'Govt to devp robust disaster management system'

New Delhi, Nov 29: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called for a paradigm shift in disaster management from a 'relief-centric' and 'post-event' response, to a regime that lays greater emphasis on preparedness, prevention and mitigation.

Inaugurating the First India Disaster Management Congress here today, the Prime Minister said such an approach should place emphasis on improving early warning systems, ensuring the reach and efficacy of dissemination, creating awareness and building capacities at all levels of public administration.

He pointed out that the draft National Policy on Disaster Management places great emphasis on efficient management of disasters, rather than only focus on immediate response to disasters. Accountability, people's participation, predictability and transparency will, therefore, have to be key features of disaster management policy.

Pointing out that the management of disasters, and of risk reduction, requires an inter-disciplinary approach and, in practice, an inter-ministerial and inter-agency approach, Dr Singh reiterated the Government's commitment to develop a robust disaster management system, in close collaboration with the corporate sector, community based organizations and the scientific and academic community.

He emphasized the need for better support structures, which could make responses to disasters more efficient, rapid and effective. He said the law on disaster management passed last year has created mechanism at all levels--national, state and districts-- in a holistic, integrated and continuous manner.

He also stressed the need to further strengthen and empower local administration with information, experience, logistics and other support in dealing with disasters. He said these institutions and organizations could play a constructive and path-finding role.

The Prime Minister said the economic and social costs of natural and man-made disasters are bound to increase as even minor disruptions to normal life can have profound consequences in an integrated economy. He called for response to disasters with greater speed and alacrity to prevent adverse impact of disasters on economic growth.

Dr Singh also stressed the need for humane approach to disaster management paying due attention to the needs of children, senior citizens, women, disabled persons and weaker sections of society. Equally, it must be based on ensuring that in a post-disaster situation, the affected communities could be assured sustainable livelihoods and reduced vulnerability to future disasters.

Speaking on this occasion, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said the National Disaster Management Authority has drafted a National Policy on Disaster Management and is in the process of developing guidelines on natural and man-made disasters.

An eight battalion strong National Disaster Response Force has been set up with state-of-the-art machineries, equipment, training and mobility to deal with any type of natural or man-made disaster anywhere in the country. He said India would also be in a position to help its neighbours and other countries in such operations.

Mr Patil said a fool-proof disaster communication system has been developed integrating satellite, internet and wireless-based communication systems at the national, state and local levels. The Home Minister said the early warning system of disasters in the country has been improved considerably. An early warning system for Tsunami is expected to be commissioned in September next year.

He said the government is implementing a Community-based Disaster Risk Management programme in 169 multi-hazard districts, covering nearly 300 million people of the country.

National Disaster Management Authority vice chairperson General (Retd) N C Vij stressed the need to blend the age-old practices of disaster management with modern practices.

Union Home Secretary V K Duggal hoped that the Congress would come up with many new innovative ideas and thoughts to further refine and expand the initiatives in the disaster management area.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister gave away Disaster Mitigation Awards to Prof Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate from Bangladesh and Prof A S Arya, National Seismic Adviser. The Award to Prof. Yunus, who has done considerable work in disaster management through micro-crediting, was received by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh on his behalf. The inaugural issue of the journal 'Disaster and Development' and a book on 'Earthquake Disaster Reduction' were also released on the occasion.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Ministers of State for Home S Regupathy, Sriprakash Jaiswal and Manikrao Gavit were among those present during the inaugural session.

UNI