Lucknow : In a significant move to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in Uttar Pradesh, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Relief Commissioner’s Office, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence.
The agreement aims to make disaster management in the state more effective, coordinated, scientific, and robust. It marks a new beginning in implementing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programs, strengthening institutional capacity, and developing a multi-level disaster management system backed by technical expertise.
Also present at the event was Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP India’s Resident Representative, who commended the visionary leadership of the state government. She assured full cooperation from UNDP in providing technical support, policy development, planning, and grassroots-level implementation in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government.
A New Chapter in Disaster Resilience
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that disaster management is a critical administrative priority in the modern era. “By integrating technical expertise, training, and preparedness, we can significantly reduce the impact of disasters,” he stated. He expressed confidence that this collaboration will elevate the state’s disaster management capacity to global standards and enhance scientific decision-making in governance.
The Chief Minister added that this initiative would pave the way for Uttar Pradesh to emerge as a leader in disaster preparedness, ensuring better protection of lives, property, and infrastructure.
Key Objectives of the MoU
This MoU is aimed at executing a comprehensive range of DRR programs at all administrative levels. It will make the disaster response system more inclusive, accountable, and effective. Key initiatives include:
- Development of district disaster management plans in all 75 districts
- Formulation of departmental disaster management plans for 15 departments
- Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 10 key departments
- Risk and vulnerability assessments in 20 major urban centers
- Creation of urban disaster management plans for these cities
On the technical front, the MoU envisions the integration and strengthening of the state-level disaster information system, along with:
- Organizing training workshops and assessment studies
- Provision of essential ICT equipment
- Establishment of a Project Management Unit in the Relief Commissioner’s Office
Financial and Strategic Framework
To implement this ambitious program, the Uttar Pradesh Government has approved ₹19.99 crore over a period of three years. The funds will be utilized in a phased manner, based on the technical proposals submitted by UNDP. The collaboration also aligns with the recommendations of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which has authorized UNDP to provide technical support in this domain.
Dr. Lusigi praised the commitment and preparedness of the state and affirmed that UNDP would work alongside the Uttar Pradesh Government at every level—from policy planning to field-level execution—to make this initiative a success.
The agreement sets the stage for Uttar Pradesh to adopt global disaster risk reduction standards, while customizing solutions to local needs, ultimately ensuring a safer and more resilient state.
