The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) will organise an annual mass awareness campaign (Samarth) on the disaster risk reduction to mark International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13. Started in 2011, a statewide campaign is carried out with a variety of events and activities being organised in October for two weeks. The HPSDMA is celebrating the 10th edition of Samarth this year. 

• The focus this year would be on developing content like news stories, photographs, quiz, videos and social media cards highlighting the link between good disaster risk governance and having national and local disaster risk reduction strategies in place.
• Online and digital modes will be extensively used to create awareness, build capacities towards promoting disaster resilience in the state.

Organized by:

Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA)
in collaboration with
District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) of all districts of Himachal Pradesh

Samarth 2012: A Brief Introduction

It was the month of August, 2011 when the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) decided to join the global community on DRR and to observe the International Day of Disaster Reduction (IDDR). The Authority laid out a plan to organize a statewide Mass Awareness Campaign on Disaster Risk Reduction and named the Campaign as ‘Samarth’, which means “capable” in English. Through ‘Samarth 2011’, the HPSDMA targeted different sections of the society and organized various capacity building events for students, teachers, media, hospitals, volunteers and the community at large. A range of I.E.C. material was developed and disseminated to enhance the understanding, awareness and sensitization about disasters and their management while focusing on preparedness.

Capitalizing on the success of ‘Samarth 2011’, the HPSDMA aims to organize a more effective, innovative and participatory Campaign in the year 2012. In order to achieve the objectives of ‘Samarth 2012’, it is very crucial for every citizen of Himachal Pradesh and all Line-Departments, Media Houses, Academic & Research Institutions, Corporate Houses, GOs, NGOs and CBOs to participate pro-actively in the campaign and contribute effectively to the process of making Himachal Pradesh a state resilient to disasters. While IDDR is a global event, the HPSDMA requests all concerned individuals and organizations to clearly understand the theme and key messages of the IDDR 2012, which are provided below alongwith the tentative schedule of the activities to be carried out during ‘Samarth 2012’ at State as well as district-level.