Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Chairs Key Meeting on Landslide Mitigation with National Institutions
Multi-institutional approach to tackle landslide risks | Sensors to be installed in 13 glacial lakes | Satellite-based prediction model to aid timely evacuation
Dehradun, September 23, 2025: Chief Secretary Shri Anand Bardhan chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday with premier national institutions, including the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), and Central Water Commission, to chart out an action plan for landslide mitigation in Uttarakhand.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed scientific bodies to identify landslide-prone areas and develop a prediction model that integrates satellite imagery and ground-based assessments. The model will help forecast the likelihood of landslides based on rainfall levels at specific locations, enabling timely evacuation of vulnerable populations to safer areas.
Shri Bardhan instructed IIRS, GSI, Wadia Institute, and the Central Building Research Institute to collaborate and expedite research and implementation. He emphasized that comprehensive and immediate action is vital to safeguard lives and infrastructure.
As part of the directives, the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has been tasked with installing sensors in 13 glacial lakes across the state. Of these, six highly sensitive lakes will be prioritized for satellite and ground-based assessments, followed by sensor installation. The Chief Secretary also directed studies on measures to reduce the sensitivity of these lakes. Supporting institutions such as IIRS, GSI, Central Water Commission, and USAC will extend technical assistance.
He assured that the government would provide adequate funding for these initiatives, ensuring no shortage of resources in tackling this critical issue.
Highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation, Shri Bardhan said:
“A multi-institutional approach is the only way forward. All stakeholders must act with urgency and seriousness to address the challenge of landslides.”
The meeting was attended by Secretary Shri Vinod Kumar Suman, IG SDRF Shri Arun Mohan Joshi, Director General of UCOST Prof. Durgesh Pant, along with senior scientists and officials from the participating institutions.
