Western Command, NDMA to hold disaster resilience conclave at Chandimandir

Headquarters Western Command, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), will organise a high-level Joint Seminar and Exhibition on Disaster Risk Resilience at Chandimandir on January 28, aimed at strengthening India’s preparedness against natural and man-made disasters. The conclave reflects a strategic shift in the country’s disaster management approach from reactive relief operations to proactive resilience-building.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, senior military commanders, NDMA officials, policymakers and industry experts are expected to participate, with a focus on enhancing coordination between civil authorities and the Indian Army, which remains the nation’s primary responder during emergencies.

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Key discussions during the seminar will centre on civil-military coordination mechanisms, particularly the need for unified command structures to ensure swift response during the critical “Golden Hour” following a disaster. The role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite-based communication systems and indigenously developed solutions in disaster mitigation and response will also be examined.

Another important agenda item will be policy evolution, with deliberations aimed at developing a standardised framework for rapid mobilisation and deployment of resources across state and departmental boundaries during emergencies.

A major attraction of the event will be the Disaster Resilience Exhibition, which will showcase cutting-edge Make in India technologies designed for disaster response and relief operations.

The exhibition will feature next-generation CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) protection equipment, AI-driven early warning systems, advanced high-altitude rescue gear and specialised trauma care modules.

“As climate-related challenges become increasingly unpredictable, this conclave offers a vital platform to align operational capabilities on the ground with emerging strategic innovations,” a Western Command spokesperson said.

The seminar and exhibition underline the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces and the NDMA to building a robust, zero-failure disaster response ecosystem, aimed at safeguarding lives and protecting critical national infrastructure.