The Reliance Foundation–UN India convening in Bhuj, Gujarat, focused on innovative Early Warning Systems and disaster strategies.
BHUJ (India CSR): Experts at the Reliance Foundation and United Nations India convening in Bhuj called for innovative, accessible, and actionable disaster management strategies to bolster India’s future readiness. Titled ‘Early Warning and Early Action – A Multi-Hazard, Multi-Stakeholders Approach: Experiences, Learning & Sharing,’ this event marked the second in a series aimed at sharing best practices for Disaster Risk Management. Stakeholders from Indian states and Global South countries gathered to discuss localized, sector-based Early Warning Systems, drawing lessons from Gujarat’s resilience.
Reliance Foundation and UN India are collaborating to enhance disaster risk reduction through a series of convenings. These events focus on multi-hazard Early Warning Systems, emphasizing anticipatory action and last-mile reach. Held at the SmMer Smritivan Earthquake Museum in Bhuj—a city rebuilt after devastating earthquakes and cyclones—the setting underscored Gujarat’s leadership in disaster preparedness.
Gujarat’s Resilience Fuels Disaster Management Talks
Dr. Jayanti S Ravi, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat, highlighted Kutch’s resourcefulness in her keynote. “From earthquakes to cyclones, Gujarat’s resilience inspires us. We envision Smritivan evolving into a multi-hazard training hub for social change,” she said. Anupam Anand, CEO of Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, cited Cyclone Biparjoy as a success story, showcasing zero casualties due to multi-departmental coordination.
UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp warned, “By 2050, 1.2 billion people could face displacement from extreme weather. Preparedness and effective early action are key.” He praised Gujarat’s disaster response excellence, emphasizing the convening’s role in sharing India’s expertise with the Global South.
Sudarshan Suchi, Chief Development Officer at Reliance Foundation, added, “We’re committed to empowering vulnerable communities through technology and collaboration. From Bhuj to Biparjoy, our ‘We Care’ philosophy drives innovation and action.” The event featured field visits to Rapargarh and Jakhau, alongside discussions on impact-based warning systems, drought strategies, and disability inclusion.
Technology and Community at the Core
Key attendees included NDMA’s Lt. Col. Sanjeev Kumar Shahi and Kutch District Collector Anand Babulal Patel. Topics ranged from anticipatory action to livestock protection, with a focus on community response capacity. Building on Odisha’s November 2024 convening, Bhuj deepened the dialogue on multi-sectoral coordination and tech-driven solutions.
The series aims to document innovations and influence policy, ensuring no one is left behind. With Gujarat’s proven track record, the convening concluded with a call to scale early warning solutions for a disaster-ready India.
(India CSR)
