Bhuj, March 26, 2025 – In a collaborative push to strengthen India’s disaster preparedness, Reliance Foundation and the United Nations in India hosted the second edition of their ‘Early Warning to Early Action’ convening series in Bhuj, Gujarat. Themed “Early Warning and Early Action – A Multi-Hazard, Multi-Stakeholders Approach”, the event brought together stakeholders from across India and countries in the Global South to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and align on strategies for multi-hazard disaster risk reduction.
Held at the Smritivan Earthquake Museum, a symbolic venue in a region that has experienced both catastrophic earthquakes and cyclones, the convening spotlighted localised early warning systems, anticipatory action, and community-led resilience models that bridge the gap between data, alerts, and life-saving action on the ground.
Bold Vision and Collective Commitment for a Resilient Future
Delivering the keynote, Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat, emphasized the need for bold and transformative steps to safeguard current and future generations. She lauded Gujarat’s culture of resilience, especially among the people of Kutch, and proposed developing Smritivan into a multi-hazard preparedness and training centre under the envisioned ‘Smritivan 2’.
Mr. Anupam Anand, IAS, CEO of Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), reflected on how Gujarat operationalizes the Sendai Framework and the Prime Minister’s 10-point agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through integrated state-wide planning. He cited Cyclone Biparjoy as an example where coordinated inter-departmental action ensured zero casualties and minimal economic losses.
Global Perspective and Local Innovation
Speaking on the global context, Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, stated:
“By 2050, over 1.2 billion people could be displaced due to extreme weather and natural disasters. Risk today is as much about preparedness and inclusivity as it is about nature. Through this partnership, we aim to build stronger early warning systems rooted in technology, community resilience, and global-local learning.”
Mr. Sudarshan Suchi, Chief Development Officer at Reliance Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to disaster resilience, stating:
“From Bhuj to Biparjoy, Reliance Foundation has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Gujarat. Through technology, data, and partnerships, we aim to enable communities to act early and recover stronger.”
Inclusive and Action-Oriented Discussions
The convening featured insights from key dignitaries including:
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Mr. Anand Babulal Patel, IAS, District Collector, Kutch
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Lt. Col. Sanjeev Kumar Shahi, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
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Representatives from NDMA, GIDM, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and state departments
Key discussions included:
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Impact-based early warning system technology
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Lessons from the Global South and field applications
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Anticipatory action and slow-onset disasters like drought
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Disability inclusion and protection of livestock in emergencies
A field visit to Rapargarh and Jakhau prior to the convening provided real-time insights into community preparedness. A curated walk through the Smritivan Museum during the event further reinforced the importance of heritage, memory, and learning in disaster response planning.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
