Post on 19-Jan-2023
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 5
APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR DISASTER
MANAGEMENT IN INDIA
J.Bhattacharjee*
ABSTRACT
Disaster strikes countries causing tremendous
destruction creating number of problems and
producing negative impacts on national economy.
The paper deals with the present state of Disaster
mitigation & management in India, and the
proposed strategy to be followed in reducing
impact of Disaster by utilizing information
technology (IT). It has been experienced that the
country is not adequately prepared to deal with the
consequences of the various Disasters. Recent
example is Disaster in Uttarakhand due to
divesting storm, known as “Himalayan Tsunami”
reveals that no appropriate plan was made for
early warning in the State. It is observed that
advancement in IT in the form of internet, remote
sensing, satellite communication etc can help a
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 6
great deal in planning and implementation of
Disaster reduction measures. GIS can improve the
quality and power of analysis of natural Disaster
assessments, guide development activities in
implementation of emergency preparedness and
relief action. The experience suggests that there is
an urgent need for a proper disaster management
strategy that is focused, well co-coordinated and
prepared for all obvious eventualities so that its
impact is reduced. The paper mainly focused on
requirement of information technology on various
aspects of disaster management and has finally
recommended various comprehensive measures
to be taken. The author was actively associated
with Rapid assessment of large number of earth
quake affected buildings in various places in India.
The major reasons leading to loss of human life,
casualties and property have been analyzed; their
remedial measures discussed and deliberated
giving special emphasis on information
technology, for reduction of its impact in future.
INTRODUCTION
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 7
Disaster of all types e.g., earthquakes, floods, cyclones,
drought, cloudbursts, accidents including man-made disaster like
war and insurgency etc. have been occurring since time
immemorial. However, their frequency, magnitude and area have
increased many times in all parts of world, in recent times. They
may be broadly classified as natural disasters such as earthquakes,
floods, droughts and cyclones, man-made disasters such as riots,
war/conflicts, refugee situations and environmental disasters, like
fire, epidemics, industrial accidents and environmental fallouts.
Often difference between them is marginal. Natural disasters can
be perceived as an “Extreme natural event”, which, may affect
different places singly or in combination (Coast line, hillsides
earthquakes prone areas, etc.) at different times and. Different
duration etc. The hazard has varying degrees of intensity and
severity.
_____________________________________________________
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*Former Jt. Director General (MOD/MES), working as Professor
& Advisor in Civil Engineering, Amity University, Noida.
Any natural hazards become disasters, when they come in contact
with vulnerable social setting of human population human
settlements, structure and centres of economic activity increase the
damages caused by disasters. Globally, natural disasters account
for nearly 80% of all disaster affected people. Man-made disaster is
basically a social problem. Unless
The disaster management sector needs drastic developments
and improvements to decrease damage and save lives of people. It
is observed that advancement in information technology in the form
of internet, remote sensing, satellite communication etc can help a
great deal in planning and implementation of disaster reduction
measures. GIS can improve the quality and power of analysis of
natural disaster assessments, guide development activities in the
implementation of emergency preparedness and relief action.
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 8
Satellite communications have become crucial for providing
emergency communication and timely relief measures.
EXIISTING POLICY FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT-
Basic Ingredients of Management Strategy-:-
Though the responsibility for undertaking rescue and relief
measures in the event of Natural Calamities is that of State
Government concerned; the Central Govt. associates itself with
measures and supplements the State’s relief efforts by initiating
supportive action. Towards this end, the Central Govt., with its
resources, both physical and financial provides the needed help
and assistance, with the existing policy of financing the relief
expenditure, keeping in view the factors like the gravity of a natural
calamity, the scale of relief operation necessary and the
requirements for augmenting the financial resources of the state.
Disaster Management in the Country is essentially rested inter
alias, on four major pillars viz: -
(a) Application of Scientific input to forecasting and relief
programmes.
(b) Timeliness and dynamism of management of relief delivery.
(c) Peoples participation in relief delivery and monitoring.
(d) Contribution of resilience of societies and areas and quality of
life.
Despite the recognition of the need to build up a society’s
capabilities to meet the challenges of disasters, the thrust of relief
efforts was, for a variety of reasons, generally remained
concentrated on the alleviation and restoration aspects. On the
occurrence of disasters, the need for continued vigil, preparedness
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 9
and conscious efforts to reduce the occurrence and impact of
disasters is generally articulated, only to be buried subsequently, in
the sub-conscious state of the Nation.
The need to lay the foundations of a new culture of disaster
management in the country was felt mainly after Gujarat
earthquake in 2001.. Disaster management, and disaster
preparedness and mitigation in particular, are issues that concern
the cultural and attitudinal attributes of the Govt., other
organizations, and the public at large. It was felt that a new culture
of being prepared for and managing disasters is needed that
permeates all aspects of national life- physical, social & economic.
Based on this philosophy, four cultures were identified by the High
Power Committee (HPC): Culture of preparedness, quick response,
strategic thinking and prevention. These were detailed out to
provide guidance for plan preparation and implementation process
to take place in appropriate accordance.
A well-formulated disaster management cycle normally
comprises six different components i.e. disaster preparation,
mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and development.
The preventive measures include all those tasks that can be
undertaken to prevent natural hazards from turning into a disaster.
It is clear that not much can be done to prevent occurrence of
natural hazards such as earthquake, cyclones, floods and
avalanches etc., but efforts can be made to prevent their
calamitous fall out. Some preventive measures come under the
category of national development and some within specific disaster
management programmes. In India, some-how we have failed to do
much on this. There-by Earthquake of similar intensity as in
Gujarat, when stuck in /California in USA, there was almost no loss
of life, whereas our death toll exceeded 20,000. Information
Technology if developed and implemented on ground properly, can
play a vital role in disaster reduction measures, as already brought
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 10
out earlier. Regarding man-made disaster the effort made at Govt.
level so far is grossly in-adequate.
IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information technology plays an important role in modern
disaster management mechanisms, helping organizations to
identify and prevent disaster risk in operating activities. Disaster
management specialist uses computer software and hardware to
comply with laws and regulations also. IT has to be used as an
enabling technology to achieve boarder goal of good governance.
The purpose of good governance in disaster management is as
follows:-
Enhancing the effective and efficient administration
Improving the quality of life of the citizens.
Establishing legitimacy and credibility of the Institutions.
Making the administration responsible, citizen friendly and citizen caring.
Reducing the cost of governance.
Improving the quality of public services.
Improving the productivity of employees,
Eradication or reduction of corruption.
DISASTERS IN GUJARAT & OTHER PLACES AND LESSONS LEARNT
Earthquakes are known to occur since time immemorial. As
we are aware that out of the many types of disasters, an
earthquake is the most deadly catastrophe, which strikes within
seconds without any warning. The earthquake, which rocked
Gujarat on 26 Jan 2001, varying assessed to measure, 6.9 to 8.1
on richer scale, left behind heavy toll of life & property. At least
20,000 people were killed and 1.66 lakhs injured in the quake,
which flattened almost the entire Kutch region and parts of other
districts, extending from Bhuj and Jamnagar in the north to
Ahmedabad & Surat in the south. In Kutch area of Gujarat, many
towns are destroyed and some villages are wiped off the map. Most
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 11
precious human lives were lost, injured and huge properties
destroyed or damaged, mainly due to not taking into account, the
earthquake resistance features, while constructing the houses.
Overall loss of human lives and properties due to this earthquake
has exceeded the loss suffered in any other earthquake in our
country in living memory. It was estimated by the Gujarat Govt. that
the total loss of property was to the tune of Rs.20, 875 Crores.
However, almost everybody, except those were in power, admits
that many more lives and property could have been saved,
provided we would have taken certain preventive measures. What
was especially sad is that while the world was willing to help the
victims, the Govt. faltered.
India had experienced five great earthquakes, each with
richer magnitude exceeding 8; 1819 Gujarat, 1897 Assam, 1905
Himachal Pradesh, 1934 Bihar & 1950 Assam. Apart from these,
there have been other divesting earthquakes in the Indian sub-
continent, which have created public awareness about this
problem. In 1967, earthquake in Koyna (6.3R), in 1993 earthquake
in Latur (6.2) area of Maharashtra surprised everybody, as no such
shock struck until then. In 1991, a damaging earthquake occurred
in Utter-kashi (6.5R), in 1997 we had earthquake at Jabalpur (6R) &
in 1999 Garhwal region of Western Himalaya (6.8R). After Bhuj
earthquake (7.6) on 26 January 2001, we had earthquake (7.6) in
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh on 08 Oct 2005; Andaman Islands
(7.5R) on 11Aug 2009 and on 18 Sept 2011 earthquakes (6.9R) in
Sikkim. In all these earthquakes, the majority of the structural
damages that observed in the affected areas are due to non-
compliance of earthquake resistance features, and poor
construction practices using locally available building materials.
In Gujarat, also we have observed similar pattern of
destruction of much bigger scale. Having simple and economical
earthquake resistance structure has advantage even over
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 12
prediction of earthquakes, which would minimize considerable
losses of property & lives. Though number of teams from foreign
countries rushed to India to help, duly equipped with flying hospitals
with necessary medical support, and sniffer dogs etc, but
unfortunately coordination from Govt. side was totally missing.
Similar is the experience in recent Uttarakhand disaster in Jan13.
Lot of life & property could have saved, if latest information
technology could have been utilised properly, by giving timely
warning to the people at large.
Based upon the study of Gujarat Disasters and experiences
of other disasters in India, the major reasons for unsatisfactory
state of affairs and major causes of failures are brought out below: -
(a) Lack of Effective coordination among various agencies resulting into in-efficient rescue operations and delays in release of relief materials, suffering of people, chaos & confusion. It is a fact that lot of human life could have been saved, had the Govt. could pulled the right string timely, utilising the latest IT in disaster management.
(b) Lack or Complete absence of inter-agency flow of information, pertaining to the official plan of action, procedures regarding receipt and distribution of material, nature and quantity of relief material being distributed to the effected people and the place of distribution.
(c) Lack of transparency and accountability, regarding the money and material distributed to the effected people as well as left as unused. Therefore, there is a general lack of trust between the administration and the people.
(d) Delays in release of relief materials & funds and there-by-ultimate sufferings of the people.
(e) Bureaucratic management approach that is top-down, non-integrated and piecemeal. There was generally no devolution of authority to take decisions at mid and lower levels. Roles & responsibilities were not clearly specified. As a result there was a
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 13
general lack of confidence among staff to handle post- disaster situations.
(f) Past Experience in disaster management was not institutionalized and documented for use. It was lost with the individual, when he left the assignment on normal transfer.
(g) Lack of comprehensive Disaster Mitigation Plan (DMP) at national, state, district & local levels. The Contingency Action Plan available with some states was not effective in earthquake, flood and tsunami affected states.
(h) Lack of public participation in reconstruction programmes, because of which, the houses constructed is not getting adequate acceptance of the people and failed to serve the desired purpose. Basic knowledge about rehabilitation of structure is missing most of the cases.
(i) Lack of effective rehabilitation policies & programmes as a consequence, a large section of the people is left to fend for themselves and struggle to rehabilitate their family.
(j) People’s attitude & behaviour is casual and directed to short-term personal gains. They do not take early warning seriously and are caught in disaster situation/ conditions. In Gujarat & other disaster affected states, it is reported that the people insisted on cheaper buildings even at the cost of quality construction.
(k) Failures of Professionals (architects & engineers) in advising the people on magnitude of damage, if quality of building is compromised for cost considerations. Engineers do not feel accountable for damage to the buildings due to their faulty design or supervision. There is no regulation in this respect.
(l) Builders are not accountable for quality of construction once building is handed over and mandatory six/ twelve-month period is over. There are no laws to regulate builders and their performance.
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 14
(m) Failures of Planners to evolve rural housing models acceptable to the local People and commensurate with their community living pattern where both Animals and people live on the same compound.
(n) Lack of value based education is the main cause for unrest & Conflict in the society. Man-made disasters like war, conflict, internal insurgency is the outcome of this. India is suffering badly because of War/threat with neighbouring Countries Pakistan & China and internal threat from various insurgency groups like Naga, Bodo, & Naxalites & communal riots etc.
LESSONS LEARNT
The Challenges, which are responsible for heavy losses
occurred during various disasters, are listed below: -
(a) Lack of efficient organizational set up, particularly at state level.
(b) Lack of utilization of latest Information technology in management of disaster.
(c) Lack of effective Administration to deal with disaster issues from all angles.
(d) Apathy on the part of top Bureaucracy and key political Elite.
(e) Lack of effective leadership and communication to deal with disaster issues.
(f) Total Lack of Co-ordination among all Agencies engaged in Relief operation.
(g) Lack of positive interest among Universities, Research institutes & UN system in dissemination of Disaster Management
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 15
knowledge, based on Research, practical Experience and observations.
(h) No dedicated attempt by Govt. & Urban authorities to make safe buildings to withstand the effects of disaster.
(i) Lack of action in Right Earnest: Mere paper planning to impress the press & people.
(j) No sincere efforts & attention to post Recovery disaster victims.
(k) No sincere effort to keep up the morale of the community, so that they can take care of themselves.
(l) No sincere effort for value based education system, which could reduce the happening and impact of man-made disaster to a great extent.
PROPOSED DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY
Based on the study carried out after analysing various
aspects the following Measures are recommended: -
(a) A comprehensive National Policy framed on disaster
management after considering the various recommendations
made by the HPC and suggestions made in this paper, is to be
implemented properly on ground. The culture of preparedness,
quick response, strategic thinking and prevention, as brought
out by the HPC, should be evolved and implemented on ground.
The Centre’s role in combating disasters needs to be enhanced.
(b) Disaster Management aspects like preparedness, response
etc should form part of curriculum in primary, high schools and
colleges. Education and training in disaster prevention,
preparedness and mitigation is necessary for minimizing effect of
disaster.
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 16
(c) Application of Geo-information technology in disaster
management can play a critical role. The application of GIS and
Remote sensing data can help in various disasters like Draught,
Earthquake, Floods, and Landslides etc. Search and rescue
operation can be carried out effectively by using GIS by identifying
areas that are disaster prone and zoning them accordingly to risk
magnitudes.
(d) Identification and net-working of existing Centres of
Excellence is to be done so as to enhance disaster prevention,
reduction and mitigation activities. A National Institute for
Disaster Management (NIDM) needs to be strengthened as a
centre of excellence. NIDM is to be geared up towards emerging
as “Centre of Excellence” at National and International level.
(e) Involvement and active participation of the community in
combating disaster Needs to be increased. The local bodies
must be given additional role in this regard. The local level plans
need to be prepared in detail and rehearsed in the disaster
prone areas, all state Govt. should reorganize their disaster
management mechanisms taking into account the
Maharashtra model. Panchayat and village disaster
management communities should be established.
(f) A formal mechanisms to co-ordinate activities of NGOs
to be evolved, to avoid duplication of work and formalized, as
has been done US model for Disaster relief operations.
(g) Alternative means of communications/stand-by
communication System should be given high priority, by utilising
latest IT.
(h) There is an urgent need for careful study of all
existing structures in Disaster prone areas, based on various
Indian Codal requirements and identifies the structures,
which do not conform to Engineering requirements. The
strengthening measures are to be incorporated for all future
constructions and also for existing structures, without any further
loss of time.
(i) The use of Indian Standard codes of practices & building
bye-laws in the construction of Government & private buildings is
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
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to be made compulsory and enforced properly. The hazard
Zonation map of the country need to be upgraded regularly.
(j) To establish a creditable R & D organizations, under the
new Ministry to develop modern mechanisms, in the field of
disaster management. Further, as Recommended by eleventh
Finance Commission, National Centre for Calamity
Management (NCCM) should be set up at the earliest.
(k) The Central should publish and circulate all the lessons learnt
in the post disaster, to the various states that are prone to specific
disasters. This can be done by NDMA.
(l) The existing warning systems, including infrastructure in
disaster prone areas should be improved. Forecasting systems like
flood and cyclone can help in a big-way to reduce impact of
disaster, by providing advance notice to people at large.
(m) The Armed Forces being a major player in Disaster
Management in India need to look inwards and formulate their own
response mechanism including procurement of State of Art
equipments and skill improvement, to maximise the utilisation of
their resources and effort. Further, there should be synergy
between Armed Forces and Civil Administration (Including NGOs)
towards providing efficient response.
(n) For building infrastructure protection IT can be used for
followings:-
Advanced Surveillance Systems
Geospatial Location Accountability and Navigation System for Emergency Responders (GLANSER).
Integrated Rapid Visual Tool (IRVS)
Seismic Activity Detection Data Collection, Analysis, Alert and Warning.
Wild area Surveillance (p) Information technology can be used for disaster mitigation for
following major benefits:-
Elimination of human Element
Adoption of Automated Signalling System.
Effective Communication net work.
IT based recruitment system.
Whole system approach
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
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(q) As regards man-made disaster, the effort need to be focussed
more on reasons for happening of the same and make corrective
action in terms of human negligence and wrong belief system. In
that direction, value based education based on spiritual philosophy
can help in a big way to reduce the happening of the same.
CONCLUSION
A system of value based continuous education including
knowledge of latest IT system must be made mandatory for all students
& professionals. Further the spiritual study can help to reduce the
happening of man-made disaster in a big way and thereby saving human
life due to man-made disaster like war and insurgency. With the
advancement of information technology in the form of internet, GIS,
Remote sensing, Satellite communication etc can help a great deal in
planning and implementation of disaster management. The advanced
techniques of information technology are definitely helpful to minimize
the effects of any disaster. There is an urgent need of nationwide mass
awareness generation activities as a foundation layer of disaster
preparedness in the country, by utilising latest IT tools, so that the impact
of disaster can be reduced substantially.
Early warning systems for any hazard totally depends on updated technologies,
scientific methods & IT applications. Different hazards need different warning systems
and accordingly huge data base is required. Similarly some hazards are difficult to predict
due to lack of adequate techniques to assess true magnitude and timing. Therefore, need
for development of technologies should be emphasized to improve the precision of
forecast and early warning systems. There is a lot of scope for R & D work on this
direction.
REFERENCES
1. High Powered Committee on Disaster Management Report (2001) Ministry of agriculture, Government of India, Oct. 2001.
2. National Disaster Response Plan (2001) Ministry of agriculture, Government of India, Oct. 2001.
IRJMST Volume 5 Issue 3 [Year 2014] Online ISSN 2250 - 1959
International Research Journal of Management Science & Technology http:www.irjmst.com Page 19
3. Tulsi Vyas & Aneri Desai (2007), “Information Technology for Disaster Management” from proceedings of 2nd National Conference, INDIACom-2007.
4. Sahu K Sajib (2008) , An article on “Information Technology for Disaster Management: Need of the Hour” from Proceedings of the 2nd National Conference; India Com.
5. Bhattacharjee J (2012). “Strategies for disaster Management to reduce impact of Natural Disaster in India” published in “International Research Journal of Management Sociology & Humanity (IRJMSH)”, Vol-2 on Apr12.