Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, on Tuesday called for a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, stressing that the next decade must prioritise protecting development, reducing economic losses and saving lives.
Addressing a meeting of senior officials on disaster risk reduction, convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and co-chaired by India and the United Kingdom, Dr Mishra highlighted the growing links among climate change, urbanisation, infrastructure expansion and environmental degradation.
He emphasised the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning and multi-hazard early warning systems in reducing disaster risks. He stressed that authorities must translate warnings into timely action and ensure access to necessary funding. He also called for advance planning of recovery mechanisms to ensure that reconstruction addresses existing vulnerabilities rather than reproducing them.
Dr Mishra noted that improvements in early warning systems, preparedness and emergency response have saved lives, but economic losses remain high. He urged authorities to move beyond departmental silos and adopt a holistic approach to understanding risks and their cascading consequences.
Referring to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Dr Mishra called for faster implementation through 2030 and greater investment in prevention, mitigation and institutional capacity.
He highlighted India’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including the Ten-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction introduced in 2016 and the amendments to the Disaster Management Act in 2025.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to international cooperation, Dr Mishra highlighted the establishment of the G20 Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. He also underscored India’s continued efforts to strengthen global collaboration in disaster risk reduction during its BRICS Chairship.
Dr Mishra outlined three key priorities: improving the understanding of emerging and interconnected risks; investing more effectively in resilience across public finance, infrastructure, cities and natural systems; and strengthening institutions through practical international cooperation.