Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised the need to invest in resilient infrastructure as part of the strategy to minimise the damage from natural disasters that are on the rise across the world.
Addressing the sixth international conference on disaster resilient infrastructure through video conferencing, PM Modi said, "Resilience needs to be factored into new infrastructure creation. Further, it also needs to be a part of post-disaster rebuilding. After disasters, the immediate focus is naturally on relief and rehabilitation. But after the initial response, our focus should also include the resilience of infrastructure."
The Prime Minister said the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has come a long way since its launch in 2019 and it is now a global coalition of 39 countries and seven organisations which is a good sign for the future.
He highlighted the fact that natural disasters were becoming more frequent and more severe.
"The damage they cause is usually reported in dollars. But their true impact on people, families and communities is beyond just numbers. Earthquakes destroy houses, making thousands of people homeless. Natural disasters can disrupt water and sewage systems, putting the health of people at risk. Some disasters can impact energy plants, leading to potentially dangerous situations. These things have a human impact," PM Modi pointed out.
He said that nature and disasters have no borders as in a highly interconnected world, disasters and disruptions cause widespread impact.
"The world can be resilient collectively, only when each country is resilient individually. Shared resilience is important because of the shared risks. CDRI and this conference help us come together for this collective mission," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for "shared resilience" to support the most vulnerable countries of the Global South such as the Small Island Developing States which face a higher risk of disasters.
PM Modi lauded the CDRI programme for funding projects across 13 such places which include resilient housing in Dominica, resilient transport networks in Papua New Guinea, and enhanced early warning systems in the Dominican Republic and Fiji.
The Prime Minister also said that during India's G20 Presidency, an important step was taken to form a new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group with financing at the heart of the discussions. Along with the growth of CDRI, such steps would take the world to a resilient future, he added.
UK PM announces new 1.6-billion-pound deal for Ukraine to buy missiles
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain will allow Ukraine to use 1.6 billion pounds ($2 billion) of British export finance to purchase more than 5,000 air defence missiles.
'PM Modi working for welfare of all communities without discrimination', says Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Committee chief
Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah Committee Chairman Syed Afsar Ali Nizami on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending the Sufi music festival 'Jahan-e-Khusro' and said that he gave the message of brotherhood and works for the welfare of all communities and religion without any discrimination.
Mizoram: Security forces seize drugs valued at Rs 66.31 crore
The Assam Rifles in association with Mizoram Police in two separate joint operations have seized huge quantities of drugs worth Rs 66.31 crore from bordering Champhai district, which shares unfenced border with Myanmar and a hotspot of drugs smuggling, officials said on Sunday.
International Wheelchair Day: India emphasises inclusion of persons with disabilities
This day not only highlights the significance of wheelchairs in the lives of users but also serves as an important opportunity to enhance awareness and inclusivity in society, said the ministry on the occasion of the ‘International Wheelchair Day 2025’.
BJP committed to holistic development of Tripura – CM Dr Manik Saha celebrates 2 years of BJP’s second tenure in Tripura
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday joined the party’s celebration of 2 years of its second tenure in Tripura and said that the BJP is committed to holistic development of the state.
Communism is a system designed to ruin future of youth: Biplab
Former Tripura Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb launched a scathing attack on the CPI(M), asserting that Communism is a system designed to ruin the future of youth and women.
5 including four Govt officials arrested for embezzlement of Rs 29 Lakh in Sepahijala SP Office
Five individuals, including four government officials, have been arrested for their involvement in the embezzlement of Rs 29.04 lakh from the office of the Sepahijala District Superintendent of Police. A case was filed in February 2024 by the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the SP's office, leading to an investigation.
Another member of robbery gang held, Weapons, TSR uniforms seized
Tripura Police of Churaibari police station has arrested another active member of the dacoity gang involved in the recent armed heist in Gobindapur, North Tripura district.