At the World Disaster Management Conference 2025 in Dehradun, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav calls the Silkyara tunnel rescue a “historic achievement” for India, and highlights the need for technology-driven, multi-hazard strategies focused on the Himalayas

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav has described the “Silkyara Victory Operation” as a historic achievement for India in disaster management, saying it has shown that strong determination, efficient leadership and scientific expertise can make “the impossible possible” even in the toughest situations.

Addressing the three-day World Disaster Management Conference 2025 in Dehradun through a video message on Friday, Yadav welcomed the event organised by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology with the collaboration of international, national and state-level institutions, and called it an important initiative in the field of disaster management.

Extending greetings to the people of Uttarakhand on the silver jubilee year of the state’s formation, Yadav said that despite various challenges over the last 25 years, the state has established a progressive identity at both national and global levels. He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given a new direction to the state’s development.

Yadav said the Prime Minister has always had a deep affection for the Himalayas and has consistently highlighted the themes of Himalayan issues, references, conservation and safety. He described the Himalayas as India’s pride and a treasure of the country’s spiritual, cultural, environmental and biodiversity heritage, and pointed out that rivers originating from the Himalayas form the foundation of Indian civilisation.

He emphasised the need to keep the Himalayas at the centre of global discussions on disaster management and said that, due to climate change and human-induced factors, disaster events are increasing worldwide, which calls for a strong global strategy.

Highlighting India’s role, Yadav said that the 10-point agenda proposed by the Prime Minister has received remarkable support across the world, reflecting India’s leadership capabilities in disaster risk reduction. He added that, under Modi’s leadership, India has established a global organisation, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which is doing what he termed excellent work on disaster-related issues.

Yadav said that the “Silkyara Victory Operation” is an inspiring example for countries around the world and stressed the need to focus on science and technology-based disaster mitigation, forecasting and preparedness to make disaster management more effective. He said only through modern technology, research and international cooperation can future disasters be managed effectively.

Concluding his address, Yadav expressed hope that the ideas, research and recommendations emerging from the Dehradun conference will benefit India as well as the wider world and guide the development of multi-hazard strategies. He also conveyed his best wishes to the organisers and all participants for the successful conduct of the conference.