National Disaster Management Guidelines for Information and Communication System (NDMICS) prepared by National Disaster Management authority (NDMA) were released in New Delhi today. Speaking at the occasion, Shri M. Shashidhar Reddy, Vice Chairman, NDMA stressed that the holistic approach for Disaster Management calls for a dedicated fail-proof communication system to ensure seamless flow of value-added information products on GIS platform not only in the response phase but also for prevention, preparedness, mitigation and recovery, besides capacity building programmes. Shri Reddy informed that to achieve this, it is contemplated to establish National Disaster Management Information System (NDMIS) at the central level (with a disaster recovery system at a safe location) that would be coupled to a dedicated and fail-safe National Disaster Communication Network (NDCN) with particular emphasis on last-mile connectivity.
NDCN will be network of networks by leveraging existing communication networks to provide connectivity to various Emergency Operation Centres at National, State and District levels. NDCN will provide assured multi services such as audio, video, data and knowledge based information to meet the requirement of various stakeholders for proactive and holistic management of disaster during all phases of disaster management. NDCN will establish separate satellite link network for providing fail-safe communication during disaster. Estimated cost involved in this project is Rs 943 Cr and is now being examined by MHA. Shri Reddy also informed that NDMA is preparing guidelines for Reserve Bank of India for bank financing in infrastructure sector which would also include the Communication sector. This will ensure disaster resistant design criteria in all the infrastructure projects and will go long way in maintaining better communication connectivity. Union Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology Shri Sachin Pilot released the National Guidelines on National Disaster Management Information and Communication System (NDMICS) prepared by NDMA.
In his address Shri Pilot commended the efforts of NDMA in bringing forward these guidelines. Shri Pilot emphasized the need for implementation of these guidelines and said that it must reach to the last connected people in the country in their local language. He further expressed that the whole process of disaster management should be all inclusive and comprehensive in nature. “India needs to be more prepared in tackling the outcomes of both natural and man-made disasters”, for this he appreciated the efforts of NDMA for holding mock drills and said that we need more and more mock drills for better preparedness and awareness. “Mock Drills should be a part of our routine”, he said. Shri B Bhattacharjee, Member NDMA, under whose stewardship these guidelines have been prepared, made a detailed presentation explaining the salient features of the Guidelines.
The Disaster Management Act, 2005 mandates the NDMA for preparing the guidelines on various issues. NDMA has so far prepared 16 guidelines on various disaster specific subjects and cross cutting issues. Every Ministry and Departments of the Government of India and State Governments need to prepare their disaster management plans. NDMA has also funded the States to prepare State Disaster Management Plans. Based on the guidelines, released by the NDMA which have been prepared with a participatory approach including all the Stakeholders, the National and State Plans should be prepared expeditiously.
