A set of guidelines for a disaster response system, based on a U.S. model, is in the final stage of preparation, said J.K. Sinha, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday.
Speaking during the inauguration of a two-day national seminar “Safe World – 2010”, on disaster management organised jointly by the NDMA, Directorate of Home Guards and Civil Defence, and International Resource Development Centre, here, he said the prevailing confusion over response system would be addressed once the guidelines come into effect.
Mr. Sinha said though the guidelines are being prepared based on a U.S. model they have been tuned for the Indian situation while incorporating suggestions received from State governments.
Emphasising the need for creating a core team in each State for swift deployment during disasters, Mr. Sinha said the Karnataka Government could create a core team and the NDMA would train them to tackle all types of disasters, including nuclear and biological disasters.
Expressing concern over building norms violation, A. Ravindra, Adviser to the Chief Minister, said that there is a need to identify buildings prone to disasters by conducting a safety audit of large buildings and installations in Bangalore and other cities. “Owners and occupiers of multi-storeyed can be asked to submit safety compliance certificates annually,” he added.
