Source : The Hindu Date : 11.06.2009
Disaster management has become prevention centric, says expert
Special Correspondent
| Training programme for government officials held in Thanjavur |
— Photo: M.Srinath 
ON SPECIFIC STEPS: M. Karunakaran, DRO, speaking at a seminar on disaster risk management in Thanjavur on Wednesday. Suresh Mariaselvam, disaster risk management consultant (right), is in the picture.
THANJAVUR: Disaster management has come a long way from being ‘relief centric’ to ‘prevention centric’ said Suresh Mariaselvam, disaster management expert here on Wednesday.
Speaking at a training programme for government officials on disaster management, Mr. Mariaselvam said that the Orissa cyclone in 1999, Gujarat earthquake in 2001 and tsunami in 2004 forced the government to think about disaster management and an Act was passed in 2005. This was followed by formation of National Disaster Management Authority.
Disaster management remained ‘relief centric’ for a long time in the country unlike foreign countries. The Hawai tsunami in 1945 became a base for further research and preventive measures. Now, focus has shifted to preventive measures even in India.
It has been decided to take the concept to the rural areas. With the United Nations Development Programme and the Centre joining hands, it will be done through training people and officials. Under the joint programme, training is now given at district level and block level officials in 13 coastal districts.
M. Karunakaran, District Revenue Officer, Thanjavur district, said the role of the government departments were more important in post-disaster management than pre-disaster situations. Post-disaster management includes minimising loss of lives, debris removal, restoring communication facility etc.
Operations should be specific and quick with respect to post-disaster management. Rehabilitation is a major activity in post-disaster management.
Uma Parvathi, Project Officer, UNDP, Thanjavur district, said that district disaster management committees have been formed in Thanjavur disrtict.
Disaster management concept has been taken to schools. Mock drills were conducted in schools. Nearly 500 schools have been covered under this, she added.