Invest in resilient infrastructure today for a better tomorrow, says PM Modi

livemint.com:

infrastructure today, for a better tomorrow. Resilience needs to be factored into new infrastructure creation. Further, it also needs to be a part of post-disaster rebuilding," PM Modi said on Wednesday at the sixth edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

“After disasters, the immediate focus is naturally on relief and rehabilitation. After the initial response, our focus should also include resilience of infrastructure." Highlighting the borderless nature of natural disasters and their far-reaching impacts in our interconnected world, Modi advocated for a unified approach to resilience. "Nature and disasters have no borders.

In a highly interconnected world, disasters and disruptions cause widespread impact. The world can be resilient collectively, only when each country is resilient individually," he added, underscoring the importance of shared resilience due to shared risks. The tangible effects of natural disasters extend far beyond financial measurements, deeply affecting individuals, families, and communities.

Earthquakes, for example, not only cause widespread property damage but also displace thousands, while other disasters can compromise critical water and sewage systems, posing significant health risks. The disruption of energy plants by natural events can also create hazardous conditions. The prime minster also highlighted efforts to bolster the resilience of particularly vulnerable regions, such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), through targeted support.

"To achieve shared resilience, we must support the most vulnerable. For example, Small Island Developing States are at high risk of disasters," Modi explained. He detailed CDRI’s initiatives in these