By TC News Desk
Agartala, 4th August 2025: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that it is necessary to give utmost importance to the use of technology and AI in disaster management to reduce the loss of life and property after a disaster.
He said that it is essential to create awareness among the common people, along with the use of new technology in rescue work and moreover, skill development of various levels of workers and volunteers involved in rescue operations is also essential.
Dr. Saha said this while launching various programs of the Revenue Department at the Secretariat today.
It is noteworthy that the Chief Minister unveiled the State Disaster Management Plan for the financial year 2024–25. Later, he inaugurated the Technology Demonstration Unit, the Civil Defence Training Scheme, 26 automated weather stations and rain gauges across the state, the Disaster Management Equipment Verification Portal, and the Change of Land Use (Diversion of Land) Portal — all at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Dr. Saha said that the present era is the era of technology and AI.
“Therefore, it is necessary to give utmost importance to the use of technology and AI in disaster management. Tripura faced Cyclone Sitrang in 2022, Mocha in 2023, and Remal in 2024, along with devastating floods in 2018 and 2024. All these disasters have repeatedly reminded us of the need for advance preparation,” said Dr. Saha.
He stressed that the problems and shortcomings in disaster management must be addressed urgently. It is important to review the management of relief camps in advance and take necessary measures.
The Chief Minister said that the State Disaster Management Plan 2024–25 aligns with the visionary thinking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Thousands of volunteers will be trained in the Technology Demonstration Unit at Hapania. They are the first to be engaged in rescue operations during emergency situations. A total of 2,880 volunteers will be trained under the Civil Defence Training Scheme. I convey my thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for selecting Tripura for launching this project,” he said.
He noted that accurate and timely weather forecasting is essential for effective disaster management.
“Therefore, 26 automated weather stations and rain gauges have been set up. There are also plans to set up a Doppler weather radar station in Belonia in the coming days,” he added.
Speaking about the inauguration of the New Equipment Verification Portal, the Chief Minister said that it will be possible to track disaster management equipment stored at the district, sub-division, and TSR battalion levels through this portal.
“This will help provide a clear understanding of the current status and quantity of the equipment. Through the Change of Land Use Portal, it will be possible to make land conversion approvals easier, more transparent, and thereby make the state more business-friendly,” he added.
Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, PCCF R.K. Shyamal, and Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey were present at the event.
