(a) whether a recent survey/study by NDMA has pointed out that most of the museums are vulnerable to vandalism and natural disaster;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether detailed guidelines have been drawn/laid down to protect priceless artefacts kept in the museums; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken to ensure its strict compliance?
MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR CULTURE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) and (b) No specific study has been undertaken by NDMA to ascertain vulnerabilities of individual Museums to vandalism, natural and manmade disasters.
(c) and (d): Yes. NDMA has drawn detailed guidelines to address museum safety and protect priceless artefacts through a multi hazard and inter-disciplinary approach.
The guidelines provide a template for museums to develop their own risk management plans and strategies through risk assessment, risk reduction, emergency response and post disaster recovery. The objective is to enable museums to streamline disaster risk management within the overall operation of a museum.
Guidelines alongwith checklist for Disaster Management have been circulated to all the museums under the Ministry of Culture. A workshop was organised for all the museums in disaster management. Disaster management is an ongoing process in the museums of Ministry of Culture and is reviewed biannually by Secretary (Culture).