MEVE 015: Unit 15 - Disaster Management in India

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UNIT 15: DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

15.0 Introduction

India, due to its vast geographic and climatic diversity, is highly vulnerable to a range of natural and man-made disasters such as earthquakes, floods, droughts, cyclones, industrial accidents, and more. Over time, the country has transitioned from a reactive relief-based approach to a proactive, comprehensive disaster management strategy, incorporating preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. This unit explores major disaster events in India, the institutional framework, and the role of key stakeholders in managing disasters effectively.

15.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand key disaster events that have shaped India's disaster management policy.

·         Identify the components of India's national disaster management framework.

·         Understand the institutional roles of key government agencies in disaster management.

·         Explore the role of early warning systems, armed forces, media, and space technology.

·         Recognize India's transition from reactive to proactive disaster governance.

15.2 Lessons from the Past

India has faced several catastrophic disasters that highlighted the need for institutional reforms and strengthened preparedness.

15.2.1 Bhuj Earthquake, 2001: A Concise View

·         Magnitude: 7.7 on Richter scale.

·         Location: Gujarat, particularly Bhuj district.

·         Impact: Over 20,000 deaths, widespread destruction of infrastructure and buildings.

·         Lessons:

o    Importance of earthquake-resistant construction.

o    Need for urban planning and zoning laws.

o    Triggered development of national disaster policies and NDMA.

15.2.2 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2004

·         Cause: Undersea earthquake (magnitude 9.1–9.3) off the coast of Sumatra.

·         Impact: 12 countries affected; in India, ~10,000 deaths, major damage in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman& Nicobar Islands.

·         Lessons:

o    Necessity of early warning systems.

o    Value of community participation in preparedness and recovery.

o    Strengthened regional and international cooperation.

15.2.3 Bhopal Gas Tragedy

·         Date: December 1984.

·         Cause: Accidental release of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from Union Carbide plant.

·         Impact: Thousands died; long-term health and environmental consequences.

·         Lessons:

o    Strengthened need for industrial safety and regulation.

o    Importance of emergency response and public health preparedness.

o    Promoted formation of chemical disaster management plans.

15.3 National Disaster Management Framework

The framework outlines a holistic strategy for disaster risk reduction (DRR):

·         Legal backing: Disaster Management Act, 2005.

·         Key features:

o    Institutional mechanisms from national to local levels.

o    Integration of DRR into development planning.

o    Emphasis on preparedness, mitigation, capacity building, and early warning.

o    Community-centric approach and mainstreaming disaster risk management.

15.4 National Response Framework

The National Response Framework (NRF) defines roles and coordination mechanisms during disasters:

·         Multi-tiered system: national, state, district.

·         Ensures a coordinated and timely response to disasters.

·         Identifies lead agencies for different types of disasters (natural, industrial, etc.).

·         Mobilizes resources from armed forces, medical teams, and civil defense.

·         Promotes standard operating procedures (SOPs) and incident response systems (IRS).

15.5 Role of Government Bodies

15.5.1 National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Apex policy-making body for disaster management.

15.5.1.1 Policy Framework of NDMA

·         Formulated under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

·         Vision: A disaster-resilient India.

·         Policy emphasizes:

o    Risk prevention and mitigation.

o    Inclusive recovery.

o    Capacity building and training.

o    Use of technology and innovation.

15.5.1.2 Functions and Responsibilities of NDMA

·         Formulation of national disaster management policies and guidelines.

·         Approving plans of central ministries and departments.

·         Coordinating enforcement and implementation.

·         Organizing training, awareness, and capacity-building programs.

·         Funding support and overseeing disaster mitigation projects.

15.5.2 India Meteorological Department (IMD)

The principal agency for weather-related forecasting and early warning systems.

15.5.2.1 Roles of IMD

·         Monitoring and forecasting of meteorological parameters.

·         Issuing alerts and warnings for:

o    Cyclones

o    Floods

o    Heatwaves

o    Cold waves

·         Supporting aviation, agriculture, and public health sectors.

15.5.2.2 Components of Early Warning Generated by IMD

·         Observational data (satellites, radars, surface stations).

·         Forecast models for different time scales.

·         Warning dissemination systems (SMS, radio, TV, internet, apps).

·         Real-time monitoring tools, such as Doppler Weather Radars.

15.5.3 Role of Armed Forces and Media in Disaster Management

·         Armed Forces:

o    Immediate response and rescue operations.

o    Engineering and logistics support in inaccessible areas.

o    Setting up temporary shelters, medical aid, evacuation.

·         Media:

o    Dissemination of alerts, advisories, and public information.

o    Raising awareness and educating the public on disaster preparedness.

o    Providing a channel for communication between authorities and citizens.

o    Also plays a role in highlighting gaps in disaster response.

15.5.4 Role of Space Technology in Disaster Management

Space-based technologies enhance disaster monitoring, forecasting, and response:

·         Remote sensing for damage assessment and hazard mapping.

·         GIS for spatial planning and risk zoning.

·         Satellite communication for emergency connectivity.

·         Indian satellites like INSAT and CARTOSAT assist in real-time data delivery and analysis.

15.6 Let Us Sum Up

·         India’s disaster management strategy has evolved through lessons learned from major events like the Bhuj Earthquake, Tsunami 2004, and Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

·         Institutional mechanisms like NDMA, IMD, and the Armed Forces have critical roles in both pre- and post-disaster phases.

·         The national framework and response mechanisms emphasize coordinated, technology-driven, and community-based approaches.

·         Media and space technologies serve as vital enablers for early warning, awareness, and real-time response.

·         The focus is on resilience, preparedness, and integration of disaster risk management into national development goals.

15.7 Key Words

·         NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority, the apex disaster management body in India.

·         IMD: India Meteorological Department, responsible for weather forecasting and warnings.

·         Early Warning System: Alerts issued in advance to prevent or reduce disaster impact.

·         Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Strategies aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience.

·         Incident Response System (IRS): A structured approach for coordinated emergency response.

·         Remote Sensing: Use of satellite data to monitor and assess disaster risks and damage.

 

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