Shimla: A meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee was convened here today under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani was also present on the occasion.
The Sub-Committee comprehensively reviewed ongoing rehabilitation efforts and disaster management-related issues in the State. The Minister lauded the concerned departments for the proactive steps being taken to strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanisms at the grassroots level.
It was informed during the meeting that Emergency Response Centres were being established in Panchayats across the State. In a significant move towards enhancing structural safety, 250 buildings have been identified for retrofitting while works are already underway in 60 schools in Chamba district.
Jagat Singh Negi emphasized the need for detailed mapping of critical institutions, describing them as the lifeline of the State. He directed officers to prioritize major health institutions such as IGMC Shimla, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda, ten Regional Hospitals and three Zonal Hospitals to ensure their resilience during disasters.
It was apprised that a State-Level Insurance Committee was notified on 18 December 2025 under the chairmanship of Secretary, Animal Husbandry Ritesh Chauhan. The Committee has been tasked with exploring insurance options for both individual and public properties. Its first meeting was held on 12 January. The Committee aims to provide a robust financial backup during disasters, reduce the fiscal burden on the state government and ensure better insurance coverage and enhanced compensation for the people.
Officers further informed the Sub-Committee that the State Disaster Management Authority, in coordination with various stakeholders was in the process of establishing a Multi-Hazard Early Warning System. The meeting also decided to intensify public awareness regarding disaster helplines 1070 and 1077 which have now been integrated with the national emergency number 112.
The issue of hiring private helicopters during disasters was also deliberated upon. It was agreed that the matter would be brought to the notice of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and placed before the Cabinet for further consideration. The Sub-Committee also concurred on filling vacant SDRF posts through personnel from the Police force to further strengthen disaster response capabilities.
Special Secretary (Disaster) D.C. Rana, Special Secretary (General Administration) Harbans Brascon, Superintendent of Police (SDRF) Arjit Sen Thakur, Director Town and Country Planning Hemis Negi and officers from the State Disaster Management Authority, Public Works Department, Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department along with other concerned departments were present in the meeting.
