A Parliamentary panel has rejected Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi’s contention that there cannot be preparation for a disaster like the Chennai floods which “occurs once in 100 years”. Details: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs in its report on ‘Disaster in Chennai caused by torrential rainfall and consequent flooding’ has strongly recommended that… Continue reading Don’t blame nature, bolster disaster preparedness
Tag: Disaster Management
PM Modi releases country’s first National Disaster Management Plan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently released the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP). This is thefirst ever national plan prepared in the country. Key facts: The plan aims to make India disaster resilient and reduces loss of lives. The plan is based on the four priority themes of the “Sendai Framework,” namely: understanding disaster risk, improving… Continue reading PM Modi releases country’s first National Disaster Management Plan
SC pulls up Centre, States for failing to tackle drought
The Supreme Court has pulled up states for their “ostrich-like attitude” on drought, saying they ignored information provided by central agencies and failed to take any preparatory steps to tackle a possible disaster. Important observations made by the court: States are not assessing the drought situation in time leading to serious consequences. The adverse or… Continue reading SC pulls up Centre, States for failing to tackle drought
We did start the Uttarakhand fire
Article Link Forest fires in the hills of Uttarakhand have damaged valuable natural resources. Forest fire is a common phenomenon during summer in Uttarakhand. However, this time, the fire started in February and spread to most forest areas of the state. A number of theories are circulating on what would have caused such gargantuan… Continue reading We did start the Uttarakhand fire
Uttarakhand forest fires
Often unquantified, the social and economic impacts of forest fires are considerable: lives are lost, health problems occur, animals are killed and the environment suffers The disaster: Lives lost: 5 Land gutted by forest fire: Almost 1,600 acres of land (hundreds of villages/clusters) Forest Fire in India: Almost 50-55% of the total forest cover in… Continue reading Uttarakhand forest fires
Water Crisis: Why has it reached such proportions?
As the summer sets in, many parts of the country are said to face one of the worst water crisis in the history. Reservoir levels in many states have come down alarmingly. Also, drinking water situation in states like Maharashtra is equally alarming. Ganga, which was to provide water to 1/3rd population of the country,… Continue reading Water Crisis: Why has it reached such proportions?
From Plate to Plough — The big thirst
Article Link Maharashtra is facing one of the biggest water crisis in recent decades. In Latur, where the traditional sources of water have run dry, Section 144 has had to be imposed to prevent into a water riot. Trains carrying water are now being despatched to Latur. Even, the high court intervened in the case… Continue reading From Plate to Plough — The big thirst
The interlinking of rivers offers some solutions, but comes with a big load of problems
Environmental: Inbuilt in the linking philosophy is that the rivers flooding is a disaster and that it should be curbed. River flooding, in lowland areas particularly, is good for agriculture and ecology. If all human civilization and development are due to sustainability of agriculture then there is no earth process that is more beneficial to… Continue reading The interlinking of rivers offers some solutions, but comes with a big load of problems
Crowd management in temples: Lessons from Kollam fire
Summary: The recent fireworks accident at Puttingal Devi temple in the southern district of Kollam in Kerala was the deadliest in the state’s history. More than 100 people died and nearly 400 injured. While hundreds of families are struggling to come to grips with the enormity of the tragedy, a blame game is being played… Continue reading Crowd management in temples: Lessons from Kollam fire
Army is the first line in disaster management?
Article Link Indian Army’s active involvement in relief and rescue operations during the recent Chennai floods is praiseworthy. The Army’s heroic efforts were appreciated by many in the country. When it comes to rescue operations, Indian Army has always been at the forefront, no matter what kind of disaster it is. This has given rise… Continue reading Army is the first line in disaster management?
