New HPU centre for disaster management to mitigate Himalayan risks

In a significant move towards academic innovation and regional resilience, the Executive Council of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has approved the establishment of a Centre for Disaster Management aimed at mitigating losses from natural disasters in the fragile Himalayan region.

The decision was taken during the first regular meeting of the Executive Council-2025, held under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahavir Singh. The proposal follows an extensive survey conducted jointly by IIT Mumbai and University College London, which stressed the urgent need for disaster preparedness in mountainous terrains. During a recent interface meeting, stakeholders from both institutions agreed to collaborate and exchange expertise to develop effective disaster management strategies tailored to the Himalayan landscape.

In addition to this critical initiative, the Council gave its nod to several new academic and research centres. These include the Centre for Pahari Culture and Heritage, which aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural legacy of Himachal Pradesh and the Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Cyber-Physical Systems, designed to foster advanced research in AI-driven technologies.

The Council also approved the setting up of a Green Energy and Nanotechnology Centre, marking the university’s commitment to sustainable and emerging technologies. Academic enhancements were also discussed, with the introduction of a new syllabus for the MA in Journalism and Mass Communication and the implementation of the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) for PhD programmes in sociology, economics and social work.

Further, the Executive Council approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private training institute to provide coaching for UPSC aspirants at the university’s Pre-Examination Training Centre. The Annual Report of HPU for 2022-23 was also formally accepted during the meeting.

Prominent attendees included Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajinder Verma, Shimla (Urban) MLA Harish Janartha, Bhoranj MLA Suresh Kumar, Director of Higher Education Dr Amarjeet Sharma and Special Secretary (Finance) among other dignitaries.

Himachal Tribune