(a) whether as per a recent report of the United Nations, the country
is losing several crores of rupees annually on account of unscientific
disaster management practices being adopted;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reaction of the Government
thereto;
and
(c) the remedial measures taken/being taken by the Government to improve the
disaster management practices in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a): This Ministry has no information regarding any recent UN report
suggesting that the country is losing several crores of rupees annually
on account of unscientific disaster management practices being adopted.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): Government of India, in order to strengthen the existing disaster
management system has enacted and notified disaster Management Act, 2005
on December 26, 2005 to improve and provide for institutional mechanisms
for drawing up and monitoring the implementation of the disaster management
plans, ensuring measures by various wings of Government for prevention and
mitigating effects of disasters as well as for undertaking a holistic,
coordinated, and prompt response to any disaster situation.
As per the disaster Management Act 2005, the Central Government has constituted
the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with the responsibility for
laying down the policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster managements. NDMA
has already released 25 guidelines on natural as well as manmade disasters and
also for preparation of State disaster Management Plans, National Policy on
disaster Management (NPDM) has been issued which covers all aspects of disaster
management.
All these measures are expected to improve the existing disaster management
practices, mitigation, control and reduce the adverse impact of natural &
manmade disasters in the country.