Lack of scientific recordkeeping of disaster incidences: A big hurdle in disaster risk reduction in India

Abstract

Despite enhanced awareness on various disaster management related issues and mounting disaster induced losses disaster risk reduction is far from getting its due share of attention and resources, particularly in India. This is attributed to (i) departmental inertia, (ii) lacking political foresight and will, (iii) fragmented decision-making authority, (iv) lacking techno-legal regime and non-compliance of what exists, (v) lack of capacity building, (vi) unawareness of the mass, (vii) lacking risk assessment and communication, (viii) missing locally relevant data and examples, and (ix) lack of objective and uniform disaster database. Based upon in depth analysis of the present situation recommended road map for DRR inclusive development includes (i) enhanced focus on mass awareness to ensure voluntary compliance and to do away with political apathy, (ii) comprehensive hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment and communication, (iii) enhanced investment on research and development related to disaster resilient technology and improvising traditional DRR practices, (iv) enhanced investment on capacity building, (v) invoking DRR compliant techno-legal regime and putting in place mechanism for its compliance, (vi) NDMA and SDMA to be provided authority to issue binding guidelines, (vii) institutional mechanism for collecting precise and objective data relating to disaster induced losses. Action on the suggested points is envisaged to streamline DRR interventions in India and help in bringing forth resilience amongst communities.