[Disasters and Disaster Management in India – Summary
Anjana Majumdar
“Disasters and Disaster Management in India” by Anjana Majumdar discusses the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, India’s vulnerability to them, their destructive effects, and the need for effective disaster management. Disasters may be natural or man-made, and though many cannot be prevented, proper planning and preparedness can greatly reduce their impact.
Disasters have affected humanity since ancient times, but recent reports show that they are becoming more frequent and intense. Earthquakes, floods, cyclones, landslides, droughts, accidents, plane crashes and forest fires are some common disasters. Both developed and developing countries are vulnerable. Technological progress has helped reduce their impact, but it is still inadequate. Countries with higher levels of human development are generally better prepared to face disasters, while countries with lower human development are more vulnerable.
Among natural disasters, floods are the most common, followed by windstorms, droughts and earthquakes. However, drought is the deadliest, accounting for 48 per cent of deaths due to natural disasters according to the lesson. Asia records the highest death toll from disasters.
India is particularly vulnerable because of its geographical location and geological formation. Its long coastline, snow-covered mountains, high mountain ranges and perennial northern rivers increase the risk. India also has only about two per cent of the world's geographical area but supports 18 per cent of its population, placing tremendous pressure on natural resources.
Different regions of India face different kinds of disasters. The northern region is vulnerable to landslides, floods, droughts and earthquakes. The eastern region experiences heavy floods as well as droughts, heatwaves, hailstorms, cyclones and earthquakes. The north-eastern region is prone to floods, landslides and earthquakes. The western region faces severe droughts, wind erosion, floods, cyclones and earthquakes. The southern coastal region is vulnerable to cyclones, sea erosion, tsunami and landslides. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep also face sea erosion and tsunami.
The 2004 tsunami was a relatively new phenomenon for India. The absence of an adequate warning system resulted in massive destruction in the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. India has also experienced several other major disasters, including the Gujarat earthquake (2001), Mumbai-Gujarat floods (2005), Uttarakhand flash floods and Hurricane Phailin (2013). The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 is mentioned as an example of a man-made disaster.
Disasters cause both direct and indirect damage. They result in destruction, death and disruption of normal life. Essential services or lifeline support systems such as communication, electricity, water supply and drainage may be damaged. Hospitals and healthcare services come under severe pressure, while economic and commercial activities are affected. Victims may also suffer serious psychological trauma. Therefore, psychological rehabilitation should be given importance along with physical and economic rehabilitation.
The poor are often the worst affected because they depend on daily work for their livelihood. Unsafe buildings can also greatly increase deaths during earthquakes, cyclones and tsunamis. The author points out that in developing countries only a limited number of buildings are constructed according to safety regulations. Lack of proper master plans and the use of inferior construction materials further increase the danger.
Therefore, buildings should follow safety guidelines and approved master plans, and good-quality construction materials should be used. Existing buildings in earthquake-prone areas should be technically assessed. The UNDAC (United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination) and the Government of India have jointly prepared an action plan for earthquake-vulnerable cities and towns. Proper monitoring mechanisms are also necessary to ensure compliance with building codes.
In India, state governments play the major role in disaster management, while the Central Government mainly plays a facilitating role. At the state level, the State Level Disaster Management Committee includes senior government officials and representatives of NGOs. At the national level, the Crisis Management Committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, coordinates major departments.
The Central Government supports states through various ministries and services. This includes rescue and search operations, air dropping, transportation of relief materials, rail and ferry services, healthcare personnel and medical assistance. Effective disaster management requires close coordination among different government departments.
Rehabilitation is an integral part of disaster management. Since disasters are unusual events, they require special responses rather than routine administrative procedures. Rescue teams should possess special skills and attitudes and should be equipped with the latest technology so that relief can reach victims quickly and effectively.
The author concludes that the purpose of disaster management is not necessarily to prevent disasters, because many natural and man-made disasters cannot be completely avoided. Its real purpose is to mitigate or reduce their impact through preparedness, safe construction, coordination, effective rescue operations and proper rehabilitation.
Central Idea
The essay stresses that preparedness, planning, safe infrastructure, coordination, technology, rescue and rehabilitation are essential for reducing the destructive effects of disasters.
Message
We may not always be able to prevent disasters, but through awareness, preparedness and effective disaster management, we can reduce the loss of life and property.]
[Prepared By Sindhu P,HSST English ,GGHSS Kallai]