DEHRADUN: In a major academic and scientific gathering, the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) organised a full day of research presentations and technical sessions as part of the World Summit on Disaster Management and the twentieth Uttarakhand State Science and Technology Conference in Dehradun on Saturday. The sessions were conducted at Graphic Era Deemed To Be University where researchers, scientists and experts from India and several other countries shared their work on a wide range of scientific and disaster related themes.
According to organisers, researchers from Uttarakhand and from multiple Indian states participated alongside international delegates. More than twenty technical disciplines were represented in the conference and over ten thematic sessions were held throughout the day. The aim was to create a platform that encouraged scientific dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaborative problem solving in areas that directly affect development and community resilience.
The event brought together experts in disaster management, climate science, environmental protection, geospatial technology, biotechnology and related fields. Twelve specialised technology sessions were conducted in which researchers presented their findings before academics and policymakers. These sessions focused on subjects including international scientific partnerships, sustainable financing models, disaster risk finance, carbon ecosystems, developments in space based observation, the role of media in disaster reporting, the Sikkim model of climate adaptation and emerging perspectives on Himalayan corridor development.
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Along with these technical sessions, the conference featured discussions on social development, agriculture, community health, environmental monitoring, water conservation, and the use of science and technology in strengthening vulnerable communities. Experts said that such interactions help bridge the gap between research and field practice and enable better policy formulation in states that face recurring climate and disaster related challenges.
The joint objective of the Science and Technology Conference and the World Summit on Disaster Management is to promote scientific cooperation, advance evidence based disaster management, support informed policymaking and help communities build long term resilience. Organisers highlighted that the dialogue between scientists, administrators and grassroots representatives is essential for developing practical solutions suited to Himalayan states like Uttarakhand.
A major highlight of the day was the Water Conclave, which examined the connection between climatic changes, river systems, water governance and disaster risk. Experts including Professor Rajiv Sinha, Dr Raghavan Krishnan, Professor Anil Kulkarni, Dr Arvind Kumar and Dr Rakesh shared insights on Himalayan rivers, rainfall variability, the behaviour of glaciers and water resource management. They raised concerns about issues such as illegal sand mining, rapid changes in fragile glacier systems and the increasing need for an integrated water policy to protect mountain communities.
Senior officials including Shankar Koranga, Vice Chairman of the State Watershed Council, and senior civil servant Meenakshi Sundaram spoke about the importance of coordination between scientific bodies and administrative mechanisms. They said that stronger communication between research institutions and district authorities can lead to earlier warnings, better preparedness and more effective response strategies. Special sessions were also conducted for tribal communities, focusing on indigenous knowledge and its role in disaster preparedness.
In addition, a separate session on the role of media in disaster management was held. Veteran journalists from various media platforms discussed the importance of trustworthy communication during disasters. They said that accurate information helps prevent panic, supports rescue efforts and ensures that communities receive timely guidance in critical situations.
During the day, more than five hundred researchers presented their papers on disaster science, environmental change, new technologies and community resilience. Organisers said the extensive participation reflected the scientific community’s commitment to addressing the growing challenges faced by Himalayan states.
The discussions also gained significance against the backdrop of recent disasters in Uttarakhand. The state has seen several incidents in the past year including intense rainfall spells, flash floods, landslides and disruptions to the Char Dham pilgrimage route. Regions such as Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh have experienced multiple episodes of slope failure and road blockages during the monsoon, affecting both residents and travellers. In some areas, sudden cloudbursts damaged homes and rural infrastructure. Glacial lake related concerns have also increased due to changing climatic conditions and experts have warned that continuous monitoring of these high altitude lakes is essential.
Officials attending the summit said that the frequency and intensity of recent disasters underline the urgency of strengthening early warning systems, improving scientific observation and investing in risk reduction. They added that conferences like this help build a foundation for long term resilience by connecting global scientific knowledge with local administrative needs.
The event concluded with a call for continued cooperation between researchers, disaster managers, government agencies and local communities. Organisers emphasised that science and technology must play a central role in shaping Uttarakhand’s approach to safety, sustainability and development in the coming years.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
