Our Response To Disaster Has To Be Integrated Not Isolated: PM Modi

Our response to the disaster has to be integrated not isolated, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday while addressing the fifth international conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2023.

PM Modi outlined some priorities for discussion for disaster resilience infrastructure in this year's theme of ‘Delivering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure.

He said, “Infrastructure is not only about returns but also about reach and resilience. Infrastructure must leave none behind and serve the people even during times of crisis.” 

He also stressed the need for a holistic view of infrastructure as social and digital infrastructure are as important as transport infrastructure.

Along with quick relief, the PM emphasised the need to focus on early restoration of normalcy too. 

“Resilience is built in the times between one disaster and another. Studying past disasters and learning lessons from them is the way," he added.

Modi underlined the intelligent use of local knowledge in building infrastructures that can withstand disasters. Modern technology with local insights can be great for resilience. 

Further, if documented well, local knowledge may become a global best practice, he said.

Mentioning India’s G-20 presidency, he informed about the inclusion of the CDRI in many working groups. ‘"The solutions you explore here will receive attention at the highest levels of global policy-making," he said.