The speakers at the inaugural of the 3rd World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) called for coordinated and concerted efforts to avoid calamities as also to reduce their impact by adopting disaster-resistant technologies.
Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha Thambi Durai, who was chief guest, underlined the need for systematic planning through standard operating procedures at various levels to minimise the impact of both man-made and natural calamities. The focus of disaster management, which was on ‘post-disaster relief’ in the past, has now changed to pre-disaster preparedness through early action and post-disaster relief.
Mr. Thambi Durai said though India has emerged as a global leader in technology, it was still facing huge loss of lives and massive destruction of property during cyclones, flood and other natural calamities. He called for a paradigm shift from ‘post-disaster relief’ to pre-disaster preparedness to combat disasters.
Stating that man-made disasters like air pollution and pollution of rivers were more dangerous than natural calamities he said research was required to tackle them effectively. He agreed with the point made earlier by Chairperson of SCDR, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Amita Singh that more funds were required for research on disaster management.
Deputy Chief Minister N. Chinarajappa briefed about the efforts being made by the State government to reduce the impact of natural disasters through early warnings. Warnings were being issued 30 minutes before lightning in view of the growing number of deaths due to lightning in the State.
USAID/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), Bangkok, Michael Ernst said South Asia had a lot to teach to the rest of the world as it represents the extremes of all kinds like: climate, population, topography and on the other side diversity with a vast number of well-educated people.
The problems, however, were complex and there were no easy answers to disaster. The focus should be on reduction of risks. “The past demands, we should proceed with caution. But, the future demands that we proceed,” he concluded.
Prof Amita Singh underlined the need for research on disaster before one could think of its management. She called for team spirit and continued funding for research.
Visakhapatnam MP K. Haribabu, Convener of 3rd WCDM S. Ananda Babu, GITAM University Vice Chancellor M.S. Prasada Rao, ED of NSET, Nepal, Amod Dixit, Chairman of the organising committee Major General (Retd) Naresh Badhani, president of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (AP and Telangana) SG Chalam were among those who spoke.
