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Lok Sabha
A High Powered Committee on Disaster Management had been set up by the Government in August 1999 to look at various aspects of management of natural disasters. The terms of reference of the Committee were notified in April, 2000 to cover manmade disasters also, including nuclear disasters. The Committee submitted its report in October 2001.
The main recommendations of the Committee related to organizational structures, institutional mechanism, mitigation and preparedness measures and response mechanism for disasters at Central and State level; suitable legislation for disaster management; establishment of a National Institute of Disaster Management; integration of development plans with disaster mitigation strategies; setting up a network of Emergency Operation Centres at National, State and District level; human resource development; preparation of disaster management plans; upgrading/revamping of fire services and civil defence set up; measures for quick response and relief in case of natural and manmade disasters.
The Minister of State for Home, Shri S. Regupathy told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that the Government has initiated action on several recommendations. This includes constitution of a National Disaster Management Authority; enactment of a Central legislation on disaster management; training and equipping of specialist response teams; setting up of a National Institute of Disaster Management; capacity building of engineers and architects for earthquake risk management; training and orientation of Government officers in disaster management, incorporation of disaster management in the school curricula and at undergraduate level in engineering and architecture courses; development of a web based resource inventory etc.
He said existing laws of few countries have been considered and a draft Disaster Management Bill, 2005 has been formulated keeping in view the systems/mechanisms presently available in the country as also the vulnerability of the country to different hazards.
OK/RCP/MM
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