For 6th Semester Polytechnic All Branch Students
Written by Garima Kanwar | Blog: Rajasthan Polytechnic
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Course Code 63002(Same in All Branches of Engg.)
Course Title Disaster Management
India, being a vast and diverse country, faces numerous natural and man-made disasters each year. Effective disaster management is crucial for minimizing the impacts of these events. In this post, we’ll take a look at India’s disaster profile, some of the major disasters, the legal framework for disaster management, and the roles played by various agencies at different levels.
4.1 Disaster Profile of India
India is highly vulnerable to a wide range of natural disasters due to its geographic location, diverse climate, and rapid urbanization. Some of the key disasters that affect India include:
- Earthquakes: India lies on four seismic zones (II, III, IV, V), making it prone to earthquakes, particularly in the Himalayan region and the northeastern states.
- Floods: Many parts of India, especially the northern and eastern regions, experience frequent flooding due to monsoon rains, river overflow, and dam failures.
- Cyclones: Coastal areas like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are susceptible to cyclones, especially during the monsoon season.
- Droughts: Droughts affect large parts of India, particularly in the western and central regions, leading to water scarcity and crop failure.
- Heatwaves: With rising temperatures, heatwaves have become a significant concern in many regions, particularly in northern and central India.
- Landslides: The hilly and mountainous terrains, especially in the northeastern states and the Himalayan region, are prone to landslides.
- Industrial Disasters: Industrial accidents, chemical spills, and nuclear-related accidents also pose risks to India’s urban and industrial regions.
India’s vulnerability to these natural and man-made disasters calls for a strong disaster management system to protect its population and infrastructure.
4.2 Mega Disasters of India and Lessons Learned
India has experienced several mega disasters, each offering valuable lessons in disaster management. Some of the most significant disasters in India’s history include:
The 2001 Gujarat Earthquake
The Gujarat earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale and struck the region of Kutch in Gujarat in January 2001. It resulted in massive destruction, with over 20,000 lives lost, hundreds of thousands of buildings damaged, and significant economic loss.
- Lesson: The earthquake highlighted the need for better earthquake-resistant building codes and the importance of community-based disaster preparedness and response.
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
The 2004 tsunami devastated coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, killing more than 230,000 people in several countries.
- Lesson: The importance of an early warning system for tsunamis became evident, as well as the need for proper coastal zone management and evacuation plans.
The 2013 Uttarakhand Floods
In June 2013, flash floods and landslides struck Uttarakhand, leading to thousands of deaths and the destruction of infrastructure.
- Lesson: Improved infrastructure planning in hilly areas, early warning systems, and better coordination between different levels of government are essential for reducing casualties in such disasters.
The 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy
The Bhopal gas tragedy remains one of the worst industrial disasters in history, when a chemical leak from the Union Carbide plant killed thousands and caused long-term health effects.
- Lesson: The need for stricter industrial safety regulations, hazard management, and prompt emergency responses was highlighted.
These mega disasters underline the need for a comprehensive, multi-level disaster management system that is prepared for various types of risks.
4.3 Disaster Management Act 2005
The Disaster Management Act of 2005 was a landmark legislation in India, aiming to establish a framework for disaster management in the country. The act provides a national framework for the management of disasters at the national, state, and district levels.
Key features of the act:
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Established at the national level to formulate policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
- State and District Authorities: Each state and district in India has its own disaster management authority to handle disaster preparedness, response, and recovery at local levels.
- National Plan for Disaster Management: The Act mandates the creation of a national disaster management plan, which is regularly updated.
- Disaster Response Funds: The Act also led to the establishment of a National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), which allocates funds for disaster response and recovery.
This act laid the foundation for a structured and systematic approach to disaster management in India.
4.4 Institutional and Financial Mechanism
Disaster management in India is governed by an intricate institutional framework that involves various government bodies, agencies, and financial mechanisms.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The central body responsible for formulating disaster policies, plans, and strategies.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): A specialized force that handles rescue, relief, and response operations during disasters.
- National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): Provides training, education, and research on disaster management.
- State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs): Coordinate disaster management efforts at the state and district levels.
- National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): Financial mechanisms for providing immediate assistance during and after disasters.
These agencies and funds work together to ensure a coordinated response to disasters across the country.
4.5 National Policy on Disaster Management
India's National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), formulated in 2009, lays down guidelines for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response. The policy focuses on risk reduction, community-based approaches, and building resilience at all levels of society.
Key objectives of the policy:
- Ensuring that disaster management becomes an integral part of the development process.
- Promoting community participation and awareness in disaster preparedness.
- Establishing a culture of disaster resilience through education, training, and research.
- Improving coordination between various levels of government, NGOs, and private sector actors in disaster management.
The policy emphasizes that disaster risk reduction should be incorporated into development plans and that communities should be empowered to respond to disasters effectively.
4.6 National Guidelines and Plans on Disaster Management
India has developed several national guidelines and plans to ensure comprehensive disaster management:
- National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): A strategic plan that outlines measures to be taken during disasters, including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery actions.
- Disaster Management Guidelines: Issued by the NDMA, these provide detailed instructions for handling specific types of disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and chemical hazards.
These plans and guidelines are updated regularly to incorporate lessons learned from past disasters and technological advancements.
4.7 Role of Government (Local, State, and National)
The role of the government in disaster management is crucial and spans across different levels:
National Government
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) formulates national policies and frameworks.
- Coordination with international agencies, neighboring countries, and NGOs.
- Resource allocation and ensuring the availability of funds for disaster response.
State Government
- State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) are responsible for developing state-specific disaster management plans.
- Coordination of response efforts within the state.
- Implementation of national policies at the state level.
Local Government (District Level)
- District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) take charge of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery at the local level.
- Community involvement in preparedness activities and ensuring the safety of residents.
Each level of government has a defined role and is expected to collaborate to ensure effective disaster management.
4.8 Non-Government and Inter-Governmental Agencies
Apart from the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and inter-governmental agencies play an essential role in disaster management.
- NGOs: Provide relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts during disasters. They are involved in raising awareness, conducting training programs, and supporting marginalized communities.
- Example: The Indian Red Cross Society and SEEDS India are actively involved in disaster relief and preparedness.
- Inter-Governmental Organizations: These include bodies like the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), which supports disaster management efforts globally, including in India.
The collaboration between the government, NGOs, and inter-governmental organizations is vital for a comprehensive and effective disaster management system.
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