Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised the need for an integrated approach towards dealing with natural disasters. He said calamities cannot be seen in isolation as a natural calamity in one part of the world affects others as well.
PM Modi virtually addressed the 5th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure today(April 04, 2023). The conference was held under the auspicious of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure(CDRI).
He said in a closely connected world, the impact of a disaster is not just local. “Disaster in one region can have a big impact on a completely different region. Therefore, our response has to be integrated not isolated”.
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Climate and Disaster- Resilient Infrastructure
Considering disaster management an important issue, PM Modi stated that over 40 nations have joined CDRI and that many more are on their way. He pointed out that he supports the CDRI’s status as an essential forum for promoting climate and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
“The conference has become a significant platform for advanced and developing economies, large and small countries, and the global north and south to come together on one platform”, he observed.
PM Modi emphasised the strategic use of local expertise in the construction of disaster-resistant infrastructure.
Modern technology combined with local knowledge may be extremely beneficial to resilience. Furthermore, he asserted that if effectively recorded, local knowledge has the potential to become a worldwide best practice.
The prime minister emphasised the inclusive nature of various CDRI programmes. Several island nations have benefited from the Infrastructure that came up under the Resilient Island States project.
Remarking on the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund that was announced last year he said, “This 50 million dollar fund has generated immense interest among developing nations. The commitment to financial resources is key to the success of initiatives”.
PM Modi said infrastructure is not merely about returns but also about reach and resilience. Infrastructure should leave none behind and should serve people in times of crisis.
He further added, social and digital infrastructure is as important as transport infrastructure.
Pointing to the intensity of recent disasters such as the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, he finished by emphasising the necessity of CDRI’s work.
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