Shimla, July 4: The "Build Back Better" mantra echoed through a high-level review meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday as Himachal Pradesh was urged to speed up recovery and reconstruction works following the devastating 2023 monsoon disasters.
The emphasis was on rebuilding stronger, safer and more climate-resilient infrastructure instead of merely replacing what was lost.
Top-level review of the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)-2023 Recovery and Reconstruction Plan was chaired by .
The meeting was attended by , and nodal officers from all departments implementing the recovery plan, underlining the Centre's close monitoring of reconstruction efforts in the hill state.
Recovery progress across sectors came under the scanner as departments presented detailed updates on the physical and financial status of approved projects.
The review examined implementation of recovery interventions, utilisation of funds and progress achieved under the PDNA-2023 plan while identifying areas requiring immediate attention.
Execution bottlenecks were discussed threadbare, with NDMA calling for faster implementation, stronger inter-departmental coordination and prompt resolution of issues delaying reconstruction works.
Officials stressed adherence to timelines so that recovery projects are completed without further slippages.
Disaster resilience remained the guiding principle throughout the meeting. NDMA emphasised that the "Build Back Better" mantra should shape every reconstruction project so that roads, bridges, public infrastructure and essential services emerge stronger and more resilient to future floods, landslides and other climate-induced disasters.
State commitment was reiterated by the Himachal Pradesh government, which assured full cooperation with NDMA and all stakeholder departments to ensure effective implementation of the PDNA-2023 Recovery and Reconstruction Plan.
The overarching goal, officials said, is to build a safer and more disaster-resilient Himachal through sustainable reconstruction.
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