CASE STUDY – GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE

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

GDP per capita – 844 US $ in 2008-09

GDP – Agriculture 25%
GDP – Manufacturing 15%
GDP – Services - 51%
GDP – Others 9%

HAZARD SITUATION ANALYSIS

India has a highly diverse topography. Its vastness and its diverse topography makes it highly prone to
different disasters in different areas. 199 districts*(The smallest administrative unit in the country.) out
of total of 602 district have been identified as High Risk Disaster Areas. In the North there are the
Himalayas that are in a zone of high seismic activity. Moreover, these regions also prone to
avalanches, landslides and mudslides. The forests in the Himalayas and the forest in the central India
are 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, Himachal
Pradesh 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 are
washed 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 and
cloudbursts also occur with regularity in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Tamil
Nadu. (8% of the total area).

The Indian subcontinent has highly diversified range of natural features. The Himalayas, which are the
young fold mountains and the phenomena of stress release is very common together with the uncertain
monsoon winds making the region highly prone to natural disasters. The region being the most
populous 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 the
region. Almost all parts of India experience one or more of these disaster. Based on the frequency of
occurrence and vulnerability to natural disasters, the entire country may be classified into three broad
categories. The first is the Himalayas region spread over 500000 square km. this region is prone mainly
to earthquakes, landslides, avalanche and bush fire. The second category is the north and center India
Plains. The region is having some of the great river systems and a rich source of water for drinking and
irrigation. However, these river, during monsoon period usually carry water in excess to their capacity
causing flood phenomena. The same region also experiences drought when rainfall is less. The third
category is the great coastline of india which is prone to devastating cyclonic winds emerging in the
ocean. Under NRDMS program me, thrust is being given to incorporate studies on landslides, drought
and flood.
Indian subcontinent is prone to multiple hazards and highly vulnerable to both natural and man-made
disasters that generally result in heavy loss of life; sometimes even leading to mass causalities and
huge economic losses can be minimized to quite an extent even though they may not have been totally
prevented.

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 to
cyclone and 69% of the area is vulnerable to drought. As per estimates during 1999-2000, an average
of 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 super
cyclone in October 1999 in Orissa and severe earthquake in January 2001 in Gujarat underscored the
need to adopt a multidimensional approach to meet the challenges of disasters in the country. These
two devastating events necessitated policy change leading to a paradigm shift in approach to disaster
management. Consequently, the new disaster framework covers institutional mechanism, disaster
prevention, early warning system, disaster mitigation, preparedness and response and human resource
development.

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 North
North 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.
Missing persons : 247 in Kachchh .
Cattle deaths reported as 20717
Houses 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 crore
Household Properties Rs. 11195 crore
Public Utilities Rs. 600 crore
Public Infrastructure & Amenities Rs. 1080 crore
Industrial establishment Rs. 5000 crore
Commercial establishment Rs. 3000 crore
Total estimated loss of damage Rs. 21262 crore

DAMAGE:

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

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 00
21 Valsad 00
Total: 20005

ESSENTIAL SERVICES:
Out of 18 towns and 1340 villages affected, water supply resorted to 9 towns through pipes and 9
through tankers. Water supply restored in all 1340 affected villages through pipes and tankers.
RELIEF:
State Government informed that there is no discrimination on the ground of religion/communities in
distribution 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 houses
damaged, Rs.30,000 for houses destroyed and Rs.5,000/- for livestock death. Accordingly, the
estimated 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 Government
employees & Teachers/School Children the relief includes Rs. 50,000 as additional relief for
those 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 Govt’s budget.Death compensation paid – Rs. 46.42 crore .Cash
doles 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 1300
asbestos 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 of
1,03,000.

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. Of
the estimated Rs. 9,900crore ($2.1 billion) total asset losses, Rs. 7,400 crore ($1.6 billion) are
private 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
• Gujarat’s 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 contributor
to 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 Level

At the national level, the Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry for all matters concerning
disaster management . The Central Relief Commissioner (CRC) in the Ministry of Home Affairs is the
nodal officer to coordinate relief operations for natural disasters. The CRC receives information relating
to forecasting/warning of a natural calamity from India Meteorological Department (IMD) or from Central
Water Commission of Ministry of Water Resources on a continuing basis.
The Ministries/Departments/Organizations concerned with the primary and secondary functions relating
to the management of disasters include:
India Meteorological Department, Central Water Commission, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of
Defence, 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 Child
Development, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Department of Food. Each
Ministry/Department/Organization nominate their nodal officer to the Crisis Management Group chaired
by Central Relief Commissioner. The nodal officer is responsible for preparing sectoral Action
Plan/Emergency Support Function Plan for managing disasters.
National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC): Cabinet Secretary, who is the highest executive
officer, heads the NCMC. Secretaries of all the concerned Ministries /Departments as well as
organizations are the members of the Committee The NCMC gives direction to the Crisis Management
Group as deemed necessary. The Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for ensuring that
all developments are brought to the notice of the NCMC promptly. The NCMC can give directions to
any 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 the
Chairman of the CMG, consisting of senior officers (called nodal officers) from various concerned
Ministries. The CMG’s functions are to review every year contingency plans formulated by various
Ministries/Departments/Organizations in their respective sectors, measures required for dealing with
natural disasters, coordinate the activities of the Central Ministries and the State Governments in
relation to disaster preparedness and relief and to obtain information from the nodal officers on
measures relating to above. The CMG, in the event of a natural disaster, meets frequently to review the
relief operations and extend all possible assistance required by the affected States to
overcome the situation effectively. The Resident Commissioner of the affected State is also associated
with such meetings. Control Room (Emergency Operation Room): An Emergency Operations
Center (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 Central
ministries/Departments/Organizations in connection with relief, maintaining records containing all
relevant 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: A
National Contingency Action Plan (CAP) for dealing with contingencies arising in the wake of natural
disasters has been formulated by the Government of India and it had been periodically updated. It
facilitates the launching of relief operations without delay. The CAP identifies the initiatives required to
be taken by various Central Ministries/Departments in the wake of natural calamities, sets down the
procedure 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 of
disasters. Divisional Commissioner of State revenue department is the nodal authority to monitor and
direct disaster a management activities in the state. Divisional Commissioner is responsible to identify
and nominate with various nodal departments incase of emergency. Delhi Disaster Management
Authority (DDMA), State Steering Committee, Working groups are some other active groups have
been formulated.

Management Mechanism
Integrated Administrative Machinery
National Contingency Action Plan -identify initiatives by various agencies
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation - the Nodal Department
Central Relief Commissioner - Chief Nodal Officer at National level
State/District Contingency Plans and Relief Manuals

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA : NODAL MINISTRIES / DEPARTMENT FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

DISASTERS NODAL MINISTRIES

Natural Disasters Agriculture
Air Accidents Civil Aviation
Civil Strife Home Affairs
Railway Accidents Railways
Chemical Disasters Environment
Biological Disasters Health & family Welfare
Nuclear Accident Atomic 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 Defence

Central Para Military Forces- Ministry of Home Affairs
International Response- Ministry of External Affairs
Ministries/Departments:
Rural Development, Drinking Water Supply Power, Telecom , Health, Urban Development
Food & Public Distribution, Shipping, Surface Transport, Railways, Civil Aviation, Women &
Child Development, Water Resources, Animal Husbandry and India Meteorological
Department(IMD)

GOI DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY- SALIENT FEATURES

Recognition of linkages between natural disasters and development

Connecting of specific programmes like DPAP, DDP, NWDPRA and Wasteland Development
Programme 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
Programmes for Community Participation and Public Awareness
Observing National Disaster Reduction Day
Activities 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 an
autonomous agencies of the state governments, and UNDP has been working closely with these
agencies. UNDP’s partnerships with the national and state institutions have been based on the links
that natural disasters have with scarcity, inequality and vulnerability.

Before Gujarat earthquake the disaster management was basically governed by Gujarat
Relief Manual”. The entire approach was to provide relief after the occurrence of the
disaster 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-disaster
preparedness. 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 lessons
learnt 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.
 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 the
neighboring 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 and
discussed the relief efforts in earthquake affected areas.
• National Crisis Management Committee meets regularly and puts in place specific and detailed
sectoral initiatives.
• Krishi Control Room (NDM) activated and functioning round the clock. Coordinating with all
Central/External relief efforts in close association with Govt. of Gujarat.
• Satellite phones, Hotlines, HAM radio and mobile telephones were pressed into service to
ensure proper communication.
• Gujarat Disaster Management Authority under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Gujarat
established 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 under
the scheme of purchase/fitting of aids & appliances (ADIP).
• Rs.15 lakhs to Animal Welfare Board of India for the relief of animals affected by the
earthquake.

SUPREME COURT
 • Rs. 3,70,038 donated by Supreme Court towards PM’s Relief Fund.

EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE

• International community responded generously and with alacrity.

• 70 countries, 24 other international donors/various international organisations sent rescue

teams 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 the
victims of the earthquake. Congratulated the Indian and the State Governments on their rapid
mobilisation 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) to
support the relief operation with food and other assistance valued at USD 4,157,579 over a
period of 4 months from 5th February to June 2001 to assist 3 lakh people, mostly women and
children. 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 coordination
support 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 of
US$12.8 million that was sent to donors.
9. State Governments and Major PSUs of the Government of India have also decided to adopt
groups of villages for relief and reconstruction.
10. State Government drawn detailed rehabilitation packages with the objectives of social, cultural
and economic resettlement with equity. Community participation in the rehabilitation and
resettlement 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 Authority’s 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. The
Committee 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.
 • The Gujarat Government announces Four reconstruction packages on 13.2.2001 and it has
since been operationalised. The First package envisages Public-Private Partnership
Programme in relocation of villages in the worst affected areas. 12 Hectares of area for a
normative village of 200 households & population of 1000 planned.
• The Second package aims at rehabilitation & reconstruction of damaged houses in earthquake
zone IV & V and also declared as worst affected.
The Third & Forth packages are for in situ rehabilitation & reconstruction in other areas of State
and 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 every
decade since 1950 (source Munich Re 2004). Fatalities per event shows that the low income group
shows an average of about 187 lives lost per event . Direct economic loses as % of GDP shows that
the low income group suffers a maximum of 13.3 %.

NATIONAL RESPONSE MECHANISM

The vision
1. To create a dedicated body that will assess, plan and implement the vital aspects of disaster
management (Prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response) .
2. Draft State Disaster Management Plan
3. Institutional Setup-National Level-State Level-District Level
4. Empower the Ministry of Home Affairs
5. Provide locus of control to Divisional Commissioner, Office District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
Office, National Emergency Management Authority, National Steering Committee, Disaster
Management Authority,State Steering Committee District DisasterManagement Committee.

Draft- Institutional Arrangements

1. To ensure smooth coordination between Central and State Governments in
the event of a disaster.
2. To create a unified command, control and co-ordination structure for
disaster management in states.
3. Inte grating the various wings and agencies of government that are necessary for emergency
response, as well as for preparedness, mitigation and prevention activities.
4. For purposes of Disaster Management, the nodal department shall have the authority to command
the services of all partner departments and agencies, as pre-decided through a Memoranda of
Understanding.
5. Standardise a state wise Disaster Management Hierarchy
6. 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
  Preparedness.

5. Adaptive capacity by creating a management system.

6. Shift focus from relief; recovery and adaptive capacity to sustainable growth and
development.
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 implementation
to enhance climate change related benefits.

An Approach to Recovery

Cross-country experience from other disaster-hit areas suggests that the following core principles
should be followed in the approach to reconstruction:
· Revival of the economy: There is an urgent need to restart the economy of the affected areas, which
can 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 for
mistargeting. Transfers to households, for consumption or investment purposes, could also be
envisaged.
· Empowering individuals and communities: While relief and charity are important in the immediate
aftermath of a natural disaster, they should be replaced as soon as possible with efforts to foster
ownership and involvement by the people. There are some instances encountered indicating that relief
assistance is sometimes creating competition for handouts, community conflict, and dependency.
Greater local participation and contributions to the reconstruction effort could reduce social tensions
and lead to more sustainable development efforts. The majority of reconstruction efforts should be
undertaken by the affected population themselves.
· Affordability, private sector participation, and equity: Reconstruction of private and public property and
efforts to revive the economy should take into account (a) potential impact on public finances; (b) use of
available private sector participation and financing; and (c) relatively greater public assistance to those
most in need. The impact of the earthquake will further strain Gujarat’s public
finances. It is important, therefore, for the Government to seek to rationalize expenditures and carefully
evaluate standards at which reconstruction of both public and private buildings will take place. While it
is the government’s intention not to crowd out private sector and individual initiative, it is important
that it continue to leave room for private initiatives on the part of the surviving victims themselves, as
well as for businesses wishing to share their burden. Public assistance and reconstruction efforts
should prioritize those in greater need, and it is important to ensure that public policies and the
incidence of public expenditures is pro-poor.
· Decentralization: Community-driven reconstruction must be at the heart of the state’s recovery
program. Therefore, the development of effective networks that facilitate a necessarily decentralized
system for recovery will be key to the success of the program. Decisions to relocate or rebuild in situ
destroyed villages, for instance, should follow a clear, transparent and participatory approach to
assess 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 the
successful 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 to
convey their content swiftly and equitably to the public, to hear of and assess their suitability and
sustainability 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
recovery program and ensure effective dialogue between the government, the public and other
partners.

SUBMITTED by Parvadhavardhini Gopalakrishnan

END – Case study

ANNEXURES
 Mor
India’s Key Vulnerabilities
• Coastal States, particularly in the East Coast and Gujarat, are
vulnerable 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, and
vulnerable to earthquakes.
• Sub-Himalayan/ Western Ghat is vulnerable to landslides.
Source: Planning Commission of India, Tenth Five Year Plan document.
199
Nat