HYDERABAD, Telangana—In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, UNICEF and Humane World for Animals India (formerly called Humane Society International India), in collaboration with the Telangana State Disaster Management Authority, jointly hosted a one-day conference on animal-inclusive disaster risk reduction in Telangana. The event brought together experts, government agencies, disaster management authorities, policymakers, veterinary professionals and humanitarians to explore strategies for integrating animal welfare into disaster preparedness and response systems.
Telangana, with its diverse geography, faces multiple forms of disaster threats, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, lightning, and cyclones. The state is home to over 35 million farmed animals, and the loss of animals during disasters has significant practical and emotional impacts on rural families. Recognizing this critical link, the conference highlighted the urgent need to protect animals as an essential part of safeguarding people’s livelihoods and building disaster-resilient cities.
Sri Vakiti Srihari, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, said: “I am delighted to be at this important conference. You can count on my full support for every well-considered decision you take. As Minister, I am committed to following government rules and ensuring that all official procedures are upheld in the protection of animals and wildlife. You have my assurance that my team and I will work closely and responsibly with you in this shared mission.”
Speaking at the event, Alokparna Sengupta, managing director at Humane World for Animals India said: “This is a historic moment with the diverse range of partners that we have on a single forum like this. It is not easy to think beyond the norm and re-build strategies. Our joint effort will bring a much-needed linkage of animals to the issues of disaster risk reduction. Incorporating animals in disaster preparedness will, I believe, enhance community resilience, mitigate and minimize disaster risk overall, and enhance recovery strategies in rural Telangana.”
Praveen Suresh, manager, disaster relief and response team, at Humane World for Animals India said: “True disaster preparedness means leaving no one behind. When we plan for animals’ safety, we’re also protecting the people who depend on them. By investing in animal-inclusive planning today, we can reduce future losses, support faster recovery for families and ensure that entire communities - people and animals alike - can withstand and bounce back from disasters with dignity. What stood out today is how much stronger our solutions become when different parties come together - from veterinarians to disaster responders to local officials. When everyone brings their expertise to the table, practical ideas emerge that can actually work on the ground, and that’s where real change begins.”
Shri. Mahendra Rajaram, disaster risk and resilience officer (South India) UNICEF India said: “In context of disaster, we all know when there is a disaster, there is a lot of stress on families. Why we care about this issue is to ensure children are secure. If we are able to protect animals and in turn families, then children will also be protected and in schools. Unfortunately, deeper the rural families go deeper in poverty, the first impact is on children and their education.”
Through panel discussions, expert dialogues and open discussions, the conference facilitated cross-sectoral dialogue that promises to pave the way for stronger policy alignment, capacity building and community engagement. The involvement of the districts where the Post Disaster Needs Assessment was conducted in 2024, helped to illuminate the most important challenges that animals face in disaster situations. Speakers and participants jointly reviewed existing disaster risk reduction measures for farmed animals, companion animals and wildlife; identified actionable strategies to create an animal-inclusive disaster management model for the state; and discussed ways to integrate animal welfare into child and family-centered disaster response plans.
Since 2013, Humane World for Animals India’s disaster response and relief team has been working to build disaster-resilient communities through preparedness workshops, capacity building and policy advocacy. Over the years, the organization has provided emergency relief and care to over 80,000 animals affected by floods, cyclones and landslides across the country - strengthening the link between animal welfare and community resilience.
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