Cyclone Management in India

Cyclone Management in India:-

Tropical Cyclone (TC), also known as ‘Cyclone’ is the term used globally to cover tropical weather systems in which winds equal or exceed ‘gale force’ (minimum of 34 knot, i.e., 62 kmph).

The frequency of cyclones in the NIO (North Indian Ocean) Basin is bi-modal, which is specific to this region.

•        Cyclones occur in the months of May–June and October–November, with their primary peak in November and secondary peak in May.

Thirteen coastal states and Union Territories (UTs) in the country, encompassing 84 coastal districts, are affected by tropical cyclones.

•        Four states (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal) and one UT (Puducherry) on the east coast and

•        One state (Gujarat) on the west coast are more vulnerable to hazards associated with cyclones.

About 8% of the area in the country is prone to cyclone-related disasters. Tropical cyclones are characterised by destructive winds, storm surges and very heavy rainfall, each one having its own impact on human and livestock, and their activities.

Of these, storm surge is responsible for 90% of the loss of lives associated with cyclone disaster. Storm surge, which is a coastal phenomenon, is the inherent catastrophic feature of cyclones the world over.

•        The degree of disaster potential depends on the storm surge amplitude associated with the cyclone at the time of landfall, characteristics of the coast, phases of the tides and vulnerability of the area and community.

Cyclone Impact Mitigation:-

Although it is not possible to completely avoid natural disasters, their effects can be minimised by taking some known long- and short term structural and non-structural mitigation measures such as-

• •        Developing proper early warning systems,
• •        Creating awareness at all levels in the concerned communities,
• •        Coastal afforestation,
• •        Construction of shelters, embankments, dykes,
• •        Coastal roads, bridges, canals, etc., through better preparedness, mitigation measures and improved response mechanisms.

National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project:-

The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP), to be implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank, is envisaged to have four major components:

• •        Component A: Improvement of early warning dissemination system by strengthening the Last Mile Connectivity (LMC) of cyclone warnings and advisories.
• •        Component B: Cyclone risk mitigation investments.
• •        Component C: Technical assistance for hazard risk management and capacity building.
• •        Component D: Project management and institutional support.

Institutional Structure:-

• •        The Cabinet Committee on Management of Natural Calamities (CCMNC):
• CCMNC has been constituted to oversee all aspects relating to the management of natural calamities, including assessment of the situation and identification of measures and programmes considered necessary to reduce its impact, monitor and suggest long-term measures for the prevention of such calamities formulate and recommend programmes for public awareness for building up society’s resilience to them.
• •        At the district level, the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), which constitute the very bedrock of the entire DM apparatus, will be in charge of DM and will control and coordinate all line departments, i.e., police, fire services and any other form of support system as part of their response. In the planning stage, the Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner will head all planning and preparedness exercises pertaining to DM.

Steps to be taken:-  

                

•        Establishing a state-of-the-art cyclone EWS involving observations, predictions, warnings and customised local-scale advice for decision-makers (national/state/district level) for managing the impact of cyclones

•        Expanding the warning dissemination outreach by using the services of Direct-To Home (DTH) transmission in remote and rural areas (Panchayats) which cannot be otherwise covered, to introduce weather channel and broadcast cyclone warnings from high-power coastal radio stations including the use of satellite radio service like World Space, Ham radios, community radio and VHF network

•        Establishing a comprehensive Cyclone Disaster Management Information System (CDMIS) covering all phases of DM to provide on-line services to the departments of Disaster Management in the states

•        Structural safety of lifeline infrastructure in coastal areas

•        Establishing a robust system of locating multi-purpose cyclone shelters and cattle mounds

•        Ensuring cyclone resistant design standards are incorporated in the rural/ urban housing schemes in coastal areas

•        Regulating infrastructure and development activities in coastal zones

•        Mapping and delineation of coastal wetlands, patches of mangroves and shelterbelts

•        Developing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) frameworks for addressing the sustainability and optimal utilisation of coastal resources as also cyclone impact minimisation plans

•        Implementing coastal flood zoning, flood plain development and flood inundation management

•        Evolving eco-system restoration plans for degraded ecological zones

•        Developing integrated hazard mitigation framework taking into account cyclone and associated storm surge, wind hazard, rainfall-runoff, river flood

Flood Management in India

Flood Management in India:-

Floods have been a recurrent phenomenon in India and cause huge losses to lives, properties, livelihood systems, infrastructure and public utilities. India’s high risk and vulnerability is highlighted by the fact that 40 million hectares out of a geographical area of 329 million hectares is prone to floods.

As per the constitutional provisions, “Flood Management is a state subject” and as such the primary responsibility for flood management lies with the states.

Institutional Structure:-

• •        NDMA, which has been assigned to deal with all types of disasters including the floods. The National Executive Committee (NEC) with the Secretary of GOI of the ministry or department having administrative control of the subject of the DM as the Chairman and other members.
• •        State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and State Executive Committees (SECs) to perform similar functions at the state level.

Identification and marking of flood prone areas on maps,

•        Preparation of close contour and flood vulnerability maps,

Formulating plans for expansion and modernization of flood forecasting and warning systems,

Identification of priority flood protection and drainage improvement works, identification of reservoirs for review and

•       Modification of operation manuals and rule curves and undertaking special studies on problems of river erosion.

Continuous modernization of flood forecasting, early warning and decision support systems

Ensuring the incorporation of flood resistant features in the design and construction of new structures in the flood prone areas

Drawing up time-bound plans for the flood proofing of strategic and public utility structures in flood prone areas

Introducing appropriate capacity development interventions for effective Flood Management (including education, training, capacity building, research and development, and documentation)

Ensuring regular monitoring of the effectiveness and sustainability of various structures and taking appropriate measures for their restoration and strengthening

•        These activities which include inspection of dams, embankments and other structural measures, execution of restoration and strengthening works and expansion

Improving the compliance regime through appropriate mechanisms

Strengthening the emergency response capabilities

The role of communities and NGOs is vital in search, rescue and relief operations.

Immediate medical assistance to the affected people and steps for prevention of outbreak of epidemics after the floods are essential components of flood response.

Things to be done:-

Flood forecasting and warning and Decision Support System (DSS) to be established on a scientific basis taking into account the latest technological developments in the world

To set up a National Flood Management Institute (NFMI) at an appropriate location in one of the flood prone states

There is a need to set up a central organisation to lay down policy and implement Flood Management measures in consultation with the states and other stakeholders as floods are not confined to one state and flooding in one state leads to flooding in adjoining states

The Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) and the state governments/SDMAs/DDMAs concerned will urgently undertake identification of areas prone to floods along with names of villages/talukas or tehsils/districts in a scientific manner in collaboration with the NRSA and Survey of India( SOI)

• •      Flash floods forecasting and warning systems using Doppler radars will be installed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) by September 2009

As a preventive measure, the inhabitation of low-lying areas along the rivers, nallas and drains will be regulated by the state governments/State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)/District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs)

Landslides and blockages in rivers will be monitored by the Central Water Commission (CWC)/National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA)/state governments/SDMAs with the help of satellite imageries and in case of their occurrence, warning systems will be set up to reduce losses

•        There is lack of documentation on floods and flood damage.

• •        The state governments will ensure that each and every flood event is properly documented and flood damage assessment is made on a scientific basis with the help of latest technological advancements in the field of remote sensing through satellites etc.

Management of Earthquakes in India

Critical Areas of Concern for the Management of Earthquakes in India:-

The critical areas of concern for the management of earthquakes in India include the following

• •        Lack of awareness among various stakeholders about the seismic risk;
• •        Inadequate attention to structural mitigation measures in the engineering education syllabus;
• •        Inadequate monitoring and enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes and town planning bye-laws;
• •        absence of systems of licensing of engineers and masons;
• •        absence of earthquake-resistant features in non-engineered construction in suburban and rural areas;
• •        Lack of formal training among professionals in earthquake-resistant construction practices; and
• •        Lack of adequate preparedness and response capacity among various stakeholder groups

Urgent Need: A More Realistic and Scientific Seismic Zonation Map

Preparing Disaster Management (DM) plans

• •        Revising town planning bye-laws and adopting model bye-laws;
• •        Disseminating earthquake-resistant building codes,
• •        The National Building Code 2005 and other safety codes.

Training trainers in professional and technical institutions

Training professionals like engineers, architects, and masons in earthquake-resistant construction.

Launching demonstration projects and public awareness campaigns to disseminate earthquake-resistant techniques, seismic safety and seismic risk reduction

Enforcing and monitoring compliance of earthquake-resistant building codes, town planning bye-laws and other safety regulations;

• •        establishing an appropriate mechanism for compliance review of all construction designs submitted to ULBs;
• •        Undertaking mandatory technical audit of structural designs of major projects by the respective competent authorities.

Preparing DM plans by schools, hospitals, super malls, entertainment multiplexes, etc. and carrying out mock drills for creating greater public awareness

Strengthening the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) network.

Developing appropriate risk transfer instruments by collaborating with insurance companies and financial institutions

Preparing documentation on lessons from previous earthquakes and ensuring their wide dissemination.

Carrying out the vulnerability mapping of earthquake-prone areas and creating inventory of resources for effective response.

Simla Agreement

The Simla Agreement signed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan on 2nd July 1972 was much more than a peace treaty seeking to reverse the consequences of the 1971 war (i.e. to bring about withdrawals of troops and an exchange of PoWs). It was a comprehensive blue print for good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan.

Under the Simla Agreement both countries undertook to abjure conflict and confrontation which had marred relations in the past, and to work towards the establishment of durable peace, friendship and cooperation. 

The Simla Agreement contains a set of guiding principles, mutually agreed to by India and Pakistan, which both sides would adhere to while managing relations with each other.

These emphasize:

·         Respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty;

·         Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs;

·         Respect for each other’s unity, political independence; sovereign equality; and

·         Abjuring hostile propaganda.

The following principles of the Agreement are, however, particularly noteworthy:

·         A mutual commitment to the peaceful resolution of all issues through direct bilateral approaches.

·         To build the foundations of a cooperative relationship with special focus on people to people contacts.

·         To uphold the inviolability of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a most important CBM between India and Pakistan, and a key to durable peace.

India has faithfully observed the Simla Agreement in the conduct of its relations with Pakistan.

Tashkent Declaration

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan having met at Tashkent and having discussed the existing relations between India and Pakistan, hereby declare their firm resolve to restore normal and peaceful relations between their countries and to promote understanding and friendly relations between their peoples. They consider the attainment of these objectives of vital importance for the welfare of the 600 million people of India and Pakistan.

·         The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan agree that both sides will exert all efforts to create good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

·         They reaffirm their obligation under the Charter not to have recourse to force and to settle their disputes through peaceful means.

·         All armed personnel of the two countries shall be withdrawn not later than 25 February, 1966 to the positions they held prior to 5 August, 1965, and both sides shall observe the cease-fire terms on the cease-fire line.
Relations between India and Pakistan shall be based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of each other.

·         Both sides will discourage any propaganda directed against the other country, and will encourage propaganda which promotes the development of friendly relations between the two countries.

·         The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan have agreed that the High Commissioner of India to Pakistan and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to India will return to their posts and that the normal functioning of diplomatic missions of both countries will be restored. Both Governments shall observe the Vienna Convention of 1961 on Diplomatic Intercourse.

·         To consider measures towards the restoration of economic and trade relations, communications, as well as cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan, and to take measures to implement the existing agreements between India and Pakistan.

·         The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan have agreed that they give instructions to their respective authorities to carry out the repatriation of the prisoners of war.

·         The sides will continue the discussion of questions relating to the problems of refugees and evictions/illegal immigrations. They also agreed that both sides will create conditions which will prevent the exodus of people. They further agreed to discuss the return of the property and assets taken over by either side in connection with the conflict.

·         The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan have agreed that the sides will continue meetings both at the highest and at other levels on matters of direct concern to both countries. Both sides have recognized the need to set up joint Indian-Pakistani bodies which will report to their Governments in order to decide what further steps should be taken.

Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 with Nepal

Article 1

There shall be everlasting peace and friendship between the Government of India and the Government of Nepal. The two Governments agree mutually to acknowledge and respect the complete sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of each other.

Article 2

The two Governments hereby undertake to inform each other of any serious friction or misunderstanding with any neighbouring State likely to cause any breach in the friendly relations subsisting between the two Governments.

Article 3

In order to establish and maintain the relations referred to in Article 1 the two Governments agree to continue diplomatic relations with each other by means of representatives with such staff as is necessary for the due performance of their functions. The representatives and such of their staff as may be agreed upon shall enjoy such diplomatic privileges and immunities as are customarily granted by international law on a reciprocal basis: Provided that in no case shall these be less than those granted to persons of a similar status of any other State having diplomatic relations with either Government.

Article 4

The two Governments agree to appoint Consuls-General, Consuls, Vice-Consuls and other consular agents, who shall reside in towns, ports and other places in each other's territory as may be agreed to. Consuls-General, Consuls, Vice-Consuls and consular agents shall be provided with exequaturs or other valid authorization of their appointment. Such exequatur or authorization is liable to be withdrawn by the country which issued it, if considered necessary. The reasons for the withdrawal shall be indicated wherever possible. The persons mentioned above shall enjoy on a reciprocal basis all the rights, privileges, exemptions and immunities that are accorded to persons of corresponding status of any other State.

Article 5

The Government of Nepal shall be free to import, from or through the territory of India, arms, ammunition or warlike material and equipment necessary for the security of Nepal. The procedure for giving effect to this arrangement shall be worked out by the two Governments acting in consultation.

Article 6

Each Government undertakes, in token of the neighbourly friendship between India and Nepal, to give to the nationals of the other, in its territory, national treatment with regard to participation in industrial and economic development of such territory and to the grant of concessions and contracts relating to such development.

Article 7

The Governments of India and Nepal agree to grant, on reciprocal basis, to the nationals of one country in the territories o the other the same privileges in the matter of residence, ownership of property, participation in trade and commerce, movement and other privileges of a similar nature.

Article 8

So far as matters dealt with herein are concerned, this Treaty cancels all previous Treaties, agreements, and engagements entered into on behalf of India between the British Government and the Government of Nepal.

Article 9

This Treaty shall come into force from the date of signature by both Governments.

Article 10

This Treaty shall remain in force until it is terminated by either party by giving one year's notice.