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The Tsunami disaster that visited the country’s southern shores on December 26, last year resulted in unprecedented devastation, affecting many precious lives. In a country where floods and famines have been a part of human experience, where cyclones and earthquakes and other natural calamities visit frequently, absence of an institutionalised arrangement and a lack of conceptualization of crisis management was felt.
Natural calamities have always evoked reactions. But Tsunami has certainly creating greater awareness not only within the country, but in the region and among the world community that often tends to place disaster management low on the priority list.
When Tsunami struck, India rose as one to rush to the rescue of those marooned. The government machinery, the armed forces, the NGOs and even the common man got into action. Several non-governmental agencies played a very important role in mitigating the intensity of post-disaster traumas. The government’s Crisis Management Group under the Union Cabinet Secretary was activated within an hour. It met and the result was massive administrative and operational effort.
Learning a lot from that and hoping to turn Tsunami into an opportunity to do better, the government is formulating a policy that would facilitate a holistic and pro-active approach towards prevention and mitigation of disasters.
A proposed legislation on Disaster Management will change the way disaster management is handled in the country by giving the exercise a “legal framework”. So far, disaster management is done through an executive order. It also proposes the creation of a separate corpus with two components. While one part will immediately disburse funds for relief without waiting for sanction, the second will be used to work on long-term disaster mitigation projects. This will be in addition to the National Calamity Contingency Fund and Calamity Relief Fund. Another important feature of the Bill is the creation of the National Disaster Management Authority with its own infrastructure as well as expertise of specialists from the field of science and technology and various paramilitary forces. The Bill also proposes the creation of a state and district-level disaster management agency.
The Centre has on its own taken measures to acquire multi hazard mitigation, upgrading of early warning systems, drawing up disaster management and emergency support function plans, setting up emergency operation centres and training specialist research and rescue teams.
Eight battallions pulled out of para military forces are being planned for “specialist response” to various disasters. Four of these have been earmarked for responding to nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. Much more is in the conceptual stage.
Modernisation of infrastructure and strengthening the coastline – including a revival of natural barriers such as mangroves and wind breaker trees, setting up of modern facilities at ports and harbours are the many initiatives being taken up.
Taking personal initiative and looking at Tsunami as an opportunity to improve the lives of those affected upon the Home Minister has emphasized that rehabilitation should be an asset for the future. (PIB Features)
*Journalist
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