Telangana hosts first conference on animal-inclusive disaster planning

Telangana hosted its first conference on animal-inclusive disaster risk reduction in Hyderabad on Thursday (November 27, 2025).

Organised by UNICEF and Humane World for Animals India in collaboration with the Telangana State Disaster Management Authority, the event brought together policy-makers, veterinary professionals, humanitarian experts and disaster management officials, to explore animal welfare as part of disaster preparedness.

Speakers stressed that protecting animals is vital to safeguarding rural livelihoods and building disaster-resilient communities, especially in a State that faces frequent floods, droughts, heatwaves and cyclones. With over 35 million farm animals in Telangana, officials underlined that the loss of animals during disasters can have severe emotional and economic consequences for families.

Addressing the gathering, Animal Husbandry Minister Vakiti Srihari expressed full support for the initiative and said official procedures would be followed to protect animals and wildlife. Representatives from Humane World for Animals India highlighted the importance of collaborative planning, noting that disaster preparedness must ensure “no one is left behind”, including the animals that communities depend on.

Panel discussions and dialogues examined existing disaster management policies for farm animals, companion animals and wildlife. Participants identified gaps, reviewed challenges faced during recent disasters and proposed strategies for a state-level animal-inclusive disaster management model. Organisers said the conference could pave the way for stronger policy alignment and improved preparedness across Telangana.