Himachal Pradesh University to conduct a comprehensive study on cloudburst triggers in the Himalayan region. The study aims to examine key contributing factors, including the role of dams, temperature fluctuations, terrain characteristics, and aerial distance-based patterns linked to frequent cloudbursts.

The Chief Minister made the directive during a high-level meeting focused on disaster risk reduction, resilience planning, and ongoing research efforts. He emphasized the need for scientific research to improve disaster preparedness and resilience planning across the State.

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has been allocated ₹6 crore for capacity building and strengthening of the centre through specialised training programmes. An additional grant of ₹10 crore has been approved for institutional strengthening and capacity enhancement initiatives.

The Chief Minister has also directed the HPSDMA to provide financial assistance for undertaking Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) studies through the centre at the university, with an allocation of ₹1 crore. The immediate next steps include the implementation of the research study and the allocation of funds for capacity building and institutional strengthening, with the aim of improving disaster preparedness and resilience planning across the State.