The Pune Municipal Corporation’s efforts towards “disaster reduction” in the city is set to get a global touch with a high-level delegation of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) visiting the city to review the civic administration’s preparation in disaster management. The team is also expected to make suggestions for adopting necessary measures to reduce the impact of disaster, especially climate change.

“The UNISDR delegation will be on a day-long visit to the PMC on Friday. The biggest disaster risk for the city is due to floods and there would be a spot visit by the delegation to the Mutha river,” PCMC additional city engineer Vivek Kharwadkar said. “There will be discussions on all possible disaster threats to the city and we would highlight the administration’s effort in setting up a disaster management cell and other related measures.”

Kharwadkar said the PMC was looking forward to the UNISDR suggestions to improve the disaster management and reduction efforts of the PMC. “The civic administration will seek a tieup or assistance from the delegation.”

PMC environment officer Mangesh Dighe said a presentation to the delegates would focus on the civic body’s efforts to counter the threat from climate change. “The efforts for promoting eco-housing and reducing air and water pollution will be discussed with the expert team. There is a world-wide concern over the disaster from climate change. The UNISDR team will be shown a presentation on the PMC efforts for reduction of disaster from climate change.”

... contd.