Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental studies-Definition, scope and importance-natural resources, renewable resources, natural resources and related problems

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Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental studies-Definition, scope and importance-natural resources, renewable resources, natural resources and related problems   

Figure 1. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study of connections between the earth’s life support system and human activities Source Living in the environment

An environmental study is a multidisciplinary academic field which systematically studies human interaction with the environment in the interests of solving complex problems. Environmental studies bring together the principles of the physical sciences, commerce/economics and social sciences so as to solve contemporary environmental problems. It is a broad field of study that includes the natural environment, the built environment, and the sets of relationships between them. The field encompasses study in basic principles of ecology and environmental science, as well as associated subjects such as ethics, geography, anthropology,  policy, politics, urban planning, law, economic, philosophy, sociology and social justice, planning, pollution control  and natural resource management.

Scope and Importance of Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies have wide scope and the demand is ever increasing to combat the challenges like Climate Change, Deforestation, Industrialization, Rise in Sea levels, Increase in population, Poaching, Oil Spills , Toxic Gas Release from Industries, etc.

Few of the relevant areas one could provide service using environmental studies are:

1. HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) Divisions: Nearly every Big Manufacturing company these days have an HSE division. HSE professionals are well qualified professionals who try to protect the interests of the company by complying with the local statutes and promoting a healthy and safe working culture inside the company.

2. Design and Operating Effluent Treatment Plants: Environmental Engineers Operate ETPs in Industries.

3. Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments :Every proposed project initially requires the help of consultants to conduct EIA study (Environmental Impact Assessment) to ensure that their project isn't going to harm the neighbourhood environmental aspects in long and short term.

4: Work in Alternate Energy Sectors : In this age where there is great emphasis on alternate energy , many environment professionals are busy building wind mills (companies like suzlon, gamesa, vestas) and solar panels (like GE, Siemens) . Many environmentalists also work in Nuclear Plants, which is more critical.

5. Legal Aspects relating to Environment: Those who are interested in the legal aspects of environment could become Environmental Lawyers, they ensure that Industries do not get away destroying the natural habitats for their own needs. There are standards that countries have to comply with if they want to work, for example standards of USEPA in USA, standards of KEPA in Kuwait, India is on the verge of having its own environment protection agency Body soon.

6. Academics: There is a lot of research going on in many universities worldwide that has helped in developing new technologies that impacts the environment positively. For example many companies that do not have a strong R&D section depend on the Universities for studying and addressing their areas of concern.

7. Environmental Scientists/Chemists in Environmental Labs and Research organizations: There are Environmental Labs who require environmental graduates that do the testings pertaining to environment parameters, like how much arsenic is present in the sample of water or what is the level of pm10 in the air of a surrounding or for example to what level the soil is contaminated in a particular area, etc. In India, NEERI, CSIR and CPCB are government organizations in India that addresses environmental issues through their projects.

The importance of environmental studies

Without understanding how the environment works and how different environmental factors interact with each other and with our usage of the planet, we cannot even begin to understand how to slow the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, plastic pollution, and all of the other harmful impacts we are having on the planet

In today’s world because of industrialization and increasing population, the natural resources has been rapidly utilised and our environment is being increasingly degraded by human activities, so we need to protect the environment.

It is not only the duty of government but also the people to take active role for protecting the environment, so protecting our environment is economically more viable than cleaning it up once, it is damaged.

The ecosystem (all the communities of living organisms found in a specific place, their habitats and their interactions) in which we live provides natural services for humans and all other species that are essential to our health, quality of life and survival. For example, our forests remove carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air we breathe and also cool our air temperatures, reducing the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can cause heart and lung problems to worsen; our wetlands store storm water, filter and make harmless storm water pollutants, and recharge our aquifers (where most of us get our drinking water) with these filtered waters; and the dune systems on our beaches form natural barriers to storm waves and provide important habitat and travel ways for wildlife.

Applications of environmental studies include improving lives by monitoring changes, preventing harmful changes if possible and adapting to changes.

Natural resources

1.   Forest

2.   The ocean is an example of a natural resource. Ocean waves can be used to generate wave power, a renewable energy. Ocean water is important for salt production, desalination, and providing habitat for deep water fishes. There are biodiversity of marine species in the sea where nutrient cycles are common.

Natural resources are resources that exist without actions of humankind. This includes all valued characteristics such as magnetic, gravitational, electrical properties and forces etc. On earth it includes: sunlight, atmosphere, water, land (includes all minerals) along with all vegetation, crops and animal life that naturally subsists upon or within the heretofore identified characteristics and substances

Natural resources may be further classified in different ways. Natural resources are materials and components (something that can be used) that can be found within the environment. Every man-made product is composed of natural resources (at its fundamental level). A natural resource may exist as a separate entity such as fresh water, air, and as well as a living organism such as a fish, or it may exist in an alternate form that must be processed to obtain the resource such as metal ores, rare earth metals, petroleum, and most forms of energy.

There is much debate worldwide over natural resource allocations, this is particularly true during periods of increasing scarcity and shortages (depletion and overconsumption of resources) but also because the exportation of natural resources is the basis

There are various methods of categorizing natural resources, these include source of origin, stage of development, and by their renewability.

On the basis of origin, natural resources may be divided into two types:

§  Biotic — Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere (living and organic material), such as forests and animals, and the materials that can be obtained from them. Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum are also included in this category because they are formed from decayed organic matter.

§  Abiotic – Abiotic resources are those that come from non-living, non-organic material. Examples of abiotic resources include land, fresh water, air, rare earth metals and heavy metals including ores such as gold, iron, copper, silver, etc.

Natural resources can be categorized as either renewable or non-renewable:

§  Renewable resources — Renewable resources can be replenished naturally with in human span. Some of these resources, like soil, sunlight, air, wind, water, etc., are continuously available and their quantity is not noticeably affected by human consumption. Though many renewable resources do not have such a rapid recovery rate, these resources are susceptible to depletion by over-use. Resources from a human use perspective are classified as renewable so long as the rate of replenishment/recovery exceeds that of the rate of consumption. They replenish easily compared to Non-renewable resources. However, in some circumstances, even water is not renewable easily. Wood is a renewable resource, but it takes time to renew and in some places people use the land for something else. Soil, if it blows away, is not easy to renew. Renewable resources include crops, wind, hydroelectric power, fish, and sunlight.

§  Non-renewable resources – Non-renewable resources either form slowly or do not naturally form in the environment. Minerals are the most common resource included in this category. By the human perspective, resources are non-renewable when their rate of consumption exceeds the rate of replenishment/recovery; a good example of this are fossil fuels, which are in this category because their rate of formation is extremely slow (potentially millions of years), meaning they are considered non-renewable. Some resources actually naturally deplete in amount without human interference, the most notable of these being radio-active elements such as uranium, which naturally decay into heavy metals. Of these, the metallic minerals can be re-used by recycling them, but coal and petroleum cannot be recycled. Once they are completely used they take millions of years to replenish. Natural resource is what people can use which comes from the natural environment. Examples of natural resources are air, water, wood, oil, wind energy, natural gas, iron, and coal

A non-renewable resource is a resource that does not grow and come back, or a resource that would take a very long time to come back. For example, coal is a non-renewable resource. When we use coal, there is less coal afterward. The non-renewable resource can be used directly (for example, burning oil to cook), or we can find a renewable resource to use (for example, using wind energy to make electricity to cook). Non-renewable resources cannot be recycled. For example, fossil fuels cannot be recycled.

Natural resources and associated problems

1)  Exploitation

Human population is growing day-by-day. Continuous increase in population caused an increasing demand for natural resources. Due to urban expansion, electricity need and industrialization, man started utilizing natural resources at a much larger scale. Non-renewable resources are limited.

Natural resources cannot be replaced easily. After some time, these resources may come to an end. It is a matter of much concern and ensures a balance between population growth and utilization of resources.

This over utilization creates many problems. In some regions there are problems of water logging due to over irrigation. In some areas, there is no sufficient water for industry and agriculture. Thus, there is need for conservation of natural resources.

          Developed countries (North) consume more global resources than developing countries (South including India and China).  South is rich in biodiversity and high population but North is less populated with less biodiversity.  Developed countries has 20 per cent of population consumes about 80 percent of energy.

Developing countries over exploit natural resources for their basic needs because of overpopulation.

2.         Environmental effect on mining natural resources

     Natural resources are not limitless, and the following consequences can arise from  mining of these resources:.

Deforestation, Desertification, Extinction of species, Forced migration, Soil erosion, Oil depletion, Ozone depletion, Greenhouse gas increase, Extreme energy consumption, Water pollution, Natural hazard/Natural disaster, Metals and minerals depletion

3.             Occurrence of disasters

Disasters like flooding, water stagnation, earthquake are possible due to construction of dam for storage of water etc.,

4.              More use of non renewable and less use of renewable source

People are more using non renewable resources. This leads to more release of green house gases like carbon dioxide leading to global warming and climate change.

5.             Generation of waste  

 Waste are created during  extraction, consumption of natural resources

Famous Books and authors

Origin of Species - Charles Darwin

Silent Spring- Rachel Carson

Diversity of Life - EO Wilson

Book of Indian Birds - Salim Ali

 Salim Ali -Fall of a Sparrow

State of India’s Environment - Anil Agarwal

 

Armed forces in disaster response - Disaster response; Police and other organizations

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Armed forces in disaster response - Disaster response; Police and other organizations

Disasters continue to strike unabated and without notice and are perceived to be on the increase in their magnitude, complexity, frequency and economic impact. Disasters strike in varying intensities - sometimes at will and other time after due warning and time frame. Civil Administration is development oriented and at best can tackle low and moderate intensity emergencies depending upon the resources at their disposal and capabilities permitting. Civil police, although first agency to be informed, due to their limited numbers, are rarely capable of surmounting the disaster.

From times immemorial, the Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary forces have always done a commendable job, when called to aid civil authorities, especially, in the wake of natural calamities or man-made disasters. Although, the armed forces are supposed to be called upon to intervene and take on specific tasks only when the situation is beyond the capability of civil administration, in practice, they have been the “core of the government response capacity” in a major disaster.

The Armed Forces are trained to react in emergencies, and are the biggest rescue and succor providing organizations, capable of moving swiftly to any part of the country, in the shortest possible time. The ability to react in the emergencies and work against time is in built in their training schedule. Both the government and the public repose tremendous faith in the armed forces and believe that all emergencies and crises can be handled by the armed forces.

In the past decade, the country has witnessed frequent and intense Natural Disaster leading to large scale of destruction, death, disability, diseases, panic and fear among the people at risk. The growing tendency of over ensuring, and not having faith in own civil set-up to deal with emergencies, has led to frequent deployment of the armed forces sometimes, unjustified.

Over the years there is a paradigm shift in government approach from response, relief and rehabilitation to mitigation, prevention, and preparedness. The Government of India has enacted Disaster Management Act 2005 and set in motion a number of initiatives for concerted efforts to manage Disaster in holistic and integrated manner. The government has felt the necessity of capacity building for rapid professional response to disasters. In that process, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been constituted with advanced training, equipments, communication and mobility to respond to any type of natural or man made disasters including nuclear, chemical and biological disasters. The effectiveness of this force has been demonstrated during the recent flood in Bihar which affected nearly 3 million people, but the casualties were restricted to less than 100.

The Government of India, considering the changing global geo-political scenario, reducing the chances and occurrence of traditional wars, and steadily increasing threats from natural and man-made disasters, has envisaged greater role on the part of the Civil Defence (CD) from merely hostile act-centric responsibility to a holistic role in all the facets of Disaster Management in the country. The Civil Defence being a community-based voluntary organization can, in addition to rescue, relief and rehabilitation, also play a stellar role in the field of community capacity building and public awareness to face any disaster situation, as is being done by Civil Defence set-ups in many other countries.

In addition to the role assigned under the Civil Defence Act 1968, The Civil Defence set up can play a major role in assisting the District Disaster Management Authority, (DDMA) with the help of its volunteers at grass roots level, in different phases of disaster, particularly in pre-disaster (public awareness, community capacity building and community preparedness) and middisaster phases (response and relief) phases.

The frequency and intensity of natural and manmade disaster have increased in recent years. Though the Government paradigm shift from response & relief centric to preparedness, prevention and mitigation is in pipeline and yet to take its proper shape, the changing role of the various Response Agencies has to be reviewed and redefined and trained accordingly. The increasing propensity on the part of the civil administration to requisition Armed forces and Para military forces, need to carry out reappraisal of the role of the armed forces, especially in contingencies relating to disaster management . Sequential deployment of rescue and relief resources or a graduated response by various entities to emergencies is fraught with the dangers of delay, and the situation going beyond control.

Ideally, comprehensive assessment of the required response to a disaster or impending disaster is needed.

This will facilitate deployment of the necessary resources i.e. Civil Defence, National disaster Response Force, Para Military Forces and the Armed Forces, without loss of time, to limit the damage and losses to a minimum. Proceedings

Due to increase in population and search of livelihood, population density in urban areas has increased. Therefore, the urban areas with increased population remains vulnerable to disasters and the necessity of improved, professional Disaster Response Force need attention. Global statistics highlights the increasing numbers of the people affected by hydro meteorological disasters as 1/3 of the population lives near sea. The Armed forces should do Planning, preparation, early warning and carry out regular rehearsals of the effective early warning system and quick evacuation drills. The effective community response should be based on a bottom up approach and not top down approach.

The “Role of Civil Defence in Disaster Management” with specific emphasis on the revamping of CD in India with specific role in pre disaster and post disaster scenario is important. The inception of Civil Defence in India and the important role played by the civil defence volunteers during various wars and recurrent disasters since inception.

With help of volunteers at grass root level the Civil Defence set up can play a major role in assisting the authorities in different phases of disaster, particularly, in predisaster by public awareness, community capacity building & community preparedness and mid disaster phases (response and relief) phases). Integrating Civil Defence organization with various youth organizations, namely, NCC, NSS and NYKS.

“Origin and inception of NDRF”. On enactment of Disaster Management Act 2005, the process for creation of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) started. At present there are fully trained and equipped eight battalions of NDRF and are performing effectively in disasters and have earned laurels in particular Kosi Floods.

Role and responsibility of NDRF.  As per the DM Act, 2005(sec-44) NDRF is a specialist Force. NDRF comprises of eight units of CPMF, two each from CRPF, CISF, ITBP and BSF.   The organisation of NDRF:  each battalion of NDRF has 18 self- contained specialist search and rescue teams of 45 personnel.  Each team has CBRN emergency responders, search and rescue element, engineers, technicians’ electricians, and paramedics.  Out of these eight battalions four battalions have the capacity to respond to CBRN emergencies.  Location of NDRF units: i.e. at Pune, Ghandinagar, Guwahati, Arakkonam, Mundali, Bhatinda and Gr. Nodia.

NDRF become a highly skilled force for rescue and relief operations and has executed 67 disaster response operations in 13 states of the country and have saved 1,31,870 lives and retrieved 202 dead bodies. NDRF has also worked in many disasters like, Cyclone Aila in 2009, Kosi Flood in 2008, Flood in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, 2009. 

 “Role of Police in Disaster Management”. There is no defined role of police in disaster management but Police is always the first to reach Disaster site to provide Security and maintain law and order at disaster location and to prevent commission of cognizable offences against life, property and public tranquility. The advantages of police system in disaster management which has well developed communication system, wider reach, familiarity with local terrain and area and awareness about people’s sensitivities. The need for capacity building of police at grass root level, as central assistance takes time to reach. He stressed that the State Disaster Response Force be raised and be trained in collapsed structures search and rescue (CSSR), Medical First Response (MFR) and Flood Rescue Training (FRT). States has to follow the guidelines laid down by NDMA for raising, training, infrastructures and equipping the SDRF Battalions.

“Role of Armed Forces in Disaster Management”. The inherent strength of armed forces such as discipline, resources, quick decision making, Speedy dissemination of information and versatile capabilities makes army highly capable to respond to a disaster situation in a better and effective way. Army’s neutral, impartial and humane approach is an added asset in handling such situations.

“NCC Cadet can do better in Disaster Management”. Over the 60 years, the NCC has evolved into a highly disciplined youth organization. This organization has been installing high sense of discipline, Commitment and enthusiasm among the youth. “Unity and Discipline”, the motto of the NCC, symbolized the role played by the corps in grooming the future generation. The service of the youth workforce has been commendable during national calamities and communal strike. The NCC cadets have rendered services in Traffic management, First Aid, Evacuation of rescued people, setting up and helping in administration of relief camps, collection, loading and dispatch of medical aid material, food, and other articles of relief, distribution of relief material. By saying that involvement of NCC in disaster relief will provide an avenue to the youth in showing its commitment to the society and will result in growth and improved self image of the cadets.

The coordinated response by the armed forces, NDRF, Police and trained youth organizations like NCC, NSS and NYKS is the need of the hour in disaster.

Central, state, district and local administration in disaster management

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Central, state, district and local administration in disaster management

Institutional Arrangements for Disaster Management (DM)

This section would describe the organizational structure that exists at the District, Block, Gram Panchayat, Municipality and community levels for DM. It would include information about composition of the above institutions and their functions as per the DM Act, 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster Management 2009. However, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) may also identify functions of other institutions which they consider important such as Disaster Management Teams, Crisis Management Group / Incident Response System (IRS), Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) and their operation, Site Operation Centers, Platforms such as inter-agency groups that would facilitate partnerships with NGOs, private sector, elected representatives, Community based Organizations (CBOs), other academic and technical institutions. Major industrial /service/infrastructure establishments and fair capability plans should be listed (detailed in a functions and also ensure compliance of the directions issued by the Central Government).

National level

Cabinet Committee on Management of Natural Calamities (CCMNC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)

• High Level Committee (HLC)

• National Crisis Management Committee

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

• National Executive Committee (NEC)

• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

State level

·   State Disaster Management Authority (TNDMA)

• State Executive Committee (SEC)

• State Advisory Committee (SAC)

• Centre for Disaster Management

District level

• District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)

• District Crisis Group

• District Disaster Management Committee and Task Forces

 

1	Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)	Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Minister of Finance, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of External Affairs	Evaluation from a national security perspective, if an incident has potentially security implications.  Oversee all aspects of preparedness, mitigation and management of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies and of disasters with security implications  Review risks of CBRN emergencies from time to time, giving directions for measures considered necessary for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and effective response
2	National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)	Cabinet Secretary/Chair person • Secretaries of Ministries /Departments and agencies with specific DM responsibilities	Oversee the Command, Control and Coordination of the disaster response.  Give direction to the Crisis Management Group as deemed necessary  Give direction for specific actions to face crisis situations
3	National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)	Prime Minister (Chairperson)  Members (not exceeding nine, nominated by the Chairperson)	Lay down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management.  Coordinate their enforcement and implementation throughout the country  Approve the NDMP and the DM plans of the respective Ministries and Departments of Government of India  Lay down guidelines for disaster management to be followed by the different Central Ministries/ Departments and the State Governments.
4	National Executive Committee (NEC)	Union Home Secretary (Chairperson) Secretaries to the GOI in the Ministries /Departments of Agriculture, Atomic Energy, Defense, Drinking Water and sanitation, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Finance (Expenditure), health and Family Welfare, Power, Rural Development, Science and Technology, Space, Telecommunications, Urban Development, Water Resources, River development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The Chief of the Integrated Defense Staff of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, ex Officio as members. Secretaries in the Ministry of External Affairs, Earth Sciences, Human Resource Development, Mines, Shipping, Road Transport and Highways and Secretary, NDMA are special invitees to the Meetings of the NEC.	To assist the NDMA in the discharge of its functions: Preparation of the National Plan. Coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy. Monitor the implementation of the National Plan and the plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India. Direct any department or agency of the Govt. to make available to the NDMA or SDMAs such men, material or resources as are available with it for the purpose of emergency response, rescue and relief. Ensure compliance of the directions issued by the Central Government, Coordinate response in the event of any Threatening disaster situation or disaster. Direct the relevant Ministries/ Departments of the GOI, the State Governments and the SDMAs regarding measures to be taken in response to any specific threatening disaster situation or disaster. • Coordinate with relevant Central Ministries/Departments/Agencies which are expected to provide assistance to the affected State as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). • Coordinate with the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces6 (CAPF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other uniformed services which comprise the GoI’s Response to aid the State authorities. • Coordinate with India Meteorological Department (IMD) and a number of other Specialized scientific institutions which constitute key early warning and monitoring agencies. • Coordinate with Civil Defense volunteers, home guards and fire services, through the relevant administrative departments of the State Governments
5	National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)	Specially trained force headed by a Director General Structured like Para military forces for rapid deployment	Provide assistance to the relevant State Government/District Administration in the event of an imminent hazard event or in its aftermath
6	National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)	Union Home Minister, Vice Chairman, NDMA, Members including Secretaries of various nodal Ministries and Departments of Government of India and State Governments and heads of national levels scientific, research and technical organizations, besides eminent scholars, scientists and practitioners.	Human resource development and capacity building for disaster management within the broad policies and guidelines laid down by the NDMA • Design, develop and implement training Programmes Undertake research. Formulate and implement a comprehensive human resource development plan • Provide assistance in national policy formulation, assist other research and training institutes, state governments and other organizations for successfully discharging their responsibilities • Develop educational materials for dissemination • Promote awareness generation.

2. DM organizational structure at the state level As per clause b of sub-section (2) of Section 14 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, the State Disaster Management Authority under the chairperson of the Honorable Chief minister was constituted on 1st June 2007 with the following persons as member of the DMA: The team will consist of:

SDMA Structure

	Hon'ble Chief Minister	Chairman
	Revenue minister	Co-Chairman
	Chief Secretary	Member
	Additional Chief Secretary(Home)	Member
	Additional Chief Secretary (PWD)	Member
	Additional Chief Secretary (Health)	Member
	Director General of Police	Member
	Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue)	Member Secretary

2.1 Role & Responsibility of SDMA 

·      Lay down the State disaster management policy

.·  Approve the State Plan in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority.

·      Approve the disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the Government of the State. 

·      Lay down guidelines to be followed by the departments of the Government of the State for the purposes of integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in their development plans and projects and provide necessary technical assistance therefore.

·       Coordinate the implementation of the State Plan

·      Recommend provision of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures.

·      Review the development plans of the different departments of the State and ensure that prevention and mitigation measures are integrated therein. 

·      Review the measures being taken for mitigation, capacity building and preparedness by the departments of the Government of the State and issue such guidelines as may be necessary.

·      The Chairperson of the State Authority shall, in the case of emergency, have power to exercise all or any of the powers of the State Authority but the exercise of such powers shall be subject to ex post facto ratification of the State Authority".

 

3. State Executive Committee The crisis management group at State and districts level have been constituted for the State. The State Crisis Management Group (SCMG) is headed by the Chief Secretary. The SCMG shall normally handle all crisis situation and advice and guide the District Crisis Management Group (DCMG) also. The team will consist of:

Table: SEC Structure

I	Chief Secretary	Chairperson
II	Additional Chief Secretary(Revenue)	Member Secretary
III	Additional Chief Secretary(Home)	Member
IV	Additional Chief Secretary(Health)	Member
V	Additional Chief Secretary (PWD)	Member

 

3.1 Role & Responsibility of SEC  Development of awareness campaign strategy and its implementation in the state.

·  Development of Human Resource Plan for implementation thereof – development of training modules and material

Preparation or updation of state disaster management plan to ensure that the issues of DRR have been addressed 

To initiating risk and vulnerability assessments and preparation of annual vulnerability and risk reduction reports.

 Laying down guidelines to integrate DRR into development process 

Follow up with various line departments to ensure that DRR issues have been addressed in their development plans.

Preparation of Disaster Risk Reduction Projects in various sectors.  Carrying out DRR Audit of the development plans prepared by line departments.

Developing a Recovery framework for the state.

·  Development of Knowledge and information sharing platform in DRR

 Conceptualizing and formulating projects and programmes as a part of the national initiatives/schemes. 

Preparation of Minimum Standards of Relief  Preparation of Disaster Management Policy

·  Preparation of Mitigation plans vis a vis various hazards

·  Coordinate and monitor the implementation of National Policy, National Plan and State Plan 

Lay down guidelines for the preparation of DMP by various departments

·  Lay down guidelines for safe construction practices and ensure compliance thereof

  Provide necessary technical assistance or give advice to District Authorities.

·  Lay down, review and update state level response plans and guidelines

·  Ensuring the communication system is in order – setting up and strengthening of EOCs

·  Ensuring the conduct of mock drills regularly.

Advisory Committee of SDMA

In Exercise of the powers conferred by Sub Section (1) of section 17 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, the chairperson of State Disaster Management Authority is pleased to nominate the following official/non official experts as members of the Advisory Committee to assist the Authority and to make recommendations of different aspects of Disaster Management

Centre for Disaster Management

Disaster Management Centre at HIPA was established by the State Government as per the guidelines of the Central Government under the Ministry of Home Affairs. After the issuance of the Notification of Disaster Management Act-2005, the Disaster Management Centre, HIPA is organizing trainings on Disaster Management to different stakeholders. The Disaster Management Centre, HIPA has organized a total 132 training programs for the Government employees as well as to the representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, Government Agencies, NGOs, Mahila Yuvak Mandals and other public/private agencies etc.

Role & Responsibility of DDMA

1. It shall act as the planning, coordinating and implementing body in the district for disaster management and take all measures for disaster management in the district as per the guidelines in the National/state Disaster management plans

2. To prepare the District Disaster Management Plan of the district and its periodic review and update.

3. To identify the areas vulnerable to the different hazards in the district and measures for its prevention, mitigation thereof by the different departments and the local authorities at the district level.

4. Give direction to the different departments and the local authorities to take measures for prevention and mitigation of the disasters in the district.

5. Monitor the implementation of the disaster management plans prepared by the departments at the district level.

6. Lays down guidelines at the district level to be followed by the departments for integration of measures in their developmental plans for prevention and mitigation of the disasters.

7. Review the state of capabilities for responding to the disasters and give direction to the departments for their up gradation as may be necessary.

Organize and coordinate the specialized training programmes for different level officers, employees and voluntary rescue workers in the district along with the community training programmes.

9. Set up maintain and review the mechanism for early warnings and dissemination of the information to the general public.

10. To ensure that departments prepare their response plans in accordance with the district response plan.

11. Examine the construction in any area in the district and if it is of the opinion that the standards for prevention, mitigation are not being complied with may direct the concerned authority to take such actions being necessary to secure such compliances.

12. Ensure the communication systems are in order and disaster management drills are carried out periodically.

District Crisis Management Group (CMG)

An effective disaster management strategy must be supported by a quick decision making process which will include the issues related to warning, conduct evacuation and rescue & relief operations in the event of a disaster. This requires a core team of senior decision maker shaving administrative control over the key resource organizations.

District Disaster Management Committee and Task Forces

This district level Committee will function under DDMA and assist it in implementing various tasks of DDMA. It will ensure effective and concerted response by Government people participation at district level. The main objectives of this team are to:  Provide a forum for communication, information exchange and developing consensus.  Co-ordinate, eliminate duplication and reduce gaps in services.  Mobilize and provide timely assistance and material support to disaster affected community

Sub-division Level Disaster Management Committee Sub Division Level Disaster Management Committee headed by Sub Divisional Magistrate of the respective Sub Division have been established in all Sub Divisions of the District.

Tehsil Level Disaster Management Committee Tehsil/Sub Tehsil Level Disaster Management Committee headed by Tehsildar/ Naib Tehsildar of the respective Tehsil/Sub Tehsil have been established in all Tehsils and Sub Tehsils of the District. The constitution of Tehsil/ Sub Tehsil Level Committees is as under

Chairperson :Tehsildar

Members

• Medical Officer (Health)

• SHO (Police)

• Assistant Engineer (I&PH)

• Assistant Engineer (PWD)

• Assistant Engineer (HPSEB)

• Inspector (Food Supply & Consumers)

• CDPO

• BDO

• SHO (Communication)

• Range Officer (Forest)

• Kaunugo

• Representative (PRI,NGO)

Panchayat Level Disaster Management Committee

 Panchayat level Disaster Management Committee headed by Pradhan of the respective Panchayat has been established in all Panchayats of the District. The constitution of Panchayat Level Committees is as under:

Chairperson : Pradhan

Members

•Uppradhan

•Secretary

•Govt. official at Village

•Ward members

•President/Secretary of Youth Club/MahilaMandal etc.

•Patwari