The National Military-Civil Symposium on Floods and Flood-Related Disaster Management was convened today at Headquarters Central Command in Lucknow, bringing together key stakeholders from the armed forces, state governments, and technical agencies. The symposium aimed to strengthen preparedness and foster collaboration to address recurring flood challenges across India’s most vulnerable regions.
Senior representatives from the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh participated, along with officials from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). Technical experts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Central Water Commission (CWC), and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) contributed valuable insights into early warning systems and data-driven flood mitigation strategies.
Delivering the keynote address, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Surya Command, stressed the importance of a unified approach. He said, “Our goal is to reduce disaster risk through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. Civil-military coordination is essential for swift and resilient flood responses.”
An equipment display at the venue highlighted recent advancements in flood response technologies, including real-time monitoring tools, inflatable rescue boats, and communication systems. Participants also shared successful models and lessons learned from past flood relief operations, encouraging cross-state learning and preparedness.
This symposium is a step forward in institutionalizing civil-military cooperation for disaster management and sets the stage for a more robust, technology-integrated response framework. It reflects India’s evolving disaster management priorities, emphasizing inter-agency coordination, proactive planning, and community resilience.
