Emergency response centres to be set up in panchayats across Himachal Pradesh
SHIMLA | January 20, 2026:
The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Disaster Management in Himachal Pradesh met here today under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to review rehabilitation efforts and strengthen disaster preparedness across the state. Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani was also present in the meeting.
The Sub-Committee undertook a comprehensive review of ongoing disaster management initiatives, focusing on improving response mechanisms at the grassroots level. The Revenue Minister lauded departments for proactive measures aimed at strengthening preparedness and ensuring faster response during emergencies.
It was informed that Emergency Response Centres are being established in panchayats across Himachal Pradesh, marking a major step towards decentralised disaster response. To enhance structural safety, 250 buildings have been identified for retrofitting, while retrofitting work is already underway in 60 schools in Chamba district.
Disaster Management in Himachal Pradesh: Focus on Critical Infrastructure
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding essential services, Jagat Singh Negi directed officers to undertake detailed mapping of critical institutions, describing them as the lifeline of the state during disasters. He instructed that priority be given to major health institutions including IGMC Shimla, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda, 10 Regional Hospitals, and three Zonal Hospitals to ensure operational continuity during emergencies.
The Sub-Committee was informed that a State-Level Insurance Committee was notified on December 18, 2025, under the chairmanship of Secretary (Animal Husbandry) Ritesh Chauhan. The committee has been tasked with exploring insurance options for individual and public properties to provide financial resilience during disasters. Its first meeting was held on January 12, 2026.
Early Warning Systems and SDRF Strengthening
Officers informed the meeting that the State Disaster Management Authority is working with stakeholders to establish a Multi-Hazard Early Warning System. Public awareness regarding disaster helplines 1070 and 1077, now integrated with the national emergency number 112, will also be intensified.
The Sub-Committee discussed the hiring of private helicopters during disaster situations and decided to place the matter before the Cabinet for consideration. It was also agreed to fill vacant SDRF posts by deploying trained personnel from the Police force to further strengthen disaster response capabilities.
Senior officers from the Disaster Management Authority, Police, Public Works, Food Supplies and other departments attended the meeting.
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