Thaawarchand Gehlot 
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Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has emphasised the importance of community participation in disaster preparedness and response, speaking at the World Disaster Management Conference in Bengaluru.

“The local community is the backbone of disaster management. Empowering, training, and making people aware at the grassroots level can significantly reduce the impact of disasters,” he said.

The Governor called for the formation of disaster management Committees in villages and highlighted the need to provide them with proper resources and training. He also stressed the importance of incorporating disaster awareness training starting from the school level and integrating disaster management into overall development policies.

International cooperation

At the event, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, with the theme ‘Technology for Climate and Disaster Resilience’, Mr. Gehlot said climate change and disasters are global challenges, and international cooperation, along with science and technology, is vital for tackling them.

Speaking about the transformative role of technology in managing disasters, he noted that tools like artificial intelligence, big data, satellite imaging, and GIS mapping are helping in early warning, response, and policymaking. Drones and robotics are proving essential in hard-to-reach areas during rescue operations, and mobile alerts and social media are helping spread timely information, even in rural areas, he said.

Disasters doubled

Highlighting recent trends, Mr. Gehlot pointed out that the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have nearly doubled in the past two decades due to climate change. These events are affecting lives, property, mental health, and economies worldwide, he said, while underlining the need for tree plantation and sustainable practices to protect the environment and reduce disaster risks.

Mr. Gehlot praised the upcoming World Disaster Management Conference in Uttarakhand this November, which aims to draw global attention to India’s leadership in spirituality, science, and resilience.

The conference was attended by Durgesh Pant, Director-General, Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology, Umesh Waghmare of JNCASR, and other eminent scientists and experts.