End Course Project

8/14/2019 End Course Project

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CASE STUDY GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE

1) Background InformationIndia, with a total area of 2,973,190 square kilometers (slightly more than 1/3 the size of USA) and apopulation of just over 1 billion, is not only the 8th largest country of the world but also the second mostpopulous one. Nearly 78% of Indians live in villages, that constitutes the rural population. 22% of thepeople live in cities and towns, that are pockets of high density population. The average populationdensity is 337 per square kilometer.

GDP per capita 844 US $ in 2008-09GDP Agriculture 25%GDP Manufacturing 15%GDP Services - 51%GDP Others 9%

HAZARD SITUATION ANALYSISIndia has a highly diverse topography. Its vastness and its diverse topography makes it highly prone todifferent disasters in different areas. 199 districts*(The smallest administrative unit in the country.) outof total of 602 district have been identified as High Risk Disaster Areas. In the North there are theHimalayas that are in a zone of high seismic activity. Moreover, these regions also prone toavalanches, landslides and mudslides. The forests in the Himalayas and the forest in the central Indiaare vulnerable to forest fires that occur in the hot dry summer months.

The western stats of , Gujarat and Maharashtra, the Northern states of Delhi, Uttaranchal, HimachalPradesh and the Andaman isles are particularly vulnerable to Earthquakes. (54% of land area)

15% of the land is prone to flooding. In 1998, 38% of the land was flooded. The Northern Plains arewashed by gigantic rivers, Ganges and Brahmaputra and their tributaries, that witness annual flooding.Similarly, the rivers of Central India are prone to flooding. Apart from flooding of rivers in monsoons,

some areas are prone to flash floods. 91 districts are under Drought prone areas.

The eastern coastal belt is vulnerable to periodic cyclones followed by costal flooding. Storms andcloudbursts also occur with regularity in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and TamilNadu. (8% of the total area).

The Indian subcontinent has highly diversified range of natural features. The Himalayas, which are theyoung fold mountains and the phenomena of stress release is very common together with the uncertainmonsoon winds making the region highly prone to natural disasters. The region being the mostpopulous in the world further adds to the damage caused by the natural disasters. Droughts, floods,cyclones, landslides and earthquakes are the major types of disaster phenomena occurring in theregion. Almost all parts of India experience one or more of these disaster. Based on the frequency ofoccurrence and vulnerability to natural disasters, the entire country may be classified into three broadcategories. The first is the Himalayas region spread over 500000 square km. this region is prone mainlyto earthquakes, landslides, avalanche and bush fire. The second category is the north and center IndiaPlains. The region is having some of the great river systems and a rich source of water for drinking andirrigation. However, these river, during monsoon period usually carry water in excess to their capacitycausing flood phenomena. The same region also experiences drought when rainfall is less. The thirdcategory is the great coastline of india which is prone to devastating cyclonic winds emerging in theocean. Under NRDMS program me, thrust is being given to incorporate studies on landslides, droughtand flood.


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Indian subcontinent is prone to multiple hazards and highly vulnerable to both natural and man-madedisasters that generally result in heavy loss of life; sometimes even leading to mass causalities andhuge economic losses can be minimized to quite an extent even though they may not have been totallyprevented.

As far as Indian scenario is concerned, about 60% of the land mass is prone to earthquakes of various

intensities; over 40 million hectares area are prone to floods; about 8% of the total area is prone tocyclone and 69% of the area is vulnerable to drought. As per estimates during 1999-2000, an averageof about 4344 people lost their lives and about 30 million people were affected by disasters. Further,the decade 1990-2000 has recorded very high disaster losses within the country. Particularly, the supercyclone in October 1999 in Orissa and severe earthquake in January 2001 in Gujarat underscored theneed to adopt a multidimensional approach to meet the challenges of disasters in the country. Thesetwo devastating events necessitated policy change leading to a paradigm shift in approach to disastermanagement. Consequently, the new disaster framework covers institutional mechanism, disasterprevention, early warning system, disaster mitigation, preparedness and response and human resourcedevelopment.

2) Brief Description of the Selected Disaster .

FACTS ON THE EARTHQUAKE AT A GLANCE

Date of Occurrence: 26th January 2001

Time : 8:46 A M

Magnitude : 6.9 on the Richter Scale

Epicentre : 23.6 North Latitude and 69.8 East

Longitude 20 Kms North East of Bhuj 110 kms NorthNorth East of Jamnagar

Severity

One of the worst to have occurred in the country during the last 180 years for which seismological

records available.

First recorded earthquake in 1819 also in Kutch on June 16th.

Latur earthquake in Maharashtra in 1993 which killed 10,000 people recorded a magnitude of 6.3

on the Richter scale.

Epicentre : Latitude 23.7 : Longitude 70.2 - Near Anjar in Kutch District

EXTENT OF DAMAGE

7904 villages affected in 182 talukas in 21 districts.1.59 crore affected out of 3.78 crore population.Human lives lost : 20005, Persons Injured : 1.66 lakh, seriously injured: 20717.


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Missing persons : 247 in Kachchh .Cattle deaths reported as 20717Houses Fully Destroyed 1.87 lakh (Pucca), 1.67 lakh (Kachcha) & 0.16 lakh (huts)Houses Partially Destroyed 5.01 lakh (Pucca), 3.87 lakh (Kachcha) & 0.34 lakh (huts)Personal Properties Rs. 387 croreHousehold Properties Rs. 11195 crore

Public Utilities Rs. 600 crorePublic Infrastructure & Amenities Rs. 1080 croreIndustrial establishment Rs. 5000 croreCommercial establishment Rs. 3000 croreTotal estimated loss of damage Rs. 21262 crore

DAMAGE:

As per information received from State Government of Gujarat, the provisional extent of damage is asunder: -

S.No. Districts Human Death

1 Ahmedabad 751

2 Amreli 00

3 Anand 01

4 Banaskantha 32

5 Bharuch 09

6 Bhavnagar 04

7 Gandhinagar 08

8 Jamnagar 119

9 Junagadh 08

10 Kachchh (Bhuj) 18416

11 Kheda 00

12 Mehsana 00

13 Navsari 17

14 Patan 38

15 Porbandar 09

16 Rajkot 433

17 Surat 46

18 Surendranagar 113

19 Vadodara 01

20 Sabarkantha 0021 Valsad 00

Total: 20005

ESSENTIAL SERVICES:Out of 18 towns and 1340 villages affected, water supply resorted to 9 towns through pipes and 9through tankers. Water supply restored in all 1340 affected villages through pipes and tankers.


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RELIEF:State Government informed that there is no discrimination on the ground of religion/communities indistribution of Relief material Rs.1 lakh Ex gratia for death, Rs.15 for 30 days as cash dole, Rs.1250/-Gratuitous relief, Rs.500 for huts damaged, Rs.10000/- for huts destroyed, Rs. 15,000/- for housesdamaged, Rs.30,000 for houses destroyed and Rs.5,000/- for livestock death. Accordingly, theestimated financial implication on this count is Rs.3885.85 crore.

Death relief: Elders Rs. 1 lakh, Minors Rs. 60,000, Government/Semi-Government Employees &Teachers Rs. 1.5 lakh and School Children Rs. 1.10 lakh. For Government/Semi Governmentemployees & Teachers/School Children the relief includes Rs. 50,000 as additional relief forthose who participated in Republic Day duty.Total Grants allotted: Rs.166.85 crore out of which Rs. 13 crore from CM Relief Fund & Rs.153.85 crore from Gujarat Govts budget.Death compensation paid Rs. 46.42 crore .Cashdoles paid to 8.82 lakh families - Rs 60.88 crore

Household kits paid to 3.50 lakh families - Rs. 34.02 crore The requirement of tents/tarpauline estimated at 3.27 lakhs. 2,74,954 families covered from the

actual supply of 2.98 lakh Tents/tarpauline, 5000 GCI sheets (8 sheet for 1 family), and 1300asbestos sheets (4 sheets for 1 family). Against the order placed by Govt. of Gujarat for 17300

MT with SAIL, 4200 MT supply received and 26,000 families covered as against the target of1,03,000.

Economic Impact loses State and Centre ESTIMATES

(a) asset losses (direct damage);(b) output losses (indirect damage); and (c) fiscal costs(secondary effects). Destruction of private assets in the affected districts has been massive. Ofthe estimated Rs. 9,900crore ($2.1 billion) total asset losses, Rs. 7,400 crore ($1.6 billion) areprivate assets. ($2.1 billion) in asset losses and Rs. 10,600 crore ($2.3 billion) in improved-standard reconstruction costs .

Asset losses to the private sector are estimated to total about Rs. 7,400 crore ($1.6 billion), including losses of private housing and property (Rs. 5,200 crore or $1.1 billion); private schools (Rs. 200 crore or $43 million); and production assets in agriculture, livestock, industry, and services (Rs. 2,000 crore or $440 million). Losses in public sector assets are estimated to total Rs. 2,500 crore ($0.5 billion), Loss of output due to the earthquake is estimated to be small, ranging between Rs. 2,300 to

Rs. 3,000 crore ($491 to $655 million), or 2 to 3 percent of Gujarats 1999-00 gross state domestic product in aggregate over three years. This

is due to the fact that the area most affected by the earthquake is not a major contributorto overall state output.

The impact on the fiscal deficit is estimated to be as much as Rs. 10,100 crore ($2,170 million)in aggregate over three years.

3) National Disaster Management System

Institutional Arrangements at National LevelAt the national level, the Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry for all matters concerningdisaster management . The Central Relief Commissioner (CRC) in the Ministry of Home Affairs is thenodal officer to coordinate relief operations for natural disasters. The CRC receives information relatingto forecasting/warning of a natural calamity from India Meteorological Department (IMD) or from CentralWater Commission of Ministry of Water Resources on a continuing basis.


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The Ministries/Departments/Organizations concerned with the primary and secondary functions relatingto the management of disasters include:India Meteorological Department, Central Water Commission, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry ofDefence, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Urban Development,Department of Communications, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Petroleum,Department of Agriculture & Cooperation. Ministry of Power, Department of Civil Supplies, Ministry of

Railways, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Planning Commission, Cabinet Secretariat,Department of Surface Transport, Ministry of Social Justice, Department of Women and ChildDevelopment, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Department of Food. EachMinistry/Department/Organization nominate their nodal officer to the Crisis Management Group chairedby Central Relief Commissioner. The nodal officer is responsible for preparing sectoral ActionPlan/Emergency Support Function Plan for managing disasters.National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC): Cabinet Secretary, who is the highest executiveofficer, heads the NCMC. Secretaries of all the concerned Ministries /Departments as well asorganizations are the members of the Committee The NCMC gives direction to the Crisis ManagementGroup as deemed necessary. The Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for ensuring thatall developments are brought to the notice of the NCMC promptly. The NCMC can give directions toany Ministry/Department/Organization for specific action needed for meeting the crisis situation.

Crisis Management Group: The Central Relief Commissioner in the Ministry of Home Affairs is theChairman of the CMG, consisting of senior officers (called nodal officers) from various concernedMinistries. The CMGs functions are to review every year contingency plans formulated by variousMinistries/Departments/Organizations in their respective sectors, measures required for dealing withnatural disasters, coordinate the activities of the Central Ministries and the State Governments inrelation to disaster preparedness and relief and to obtain information from the nodal officers onmeasures relating to above. The CMG, in the event of a natural disaster, meets frequently to review therelief operations and extend all possible assistance required by the affected States toovercome the situation effectively. The Resident Commissioner of the affected State is also associatedwith such meetings. Control Room (Emergency Operation Room): An Emergency OperationsCenter (Control Room) exists in the nodal Ministry of Home Affairs, which functions round the clock,to assist the Central Relief Commissioner in the discharge of his duties. The activities of the

Control Room include collection and transmission of information concerning natural calamity and relief,keeping close contact with governments of the affected States, interaction with other Centralministries/Departments/Organizations in connection with relief, maintaining records containing allrelevant information relating to action points and contact points in Central Ministries etc., keeping up-to-date details of all concerned officers at the Central and State levels. Contingency Action Plan: ANational Contingency Action Plan (CAP) for dealing with contingencies arising in the wake of naturaldisasters has been formulated by the Government of India and it had been periodically updated. Itfacilitates the launching of relief operations without delay. The CAP identifies the initiatives required tobe taken by various Central Ministries/Departments in the wake of natural calamities, sets down theprocedure and determines the focal points in the administrative machinery.

Institutional Structure at State Level

At state level office of Divisional Commissioner is the nodal office for management of different types ofdisasters. Divisional Commissioner of State revenue department is the nodal authority to monitor anddirect disaster a management activities in the state. Divisional Commissioner is responsible to identifyand nominate with various nodal departments incase of emergency. Delhi Disaster ManagementAuthority (DDMA), State Steering Committee, Working groups are some other active groups havebeen formulated.

Management MechanismIntegrated Administrative Machinery


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National Contingency Action Plan -identify initiatives by various agenciesDepartment of Agriculture & Cooperation - the Nodal DepartmentCentral Relief Commissioner - Chief Nodal Officer at National levelState/District Contingency Plans and Relief Manuals

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA : NODAL MINISTRIES / DEPARTMENT FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

DISASTERS NODAL MINISTRIESNatural DisastersAir AccidentsCivil StrifeRailway AccidentsChemical DisastersBiological DisastersNuclear Accident

AgricultureCivil AviationHome AffairsRailwaysEnvironmentHealth & family WelfareAtomic Energy

Natural Disaster Response-Government of India

National Crisis Management Committee(NCMC) under Cabinet Secretary Crisis Management Group(CMG) under Central Relief Commissioner Group of Ministers, Group of Secretaries and High Level Committees-Need base

GOI Departments for Disaster Response

Armed Forces-Ministry of DefenceCentral Para Military Forces- Ministry of Home Affairs

International Response- Ministry of External AffairsMinistries/Departments:Rural Development, Drinking Water Supply Power, Telecom , Health, Urban DevelopmentFood & Public Distribution, Shipping,Surface Transport, Railways, Civil Aviation, Women &Child Development, Water Resources, Animal Husbandry and India MeteorologicalDepartment(IMD)

GOI DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY- SALIENT FEATURES

Recognition of linkages between natural disasters and developmentConnecting of specific programmes like DPAP, DDP, NWDPRA and Wasteland DevelopmentProgramme for managing natural disasters

Emphasis on forecasting and warning using advanced technology

CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEME FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT - SALIENT FEATURES

Human resource Development

Setting up of National Centre for Disaster Management (NCDM)Setting up of Disaster Management Faculties in States


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Programmes for Community Participation and Public AwarenessObserving National Disaster Reduction DayActivities to achieve the goals and objectives of IDNDR/ISDR

External Assistance Policy

No formal appeal for external assistance made for relief External assistance,if offered as solidarity accepted with gratitude Gujarat earthquake- international response overwhelming Bi-lateral agreements suggested by some countries for emergency response

DISASTER RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE STATES

STATE CABINET STATES CRISIS MANAGEMENT GROUP: HEADED BY CHIEF SECRETARY. INSTITUTION OF RELIEF COMMISSIONERS IN STATES STATES/DISTRICTS CONTINGENCY PLAN S / RELIEF CODES.

4) Strengths and Weaknesses of the National Disaster Management System

Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) were constituted after the disaster . It is anautonomous agencies of the state governments, and UNDP has been working closely with theseagencies. UNDPs partnerships with the national and state institutions have been based on the linksthat natural disasters have with scarcity, inequality and vulnerability.

Before Gujarat earthquake the disaster management was basically governed by GujaratRelief Manual. The entire approach was to provide relief after the occurrence of thedisaster as per the guidelines laid down in the Relief Manual.

The Gujarat earthquake resulted in a paradigm shift in the policy of the Government from relief and

humanitarian assistance oriented post-disaster intervention to a pro-active prevention, mitigation and pre-disasterpreparedness. Comprehensive Gujarat State Disaster Management Policy was declared in November 2002. Legal

and Regulatory requirement for effective disaster management resulted in enactment of the Gujarat State Disaster

Management Act in March 2003. Gujarat is the first State in India to enact an act for disaster management.

Long-term disaster management capacity building has been made part of the reconstruction and rehabilitation

program not only to ensure sustainable reconstruction and rehabilitation but also to reduce vulnerability and

reduce risk. Various structural and non-structural measures and training and capacity building measures have been

initiated on a large scale in Gujarat which has permanently changed the way the government and the communities

cope up with disasters in Gujarat.The Gujarat earthquake did not only result in changes in focus from relief to mitigation and setting up of

institutional mechanism for the same in Gujarat, but has brought about a major change at the national level

towards disaster management. At the National level, emphasis now is being laid on disaster mitigation. The

planning commission has recommended for utilizing 10% of the plan funds for pre-disaster mitigation and

planning. A national level disaster management authority on the lines of GSDMA is being worked out at the

central government level. Draft bill on National Disaster Management has been prepared. Many of the lessonslearnt and best practices of Gujarat initiated after the earthquake is being replicated at the national level and at the

state level in other states including setting up of disaster management authorities and enactment of bills etc.


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The approach and process of Gujarat earthquake reconstruction is now being looked at as a model for

reconstruction in the earthquake affected areas in Bam and Tsunami reconstruction in Srilanka, Indonesia and in

the tsunami affected south Indian states.

The various initiatives undertaken for integrating reconstruction and long-term disaster management capacity

building have resulted in a major change in the way reconstruction programs are being done in India and theneighboring countries. This has in turn resulted in a major shift towards prevention and mitigation of disasters

from the age-old relief oriented disaster management in India.

Central and state action for the Gujarat earthquake

Prime Minister headed 37-member all party National Committee on Disaster Management. The first meeting of the National Committee held on 18th February 2001. Prime Minister cancelled foreign visit to Malaysia and Japan. Prime Minister held meeting with all Party Leaders /Groups on 3.2.2001.

4th meeting of Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) held on 13th February 2001 anddiscussed the relief efforts in earthquake affected areas.

National Crisis Management Committee meets regularly and puts in place specific and detailedsectoral initiatives.

Krishi Control Room (NDM) activated and functioning round the clock. Coordinating with allCentral/External relief efforts in close association with Govt. of Gujarat.

Satellite phones, Hotlines, HAM radio and mobile telephones were pressed into service toensure proper communication.

Gujarat Disaster Management Authority under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Gujaratestablished to implement the Rehabilitation packages.

A new department of Earthquake Relief set up by Gujarat Government. The Central Government Departments and Agencies have assisted the State Government both

men and material and medical assistance and restoration of infrastructure. The State Governments have contributed Rs. 48.68 crore in cash and cloths, blankets, tents,

food items, utensils, medical teams, technicians etc., separately. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team is visiting Gujarat from 6th March, 2001 for an on the spot

assessment of the damage and assistance required by the State Government. The State Government advised to update contingency action plan in seismic zone IV and V and

take appropriate measures with emphasis on preparedness and public awareness.

SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT

Rs. 25 lakhs released in favour of Helpage India for providing immediate relief to women,children and families rendered destitutes.

Seven Mobile Medical Units (MMU) deployed by Helpage India, and 10 more MMUs committed. Rs. 2.00 crores earmarked for 100 Shelters each accommodating 50 persons for medical care,

psychosocial counselling, food, etc. ALIMCO, Kanpur despatched (2000 items) aids and assistive devices for persons becoming

handicapped due to injuries. Additional requirements to be met from Rs.2 crores provided underthe scheme of purchase/fitting of aids & appliances (ADIP).

Rs.15 lakhs to Animal Welfare Board of India for the relief of animals affected by theearthquake.

SUPREME COURT


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Rs. 3,70,038 donated by Supreme Court towards PMs Relief Fund.

EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE

International community responded generously and with alacrity.

70 countries, 24 other international donors/various international organisations sent rescueteams including sniffer dogs, relief materials and mobile hospitals.

Hospitals have been set up in Bhachau, Bhuj and Nalia.

RECONSTRUCTION AND MAJOR RELIEF INITIATIVES

1. $300 Million Assistance announced by the World Bank (WB)2. $500 Million Assistance announced by Asian Development Bank (ADB)3. Japan provides US $ 2.3 million . (about Rs.17 crore) .4. DKK 16,950,000 worth Danish Humanitarian Assistance in kind (from IFRC, DanChur Aid,

OCHA, EMOGC, Caritas)

5. European Commission has already granted 13 million Euro for humanitarian assistance for thevictims of the earthquake. Congratulated the Indian and the State Governments on their rapidmobilisation of the emergency aid effort.

6. USAID /OFDA provided $852,403 .UNDP for immediate distribution of food, shelter material,water etc.

7. CARE committed upto US $ 3.5 million relief assistance. World Food Programme (WFP) tosupport the relief operation with food and other assistance valued at USD 4,157,579 over aperiod of 4 months from 5th February to June 2001 to assist 3 lakh people, mostly women andchildren. 634 MTs of biscuits for distribution in Gujarat through ICDS, the district collector,SEWA, CRS, the Salvation Army and Mahila Vikas Sangathan.Established a UN Joint logistical Cell (UNJLC) in Bhuj to provide logistical and coordinationsupport for both the UN system and the Government. Also coordinated other international

organisations.8. UNICEF raised more than US$ 10.5 million for relief as part of a First request proposal ofUS$12.8 million that was sent to donors.

9. State Governments and Major PSUs of the Government of India have also decided to adoptgroups of villages for relief and reconstruction.

10. State Government drawn detailed rehabilitation packages with the objectives of social, culturaland economic resettlement with equity. Community participation in the rehabilitation andresettlement programme. Upgradation of quality of life using the challenge as an opportunity.

REHABILITATION & RECONSTRUCTION:

Gujarat Disaster Management Authority under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Gujarat

established to implement the Rehabilitation packages on 8.2.2001. So far it held three meetings. Based on the Authoritys recommendation four rehabilitation packages for housing sector and

also a temporary shelter scheme finalised. The authority also constituted a 9 member advisory committee under the chairmanship of Dr.

Y.K. Alagh to advise the authority for strengthening public-private partnership programme. TheCommittee comprises renowned experts from the sectors of economics, social service, industry,housing finance, education, administration, architecture and health management.

A new department of Earthquake Relief set up by Gujarat Government.


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The Gujarat Government announces Four reconstruction packages on 13.2.2001 and it hassince been operationalised. The First package envisages Public-Private PartnershipProgramme in relocation of villages in the worst affected areas. 12 Hectares of area for anormative village of 200 households & population of 1000 planned.

The Second package aims at rehabilitation & reconstruction of damaged houses in earthquakezone IV & V and also declared as worst affected.

The Third & Forth packages are for in situ rehabilitation & reconstruction in other areas of Stateand for urban areas, respectively.Agri package for small industries and farmers

5. Recommendations for Improvement

Global loses are increasing amounting to US $ 180 Billion which has constantly doubled over everydecade since 1950 (source Munich Re 2004). Fatalities per event shows that the low income groupshows an average of about 187 lives lost per event . Direct economic loses as % of GDP shows thatthe low income group suffers a maximum of 13.3 %.

NATIONAL RESPONSE MECHANISM

The vision1. To create a dedicated body that will assess, plan and implement the vital aspects of disastermanagement (Prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response) .2. Draft State Disaster Management Plan3. Institutional Setup-National Level-State Level-District Level4. Empower the Ministry of Home Affairs5. Provide locus of control to Divisional Commissioner, Office District Collector/Deputy CommissionerOffice, National Emergency Management Authority, National Steering Committee, DisasterManagement Authority,State Steering Committee District DisasterManagement Committee.

Draft- Institutional Arrangements

1. To ensure smooth coordination between Central and State Governments inthe event of a disaster.2. To create a unified command, control and co-ordination structure fordisaster management in states.3. Inte grating the various wings and agencies of government that are necessary for emergencyresponse, as well as for preparedness, mitigation and prevention activities.4. For purposes of Disaster Management, the nodal department shall have the authority to commandthe services of all partner departments and agencies, as pre-decided through a Memoranda ofUnderstanding.5. Standardise a state wise Disaster Management Hierarchy6. Assign authority and rsponsibility

At the grass root level the following are recommended

1.Recognition of linkage between natural hazards and development.2. Connecting developmental programs (DPAP, NWDB) to disaster management.3. Forecasting and warning (technology use)4. Contingency planning

Foodgrain availability


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Preparedness.

5. Adaptive capacity by creating a management system.

6. Shift focus from relief; recovery and adaptive capacity to sustainable growth anddevelopment.7.Assess implications of climate change and hazards and develop warning capabilities.8.Assess implications of continuous research for reducing vulnerability to climate change.9.Develop mechanisms to incrementally adjust disaster management design or implementationto enhance climate change related benefits.

An Approach to Recovery

Cross-country experience from other disaster-hit areas suggests that the following core principlesshould be followed in the approach to reconstruction: Revival of the economy: There is an urgent need to restart the economy of the affected areas, whichcan be done in part by providing wage employment to local people for debris removal, construction, and

the restoration of heritage sites. This type of program, if well designed, minimizes the potential formistargeting. Transfers to households, for consumption or investment purposes, could also beenvisaged. Empowering individuals and communities: While relief and charity are important in the immediateaftermath of a natural disaster, they should be replaced as soon as possible with efforts to fosterownership and involvement by the people. There are some instances encountered indicating that reliefassistance is sometimes creating competition for handouts, community conflict, and dependency.Greater local participation and contributions to the reconstruction effort could reduce social tensionsand lead to more sustainable development efforts. The majority of reconstruction efforts should beundertaken by the affected population themselves. Affordability, private sector participation, and equity: Reconstruction of private and public property andefforts to revive the economy should take into account (a) potential impact on public finances; (b) use ofavailable private sector participation and financing; and (c) relatively greater public assistance to thosemost in need. The impact of the earthquake will further strain Gujarats publicfinances. It is important, therefore, for the Government to seek to rationalize expenditures and carefullyevaluate standards at which reconstruction of both public and private buildings will take place. While itis the governments intention not to crowd out private sector and individual initiative, it is importantthat it continue to leave room for private initiatives on the part of the surviving victims themselves, aswell as for businesses wishing to share their burden. Public assistance and reconstruction effortsshould prioritize those in greater need, and it is important to ensure that public policies and theincidence of public expenditures is pro-poor. Decentralization: Community-driven reconstruction must be at the heart of the states recoveryprogram. Therefore, the development of effective networks that facilitate a necessarily decentralizedsystem for recovery will be key to the success of the program. Decisions to relocate or rebuild in situdestroyed villages, for instance, should follow a clear, transparent and participatory approach toassess the wishes of the villagers and discuss the costs of different options. Locally elected bodies,where these exist, should be given a significant role. Communication and transparency: Communication and information dissemination are important to thesuccessful and harmonious implementation of the earthquake recovery and reconstruction program.Policy initiatives, financial assistance, and technical know-how will not be effective without a system toconvey their content swiftly and equitably to the public, to hear of and assess their suitability andsustainability within communities, and to make appropriate adjustments based on community feedback.There is thus also a need for the Government to devise a communication strategy to support the


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recovery program and ensure effective dialogue between the government, the public and otherpartners.

SUBMITTED by Parvadhavardhini Gopalakrishnan

END Case study

ANNEXURES


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MIndias Key Vulnerabilities

Coastal States, particularly in the East Coast and Gujarat, arevulnerable to cyclones.

4 crore hectare land mass is vulnerable to floods. 68 per cent of net sown area is vulnerable to drought. 55 per cent of total area is in Seismic Zones III-V, andvulnerable to earthquakes.

Sub-Himalayan/ Western Ghat is vulnerable to landslides.Source: Planning Commission of India, Tenth Five Year Plan document.


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