west bengal state disaster management policy & frame work

WEST BENGAL STATE DISASTER

MANAGEMENT POLICY

FRAME WORK

DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER

MANAGEMENT

GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL

CONTENTS Page

1. Overview 3

2. Introduction 6

3. Principles of Disaster Management 7

4. West Bengal State Disaster Management Policy –Approach

and Strategy 10

5. Phase-I : Pre-Disaster Phase 11

6. Phase-II : Impact Phase 17

7. Phase –III : Post-Disaster Phase 21

Overview

Need for a Policy

The State of West Bengal (“the State”) is vulnerable to natural calamities

like flood, cyclone, hail storm, thunder squall, drought, landslide, erosion and

sometimes to earthquakes because of its geo-morphological, climatic and

seismic conditions. Floods and Cyclonic storms occur almost every year in

different parts of the State and inflict huge loss of life and property causing

untold hardships and trauma in the lives of the people. These natural disasters

strike at the very root of the economic growth of the state . The Govt. of West

Bengal (“GoWB”) recognizes the need to have a Disaster Management Policy

with proactive, comprehensive, and sustained approach to disaster management

to reduce the detrimental effects of disasters on overall socio-economic

development of the state. GoWB believes that Disaster Management is a holistic

approach which is inclusive of all the activities before, during and after

disaster .

Aim

The aim of the West Bengal State Disaster Management Policy is to

establish necessary systems, structures, programs, resources, capabilities and

guiding principles for reducing disaster risks and preparing for and responding

to disasters and threats of disasters in the State of West Bengal in order to

save lives and property , avoid disruption of economic activity and damage to

environment and to ensure the continuity and sustainability of development.

Objectives

• To assess the risks and vulnerabilities associated with various disasters;

• To develop appropriate disaster prevention and mitigation strategies;

• To provide clarity on roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders concerned

with disaster management so that disasters can be managed more

effectively.

• To develop and maintain arrangements for accessing resources, equipment,

supplies and funding in preparation for disasters that might occur.

• To ensure that arrangements are in place to mobilize the resources and

capability for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery from disasters;

• To create awareness and preparedness and provide advice and training to the

agencies involved in disaster management and to the community;

• To strengthen the capacities of the community and establish and maintain

effective systems for responding to disasters;

• To ensure co-ordination with agencies related to disaster management in

other Indian States and those at the national and international level;

• To ensure relief assistance to the affected without any discrimination of caste,

creed, community or se;.

• To establish and maintain a proactive programme of risk reduction, this

programme being implemented through existing sectoral development

programmes and being part of the overall development process in the state ;

• To develop and implement programmes for risk sharing and risk transfer for all

types of disasters;

• To address gender issues in disaster management with special thrust on

empowerment of women towards long term disaster mitigation;

• To develop disaster management as distinct management discipline and

creation of a systematic and streamlined disaster management cadre.

Key elements of the West Bengal State Disaster Management Policy.

• GoWB will have the prerogative to define the occurrence of a disaster and

define the boundaries of the disaster-affected site by issuing a “disaster

declaration”. The declaration can be made on the recommendation of State

Relief Commissioner (SRC) or District Magistrate (DM).

• GoWB views disaster management as a long-term process that involves the

creation of disaster management and mitigation capacity in the State, in

addition to developing systems and processes designed to provide relief and

rehabilitation.

• The formation of State Disaster Management Authority under the

Chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister and District Disaster Management

Authority both at the State and District level serves effectively the purpose

of overall supervision and management of Natural Calamities in the State, to

mitigate the sufferings of the distressed people and to formulate advance

planning for their prevention, precaution and post-disaster restoration.

• The Disaster Management Department as the Nodal Department for

management of natural disasters and the District Magistrates alongwith

relevant Govt. Departments will be responsible for implementing emergency

relief measures and rehabilitation after a disaster. State Executive Committee

under the State Disaster Management Authority will facilitate, co-ordinate and

monitor the activities related to disaster management at this phase.

• State Relief Commissioner and District Magistrates will be provided special

powers to deal with emergency situations created by disasters. When a

disaster impacts an area covering several towns and cities within a district, the

Government personnel and their facilities shall be placed under the operational

control of the respective District Magistrate for the duration of the emergency.

Government Departments will simplify procedures to mobilize resources in

these emergency situations

• Development planning will incorporate disaster management principles as an

integral part of the overall planning process.

• GoWB will look at all aspects of risk sharing and risk transfer to ensure that

the costs associated with managing disasters are distributed across a wider

population.

• Links will be established between the nodal agency , Department of Disaster

Management, Government Departments, local authorities, NGOs, research

agencies, public sector, private sector, community groups and other

stakeholders to share knowledge, establish coordination mechanisms and

augment capacity of all the stakeholders,

• A mechanism of continuous feedback shall be instituted so that learnings can

be translated into more effective relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts

and the process of capacity creation and relief, rehabilitation and

reconstruction feed into each other.

• Self-reliance shall be developed by promoting and encouraging the sprit of self-

help and mutual assistance among local authorities and constituents

• All Blocks and Districts of the State will develop and maintain documented

plans of their disaster management functions and activities.

• To ensure that all responsible agencies, their staff and the public area familiar

with policy, plans and procedures related to disaster management, periodic

exercises and drills shall be conducted at all levels, with specific emphasis at

the district and local levels.

Key responsibilities

• Responsibility for the declaration of a disaster at any level in the State rests

with State Government. The declaration can be made on the recommendation

of the State Relief Commissioner (SRC) or a District Magistrate (DM).

• Responsibility for initiation and execution of emergency relief measures and

rehabilitation in times of disasters rests with Department of Disaster

Management, in conjunction with other relevant Government Departments.

The Department of Disaster Management shall act through its functionaries at

the State level (State Relief Commissioner) and the district level (District

Magistrate)

• Overall responsibility for facilitation, coordination and monitoring of the

development and implementation of reconstruction and rehabilitation activity

following disasters rests with State Disaster Management Authority, utilizing

the resources and expertise of relevant Government Departments, district

administration, local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGO), the

public sector, the private sector, international development agencies, donors

and the community.

1. Introduction

1.1 The State of West Bengal (“the State”) is vulnerable to natural calamities like

flood, cyclone, hail storm, thunder squall, drought, landslide, erosion and

sometimes earthquakes because of its geo-morphological, climatic and seismic

conditions. Floods and cyclonic storms occur almost every year in different parts

of the State and inflict huge loss of life and property causing untold hardships

and trauma in the lives of the people. These natural disasters strike at the very

root of the economic growth of the State . The Govt. of West Bengal (“GoWB”)

recognizes the need to have a Disaster Management Policy with proactive,

comprehensive, and sustained approach to disaster management to reduce the

detrimental effects of disasters on overall socio-economic development of the

state. GoWB believes that Disaster Management is a holistic approach which

is inclusive of all the activities before, during and after disaster .

1.2 The Government of West Bengal has envisaged the development of a

holistic approach designed to manage disasters on a more proactive basis. The

approach involves formulating a comprehensive policy on all phases of disaster

management and addresses the entire gamut of disasters arising from natural

(droughts, floods, earthquakes, cyclones, fire, hail storm, landslide, etc) and man-

made (oil spills, forest fires, chemical catastrophes, etc.) causes. This policy takes

full cognizance of other related policies and initiatives at both the national and

State level. In particular, this policy is intended to be consistent with disaster

management policy at the national level.

1.3 GoWB acknowledges its responsibility to proactively manage disasters.

Hence, this policy document articulates GoWB’s vision and strategy for managing

disasters proactively, systematically and in a sustainable manner. The document

also provides guidelines to various entities involved in disaster management in the

State for discharging their responsibilities more effectively.

2. Principles of Disaster Management

2.1 Principles of West Bengal State Disaster Management Policy

(WBSDMP)

Disaster management is not a separate sector or discipline but an approach

for solving problems relating to disasters impacting upon any sector-agricultural,

industrial, environmental, social, etc. Ultimately, disaster management is the

responsibility of all sectors, all organizations and all agencies that may be

potentially affected by a disaster. Utilising existing resources ensures efficiency

in resource utilization and lower costs.

With this background in mind, GoWB has outlined a set of key principles

that will guide the development and implementation of the Disaster Management

policy in West Bengal. These principles are designed to provide guidance during

all phases of disaster management and are consistent with internationally

accepted best practices.

2.1.1 Integrating disaster management into development planning

Disaster prevention and preparedness should be an integral part of every

development t policy. Therefore, the State’s development strategy shall

explicitly address disaster management as an integral part of medium and

long-term planning, especially for disaster prone districts in the state.

2.1.2 Multi-hazard approach to disasters

The GoWB recognizes that disasters can either be man-made, natural or

even arising out of technological causes. A robust Disaster Management policy

must therefore provide, plan and prepare for all types of hazards and disasters

that may be reasonably expected to occur in a region.

2.1.3 Sustainable and continuous approach

One of the objectives of sustainable development is to increase the

inherent strength of all agencies, including the community to deal with disaster

situations. Achieving this objective requires sustained initiatives encompassing

social, economic and infrastructure issues. Further, once capacity is built up, it

must be sustained and this would be an ongoing and continuous activity. The

Government of West Bengal aims to improve on a continuous and sustainable

basis, the infrastructure and processes for relief, rehabilitation and

reconstruction and institutionalize capacity building at all levels within the State

in order to be able to mitigate the impact of disasters.

2.1.4 Leverage for existing Government machinery.

The GoWB shall strive to ensure that the long-term approach to disaster

management utilizes the existing administrative machinery of the State

Government of West Bengal at all levels within the State in order to undertake

communication, capacity creation, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction,

information collection and dissemination and sharing of disaster management

best practices. All Government Departments, local self-governments and

agencies are encouraged to utilize all available resources within their respective

areas for disaster management before seeking assistance from entities in other

areas or higher authorities.

2.1.5 Effective inter-agency co-operation and co-ordination

Successful disaster response requires a quick and organized response.

The active participation of affected communities, NGOs, private sector and

various Government Departments like Fire and Emergency Services,

Home(Police), Health & family Welfare, etc. is thus critical to any response

activity. Therefore, the DM policy in West Bengal shall focus on establishing

response mechanisms that are quick, co-ordinated and participative.

2.1.6 Capacity building

Managing disasters using only a handful of stakeholders would be

inefficient. The Government of West Bengal, therefore, recognizes that the

Disaster Management policy will need to strengthen the resilience and capacity

of NGOs , private sector and the local community to cope with disasters while

simultaneously building the capacity of the Government machinery to manage

disasters. Effective disaster management requires that the especially

vulnerable groups of the community like women, old people, landless labour,

etc. be fully aware of the extent of their vulnerability to disasters for reducing

its impact, prior to its actual occurrence. Further, NGOs, private sector and the

community must understand and be familiar with Disaster Management

principles and practices, what their own responsibilities are, how they can help

prevent disasters, how they must react during a disaster and what they can do

to support themselves and relief workers, when necessary. Training is an

integral component of capacity building. Development of Disaster Management

as a distinct managerial discipline will be taken up to create a systematic and

streamlined disaster management cadre. Gender issues in disaster

management will be addressed and the empowerment of women towards long

term disaster mitigation will be focused upon.

2.1.7 Autonomy and equity

Disasters are catastrophic events whose impact is felt across socio-

economic boundaries. Consequently, any Disaster Management effort should

be neutral and non-discriminatory. To that extent, it is necessary that the

Disaster Management institutions possess the autonomy to make decisions in

a fair, scientific and systematic manner. Disaster assistance and relief must

also be provided in an equitable and consistent manner without regard to

economic or social status of beneficiaries. Relief assistance must be provided

without any discrimination of caste, creed, religion, community or sex.

2.1.8 Accommodating aspirations of people

The objective of any effort relating to disaster management is to benefit

the community. People are central to the decision-making process for disaster

management and their priorities should be reflected in the programmes

undertaken.

2.1.9 Accommodating local conditions

Disaster Management efforts should be sensitive to local customs,

beliefs, and practices and be adapted to local conditions. In addition, changes

in the community and evolving social and economic relationships must be

borne in mind to avoid confrontation and bottlenecks. This will ensure

participation of the local community and foster a culture of joint responsibility

for disaster management at all levels.

2.1.10 Financial sustainability

GoWB is committed to allocating funds in the long term to ensure the

sustainability of disaster management effort. One of the key elements in

ensuring the long-term sustenance and permanency of the organization is the

manner in which funds would be generated and deployed on an ongoing basis.

This is necessary in view of GoWB’s focus on disaster mitigation.

2.1.11 Cost sharing and cost recovery

The GoWB encourages citizens and Government agencies to proactively

enhance their capacity to deal with disasters. It is not possible for the GoWB to

bear all the costs of disasters on a sustainable basis, or provide rehabilitation on

a long-term basis. The long-term approach is to move towards spreading the

risks through various risk transfer mechanisms and incentivising individuals and

other entities to protect their interests through insurance. However, in doing so,

GoWB would seek to protect the interests of poorer sections of the society

through appropriate mechanisms.

2.1.11 Develop, share and disseminate knowledge

No single organization can claim to possess all the capabilities required to

provide effective disaster management. The disaster management entities

within West Bengal will typically network with a number of other entities to

augment their capabilities. Basic concepts related to disaster management and

the role of the community therein shall be included in the curriculum of schools.

This shall serve to sensitise people to the participative approach needed for

effective disaster management information and knowledge embracing all facets

of disaster-from mitigation to amelioration-shall be infused in schools, colleges

and teacher’s training syllabi.

3 West Bengal State Disaster Management Policy-

Approach and Strategy

The West Bengal State Disaster Management Policy considers the

understanding of hazards and disasters, their behavior, and the risks they pose

to the community as fundamental to achieving successful disaster management.

Thus, the strategy for implementing the WBSDMP emphasises an integrated

approach to disaster management, covering the following phases of managing

disasters as essential components of any disaster management programme:

• Pre-disaster Phase

• Disaster/ Impact Phase

• Post-disaster Phase

In order to carry out the prescribed activities contained within this policy,

the GoWB has defined a framework of operation for a set of agencies that play a

key role in disaster management. The WBSDMP envisages a Disaster

Management framework where the following entities play significant roles :

• West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority (WBSDMA);

• State Executive Committee;

• State Relief Commissioner through office of Deptt. of Disaster

Management;

• Governments Departments ;

• District Disaster Management Authority;

• District Administration, headed by the District Magistrate ;

• Local Authorities, including Municipal Corporation, Zilla Parishad,

Panchayat Samity, Gram Panchayat, Gram Sansad;

• Voluntary agencies, including NGOs;

• Public sector ;

• Private sector,

• Community.

The implementation framework is based on the premise that disaster

management is not a separate sector or discipline but an approach to

solving problems that facilitates disaster management, harnessing the skills

and resources across stakeholders. Therefore, a key element of the policy

framework is to leverage the resources and capability of existing entities

and build new capabilities, wherever necessary. While for most activities,

the implementation agencies remain the local authorities and Government

functionaries, at the state level, WBSDMA provides the overall direction and

guidance that keeps the focus various entities on disaster management.

Approach and strategy for Implementation

3.1 Phase I : Pre-Disaster Phase – Prevention, Mitigation

& Preparedness

The pre-disaster phase includes prevention, mitigation, and preparedness

activities. These activities involve extensive data collection, maintaining

directories of resources in India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) portal,

developing Risk Management action plans, capacity building, training and

community awareness activities, among others. Government Departments,

district administration, local authorities and other relevant agencies will develop

plan for prevention and mitigation of disasters and will build capacity and ensure

preparedness in the event of a disaster actually taking place. The private sector,

NGOs and the community would actively co-operate with the relevant agencies

and would participate in training and other activities, conducted to augment their

disaster management capabilities. The capabilities developed in this phase will

play a critical role in all subsequent phases.

3.1.1 Key Activities in Pre-Disaster Phase

The following are the primary activities that will be carried out in this

phase:

• Planned development : There is a significant relationship in the way

disasters and development affect each other. A long-terms disaster

management approach requires that planning activities for development

should include robust mitigation practices. GoWB would ensure that the

planning activities of the State administration and local authorities take

into account disaster risks and provide for suitable preventive and

mitigation measures.

• Development of policies and guidelines : Effective disaster

management requires the formulation of clear guidelines and subsequent

compliance by all Government authorities, private sector entities and the

public at large. GoWB would develop appropriate guidelines that would

include :

- Civil/architectural/structural/land use planning specifications;

- Other guidelines specific to disaster type, like quarantine

(epidemic), cropping patterns (flood), evacuation (flood/cyclone) etc.

• Establishing a proper chain of command : It is imperative that a clear

chain of command is established for effectively managing activities that

immediately follow a disaster. The GoWB will establish a clear chain of

command with Deptt. of Disaster Management, the nodal agency for

disaster management activities and coordination mechanisms across all

entities responsible for implementation in the State.

• Risk assessment : Before commencing preventive and preparedness

activities, it is important to identify and assess different types of risks for

the State or parts of the State. Relevant Departments would co-ordinate

with the Deptt. of Disaster Management for a thorough assessment of :

- Hazards : Classification of the region into zones based on hazard

potential; and

- Vulnerability: Assessment of degree of vulnerability of any given

structure/ people/region to the impact of the hazard.

The assessment will be used for developing detailed

contingency plans and mitigation measure.

• Develop disaster management plans : Detailed disaster

management plans that are tailored to local needs would enable the

relevant authorities and the community to respond systematically and

effectively to disasters. The guidelines for such plans will be prepared

by stakeholders like Government Departments, district administration,

local authorities and expert agencies, etc. which will be

constantlyreviewed and updated. Existing procedure manuals viz.

Relief Manual and Flood Memorandum etc. would be reviewed and

updated by the relevant government Department. Relevant

Government Departments will prepare, and constantly update, a

master contingency plan for the State based on the local plans. All

District Magistrates shall, in advance, designate evacuation areas for

use in emergencies and define plans for providing essential services to

those areas, when in use.

• Develop repositories of information : It is critical that the relevant

authorities should be in a position to quickly establish contact with

people and resources in the aftermath of a disaster. Department of

Disaster Management and relevant Government Departments will

ensure that a comprehensive repository of information such as names,

contact details, etc. is created, maintained and made easily accessible

to the relevant authorities at all times.

• Establish communication and technology networks : A robust

State-wide information network is critical not only for managing

disasters but also for effective functioning of the State Government.

Hence, the GoWB will ensure that a comprehensive information

network is available. This network must enable timely collection of

hazard-related information and rapid dissemination of relevant

information and warnings.

• Developing early warning mechanisms : Early warning

mechanisms help the relevant authorities in taking timely preventive

measures and thereby, reduce the damage caused by disasters.

Wherever possible, the relevant authorities, in conjunction with

Government Departments, shall set up early warning mechanisms to

give advance warning for hazards like cyclones, floods etc. This shall

include the setting up of Regional Response Centres, if necessary, for

providing key early warning information and preparing for a response.

In the event of occurrence of disaster, Department of Disaster

Management shall ensure that these mechanisms are aligned with the

overall disaster management plan for the state.

• Establish flexible procedures : Emergency situations may warrant

simplified procedures for decisions relating to evacuation, procurement

of essentials, deployment of resources and such other activities. The

relevant Government Department shall accordingly define flexible

procedures for emergency situations.

• Building capabilities & expertise : It is necessary to build strong

capabilities and expertise for handling various aspects of disasters. The

Department of Disaster Management shall network with a number of

entities such as disaster management agencies, research institutions,

disaster management specialists, NGOs, community groups, Line

Departments, local self-governments and other stakeholders to

augment the capabilities of all relevant entities. In addition, GoWB

would set up an institute dedicated to conducting research,

development and training activities related to disaster management in

the State. This institute would aid in the sharing and dissemination of

specialized knowledge related to disaster management among various

implementation agencies, NGOs, private sector and the community in

the State. This institute will develop disaster management as a distinct

management discipline for streamlined disaster management cadre.

• Capacity building : The capacity of a community to withstand

disasters will be augmented by:

- raising awareness of the risks associated with disasters;

- understanding of appropriate responses to disasters;

- possessing the capacity to respond (through training, research,

availability of resources, skilled cadres).

- setting up emergency response mechanisms that mobilize and

deploy these trained resources in a quick, efficient and

systematic

manner.

Hence West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority (WBSDMA)

and the relevant authorities shall ensure that the required awareness,

resources and training are provided to the community. The community will

also be urged to develop self-reliance by promoting and encouraging the

sprit of self-help and mutual assistance. WBSDMA shall support these

initiatives by providing necessary resources and expertise from time to

time. Also, basic concepts related to disaster management and the role of

the community therein shall be included in the curriculum of schools. This

shall serve to sensitise people to the participative approach needed for an

effective disaster management. WBSDMA and the relevant Government

Departments shall ensure that personnel in specialised areas (medical care,

search & rescue, etc.) are adequately trained and available for deployment

in emergency situations. Disaster management capacity building will have

special thrust on empowering women towards long-term disaster

mitigation.

• Health and medical care : Health and medical care is one of the most

critical and immediate response component in any disaster response

situation. The capacity for providing medical assistance in disaster situation

including the emergency response quality will be developed through trained

personnel and appropriate infrastructure.

• Knowledge management : The experience from previous disaster

situations can provide valuable insights in managing disasters. It is vital

that these learnings be captured in a systematic manner and utilized

through knowledge management systems, feedback mechanism etc.

WBSDMA and relevant authorities shall develop systems and process that

enable knowledge management by capturing, storing and effectively

utilising information related to previous experience in disaster management.

Information and knowledge embracing all facets of disasters from

prevention to amelioration shall be disseminated in schools and colleges.

• Funds generation : Disasters can cause extensive strain on financial

resources because of relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation activities. In

addition, activities relating to mitigation of and preparedness for disaster

situations require funds. GoWB intends to have a budgetary allocation for

disaster management. Further, funds would be made available through the

Calamity Relief Fund. In addition, GoWB, would also identify alternative

sources of fund for activities related to disaster management in the State.

• Identifying avenues for risk sharing and transfer : Risk sharing or

risk transfer is a means of transferring a part of the disaster risk to third

party, which is willing to indemnify the beneficiary against the disaster for a

specified premium. GoWB would explore innovative means of sharing the

costs associated with disasters through risk sharing, risk transfer and other

measures since this would alleviate the burden on the State exchequer.

This could be done through tax surcharge levies, imposition of local taxes,

beneficiary funding, disaster insurance, micro finance and loans, bonds, tax

saving schemes linked to disaster relief-investments etc.

3.1.2 Pre-disaster Phase-Roles of relevant agencies.

(1) West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority

The Authority would

• Incorporate disaster reduction, prevention and mitigation in socio-

economic development planning;

• Give recognition to and ensure that district administration and local

authorities are able to enforce safety standards and rules, and

strengthen their institutional capacity to deal with disasters and

implement disaster management plans;

• Facilitate in establishment of an enabling legislative and financial

framework for disaster management, with due attention to the role of

the different tiers of Government, the private sector and individuals;

(2) State Executive Committee

The Committee in close co ordination and assistance of relevant Govt.

Deptt. would

• Develop risk assessment programme and emergency plans that focus

on disaster preparedness and mitigation;

• Streamline the development, implementation and maintenance of

contingency plans, and ensure that lifeline support system are in place

or enhanced.

(3) Department of Disaster Management

The Department would

• Develop, maintain and update the State Disaster Management Plan;

• Establish an effective disaster management structure that can compile,

implement and monitor plans as per the State policy;

• Enhance the existing capacity to limit damage by improving

surveillance and early warning systems;

• Develop and implement educational and information programmes to

raise public awareness with special emphasis on risk reduction and

preparation;

• Work continuously in disaster risk reduction in various fields with fund

from national and international sources;

• Stimulate the active involvement of the community, local groups,

women and disabled people in disaster management programmes with

a view to facilitating the capacity of the community to deal with

disasters;

(4) Government Departments

Government Departments must ensure adequate assistance to

Department of Disaster Management, the district administration and local

authorities for activities in this phase. These Departments should ensure

their active co-operation in setting up communication centers, drawing up

contingency plans, assisting in capacity building, developing plans,

gathering data, and identifying and training appropriate personnel, under

the overall supervision of WBSDMA. The Department of Civil Defence will

prepare their own plan as per Rules of Business in respect of rescue

operation, cluster approach to minimise response time, training and

disaster preparedness (CBDP & capacity building).

(5) District Magistrates

The District Magistrate plays a coordinating role at the district level to

ensure that the various Government functionaries in the district effectively

carry out the Disaster Management activities in this phase working in close

co-operation with Government Departments and local bodies. The role of

District Magistrates in this phase includes:

• Ensuring that prevention, mitigation and preparedness activities are

carried out in accordance with the appropriate guidelines issued by the

WBSDMA;

• Ensuring that relevant officials in the district possess the knowledge to

deal with disaster management issues;

• Developing an appropriate Disaster Management implementation

strategy for the district, taking into account the unique circumstances

of the district and prevailing gaps in institutional capacity and

resources of the district;

• Facilitating and coordinating with local self-government bodies to

ensure that pre-disaster Disaster Management activities in the district

are carried out optimally;

• Facilitating community training, awareness programmes and the

installation of emergency facilities with the support of local

administration, NGOS, and the private sector, in consultation with

different departments;

• Establishing adequate inter-department coordination on issues related

to Disaster Management;

• Reviewing emergency plans and guidelines;

• Involving the community in the planning and development process;

• Ensuring that local authorities, including Municipal Corporations, Gram

Panchayats etc. in the district are involved in developing their own

mitigation strategies;

• Ensuring appropriate linkage between Disaster Management activities

and planning activities;

• Revising/reassessing crisis management plans related to Disaster

Management;

• Ensuring that proper communications systems are in place and

contingency plans maximize the involvement of local agencies;

• Ensuring that Disaster Management- related equipments, especially

fire-fighting equipments are well-maintained and kept ready to use.

(6) Local Authorities

Local authorities should work in close co-ordination with and provide all

assistance to relevant Government Departments, under the overall guidance of

the District Magistrates or State Relief Commissioner. They should ensure that

staff is adequately trained and all necessary resources are in a ready-to-use

state. They would also be responsible for ensuring compliance to all

specifications, as may be stipulated by Government Departments, for structures

under their jurisdiction.

(7) Private Sector

The private sector should ensure their active participation in the pre-

disaster activities in alignment with the overall plan developed at the State or

District Level by the Department of Disaster Management or the District

Magistrates. They should also adhere to the relevant building codes and other

specifications, as may be stipulated by the State Government through relevant

local authorities.

(8) Community Groups and Voluntary agencies

Local community groups and voluntary agencies including NGOs should

actively assist in prevention and mitigation activities under the overall direction

and supervision of the State Relief Commissioner or the District Magistrates.

They should actively participate in all training activities as may be organized and

should familiarise themselves with their role in disaster management.

3.2 Phase II : Impact Phase-Emergency Relief Measures and Relief

This phase includes all measures that are taken immediately in the

aftermath of a disaster. The speed and efficiency of the response in this phase

will crucially determine the loss to life and property. The ability of the State to

respond to a disaster will be developed during the pre-disaster phase and the

capabilities and institutions developed therein will be brought into play in this

phase. Equally important will be the deployment of trained personnel, proper

flow of information and speed of decision making.

The Disaster Management Department, in conjunction with other relevant

Government Departments would carry out activities in this phase. State Relief

Commissioner will facilitate, co-ordinate and monitor the activities in this phase,

wherever required. In case WBSDMA believes that adequate relief is not being

provided, it will be entitled to direct the State Relief Commissioner or the District

Magistrates in taking requisite measures. The district administration headed by

the District Magistrates in conjunction with local authorities shall be responsible

for carrying out relief activities when the impact of a disaster is restricted within

the geographical boundaries of a district. The State Relief Commissioner shall

coordinate and support relief activities of district administrations, where a

disaster has affected more than one district. Recognizing the importance of a

clear chain of command in emergencies, the GoWB will provide the State Relief

Commissioner and District Magistrates special powers to coordinate the activities

of all Government authorities within their jurisdiction.

3.2.1 Key Activities in Impact Phase

The following are the primary activities that need to be carried out as part

of emergency relief measures and in the relief phase to implement the policy

guidelines:

• Search & Rescue : The first priority in the aftermath of a disaster is

to minimise loss of lives by undertaking rescue efforts for the affected

people and providing medical treatment. People who are trapped

under destroyed buildings or are isolated due to floods or cyclones

need immediate assistance. The District Magistrate with the help of

local authorities will be responsible for the search and rescue

operations in an affected region. In doing so, the District Magistrate

will be guided by relevant disaster management plans and supported

by Government Departments and local authorities.

• Subsistence, shelter, health and sanitation : Disasters can disrupt

food supply, water supply and sanitation mechanisms. They may also

force people to abandon their houses, either temporarily or

permanently. Such situations typically result in an immediate need for

shelter and protection against an incidence of epidemic. The relevant

Government Departments and local authorities would provide

temporary shelter, health and sanitation services to rescued victims in

order to prevent an outbreak of disease.

• Infrastructure and essential services : Disasters can cripple the

infrastructure of the State in terms of roads, public buildings, airfields,

ports, communication network etc. An immediate priority after a

disaster is to bring the basic infrastructure into operating condition and

deal with fires and other hazardous conditions that may exist in the

aftermath of the disaster. The local authorities would work in close co-

ordination with relevant Government Departments like PWD, Fire &

Emergencies Services, P.H.E, Police etc. to restore infrastructure to

normal operating condition.

• Security : Usually, in a disaster situation, the police and security

personnel are preoccupied with conducting search and rescue missions.

Some people could take advantage of the situation and resort to

looting and other anti-social activities. Consequently, it is necessary

that security agencies functioning under the administrative control of

the district authorities be geared to prevent this and provide a sense of

security to citizens. State Relief Commissioner and District Magistrates

may invoke special powers vested in him/her by GoWB, if existing

powers regarding the same are inadequate.

• Communication : The State Relief Commissioner, the district

administration and local authorities would communicate to the larger

community the impact of the disaster and specific activities that are

being or need to be undertaken to minimize the impact. Some of these

activities may include :

- Media management/Public Relations : To ensure precise

communication of the impact of disaster and relief measures

being taken and to generate goodwill among community and

other stakeholders;

- Community management : This includes communicating to

the affected communities with a view to preventing panic

reactions, while providing relevant information and handling

welfare enquiries;

- Feedback mechanisms : Using various mechanisms, including

the communication network to get feedback on relief measures

and urgent needs of various agencies involved in emergency relief

measures and relief.

• Preliminary damage assessment : In the aftermath of a disaster,

the district administration and local authorities receive simultaneous

requests for assistance from scores of people and the resources at the

disposal of the local administration are over-stretched. Hence, it is

necessary to utilize and deploy the resources in the most efficient

manner. Such deployment is not possible without undertaking a

preliminary damage assessment. Once a disaster strikes, the

Government Departments and the local authorities shall carry out a

preliminary need and loss assessment and the district administration

shall mobilize resources accordingly.

• Funds generation : GoWB allocates funds in the State Budget for

relief activities. In addition, funds may be available through the

Calamity Relief Fund. However, these funds may not be adequate to

meet disaster management requirements in the aftermath of large-

scale disasters like “Aila” in the State. In such circumstances, the

GoWB shall explore additional sources of funding through aid, grants,

loans etc., as identified in the pre-disaster phase.

• Finalizing relief payouts and packages : Relief packages shall be

customized, if required, to the specifics of the disaster by the GoWB.

Relief packages would include details relating to collection, allocation

and disbursal of funds to the affected people. Relief would be provided

to all affected families without any discrimination of caste, creed,

religion, community or sex whatsoever.

• Post-relief assessment : Department of Disaster Management with

assistance from other Government Departments, district

administration and local authorities will document learning from the

relief experience, which can be inputs into further mitigation, relief or

rehabilitation and reconstruction plans.

3.2.2 Impact Phase – Roles of relevant agencies

Emergency rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures in the immediate

aftermath of a disaster is primarily carried out under the supervision of the

Disaster Management Department. As far as possible, the relevant

Government Departments and district administration shall carry out their

functions in accordance with the respective action plans.

The West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority :

The WBSDMA shall develop policies and principles that guide and govern the

emergency relief measures and relief in this phase. If required, in this phase SDMA

would :

• Recommend provision of additional powers to the implementation agencies to

co-ordinate and handle emergency relief measures and relief, if existing powers

are inadequate;

• Ensure effective implementation of policy guidelines by providing guidance to

implementing agencies from time to time.

State Executive Committee (SEC) :

The SEC would

• Facilitate, co-ordinate and monitor emergency relief measures of

implementation agencies;

• Co-ordinate with agencies of other States and other national and international

agencies, if necessary, to augment the relief being provided;

The State Relief Commissioner :

The State Relief Commissioner through the office of Deptt. Disaster Management

plays a direct and active role in relief. For a disaster that impacts upon more than one

district in the State, the State Relief Commissioner leads the relief efforts using the

appropriate action plan. The State Relief Commissioner, either directly or through the

respective District Magistrates, co-ordinates and monitors the relief efforts using all the

resources available with the State Government

In this phase, the State Relief Commissioner would :

• Recommend to the State Government when disaster needs to be declared;

• Supervise and undertake relief, if necessary, where disaster is declared ;

• Support the District Magistrates in carrying out emergency relief measures in

respective districts.

Government Departments :

Functionaries of various Government Departments will carry out relief operations

as per disaster management plans developed, under the overall supervision of the

State Relief Commissioner and the District Magistrates. The respective district heads

from the various Government Departments shall report to the District Magistrate for

the activities in this phase.

District Magistrates :

In this phase, the District Magistrate is responsible for all activities related to

disaster management for his/her district, including the following :

• Recommend to the State Government for declaration of disaster;

• Undertake and supervise emergency rescue, relief and rehabilitation

measures and relief operations in the district, with assistance of other

relevant Government Departments, local authorities, voluntary agencies,

community groups etc;

• Assess need for additional resources and coordinate with the State Relief

Commissioner and different Government Departments for accessing

Statewide resources, if required.

Local Authorities :

Local Authorities of Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Zilla Parishads,

Panchayat Samities, Gram Panchayats etc. would follow appropriate guidelines and

procedures in undertaking emergency relief measures and relief activities, under the

overall supervision and direction of the State Relief Commissioner or the District

Magistrates

Private Sector :

The private sector would participate in the emergency rescue, relief and

rehabilitation measures and relief operations under the overall supervision and

direction of the State Relief Commissioner or the District Magistrate. Based on the

training and other capacity-building inputs received from the Department of Disaster

Management, District Magistrates and other authorities, they should be able to mobilise

resources immediately and commence emergency relief measures at the earliest, if

required. They should also actively provide relevant information regarding magnitude

of effect of disaster, need for additional resources etc. They should also co-operate

with relevant authorities in the conduct of a preliminary damage assessment etc. if

required.

Community Groups and Voluntary agencies :

Local community and voluntary agencies including NGOs are usually the first-

responders in the aftermath of a disaster. The community and voluntary agencies

should undertake rescue and relief measures immediately, to the extent possible, on

their own. After the intervention of the district or State administration they should

continue the works of rescue and relief under the overall direction and supervision of

the State Relief Commissioner or the District Magistrate. They should work in close

coordination with State Relief Commissioner or the District Magistrate to avoid

duplication and ensure equity. They should take a pro-active role in assisting the

victims of disaster and should provide inputs to relevant authorities as to the

magnitude of effect of disaster, need for additional resources etc. They should also co-

operate with relevant authorities in the conduct of a preliminary damage assessment,

etc.

3.3 Phase III : Post-Disaster Phase – Reconstruction & Rehabilitation

The thrust of Government policy in this phase will be to ensure a speedy return

to normalcy and mitigation of long-term consequences of the disaster. The policy

objective of the Government in this phase will be to focus on economic and social

consequences of the disaster and directing efforts to improve the same. The policy

objectives will be carried out through the State machinery as well as with the aid of

other stakeholders with whom long-term relationships have been developed in the pre-

disaster phase.

3.3.1 Key Activities in Post-Disaster Phase

The following activities would be carried out in this phase to achieve policy

objectives:

• Detailed damage assessment : While a preliminary damage assessment is

carried out during the impact phase, a detailed assessment must be

conducted before commencing reconstruction and rehabilitation activities.

The relevant Government Departments and local authorities shall initiate

detail assessment at their respective level of damages sustained in housing,

industry/services, infrastructure, agriculture, health/education assets in the

affected regions.

• Assistance to restore houses and dwelling units : GoWB may, if needed,

formulate a policy of assistance to help the affected persons to restore

damaged houses and dwellings. This should neither be treated as

compensation for damage nor as an automatic entitlement.

• Relocation (need based) : GoWB believes that need-based considerations

and not extraneous factors drive relocation of people. The local authorities,

in consultation with the affected people and under the guidance of

WBSDMA/DDMAs concerned, shall determine relocation needs taking into

account criteria relevant to the nature of the calamity and the extent of

damages. Relocation efforts will include activities like :

- Gaining consent of the affected population;

- Land acquisition;

- Urban n / rural land use planning;

- Customizing relocation packages;

- Obtaining due legal clearances for relocation;

- Getting the necessary authorization for rehabilitation;

- Livelihood rehabilitation measures for relocated communities, wherever

necessary.

• Finalizing reconstruction & rehabilitation plan : The effectiveness of any

reconstruction and rehabilitation is based on detailed planning and careful

monitoring of the relevant projects. WBSDMA will oversee reconstruction and

rehabilitation work and ensure that it takes into account the overall

development plans for the State. WBSDMA will approve reconstruction and

rehabilitation projects based on :

- Identification of suitable projects by relevant departments;

- Project detailing and approval by the relevant technical authority.

• Fund generation : Reconstruction & rehabilitation projects are fairly

resource intensive. These projects have been financed in the past primarily

through the State exchequer, from the Calamity Relief Fund. GoWB shall

finalise the fund generation mechanism, including the covenants and

measures that govern fund inflow and disbursement and usage. This

includes :

- Estimation of funds required based on detailed damage assessment reports

and consolidation of the same under sectoral and regional heads;

- Contracting with funding agencies and evolving detailed operating

procedures for fund flow and corresponding covenants.

• Funds disbursement and audit : The funds raised from funding agencies

are usually accompanied by stringent disbursement and usage restrictions. It

is therefore important to monitor the disbursement of such funds to ensure

that none of the covenants are breached. WBSDMA in conjunction with

relevant agencies, shall monitor disbursal of funds by :

- Prioritizing resource allocation across approved projects;

- Establishing mechanisms (like a chain of banks, collection centres,

nature of accounts, spread etc) for collection of funds;

- Ongoing monitoring and control of fund usage throughout actual project

implementation.

• Project management : Since rehabilitation and reconstruction effort

typically involves the co-ordinated efforts of several entities, the GoWB shall

encourage the respective entities to strengthen program management

capabilities to ensure that synergies across and within entities are managed

efficiently. In addition, it is also necessary to constantly monitor the activity

to ensure that the project is executed on time in accordance with the

technical specifications and to the satisfaction of the beneficiaries. WBSDMA

in association with relevant Government Departments will monitor the

reconstruction activity that is carried out by various implementation agencies.

Typical implementation activities would include :

- Disaster proofing and retrofitting of houses;

- Creation/Retrofitting of structures- including roads, bridges, dams, canals

etc. that may have been destroyed/damaged due to the disaster;

- Restoration of basic infrastructure facilities, for example, ports, airports,

power stations etc;

- Creation of health centers, first aid centres, hospitals, groups of doctors

and surgeons etc;

- Restoration of the industrial viability of the affected area;

- Restoration of livelihood.

• Communication : Communication activities are necessary to convey to the

larger community the scope and nature of the proposed reconstruction and

rehabilitation effort so as to increase the stakeholder awareness for the

ongoing activities. Hence, relevant Government Departments, district

administration and local authorities shall undertake :

- Ongoing media management/Public Relations: To ensure accurate

communication of

- the reconstruction and rehabilitation measures being taken to various

stakeholders;

- Community management: This includes communicating to the affected

communities

- with a view to appraising them of efforts being made for their

relocation/rehabilitation/reconstruction;

- Feedback mechanisms : Using the communication network to get

feedback on

- reconstruction and rehabilitation measures.

• Dispute resolution mechanisms : WBSDMA, in association with relevant

agencies, shall institutionalize mechanisms to address beneficiary grievances

at various levels, as well as explore innovative ways of dispute minimization

like involving the community in reconstruction initiatives. Appropriate

mechanism with penalties for dealing with false claims will be evolved to

prevent misuse of assistance.

• Implementing initiatives for recovery of reconstruction costs : GoWB

shall finalise and implement select recovery measures such as:

- Imposing tax surcharge levies (central):

- Imposing local taxes;

- Facilitation of funding responsibility sharing by beneficiaries etc.

3.3.2 Post-Disaster Phase- Roles of relevant agencies

The post-disaster phase will mainly comprise reconstruction and rehabilitation

activities. Currently, the activities in this phase are primarily carried out by the local

bodies and various Government Departments and development boards. However, their

activities in this phase shall be in accordance with the reconstruction and rehabilitation

plans framed by WBSDMA in association with implementing authorities.

The West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority :

The Authority shall through the Line Departments/local self governments

conduct a detailed assessment of damage, formulate estimates of financial

support required and raising the required funds from various Government,

national and international funding agencies. The Authority would be responsible

for the deployment of funds, as per identified priorities. The Authority would

facilitate, co-ordinate and monitor reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts of

various Government Departments and other implementation agencies in terms

of project timelines, processes, fund’s deployment and benefits accruing to the

affected community. As part of the same, the Authority would also be

responsible for meeting the guidelines and providing feedback on various

parameters related to the progress and outcome of the reconstruction and

rehabilitation efforts to the various funding agencies and other stakeholders.

Government Departments and Local Authorities :

Government Departments and local authorities will conduct detailed

damage assessment and carry out the reconstruction and rehabilitation activities

in accordance with the policies and guidelines specified by the Authority. They

would also be responsible for reporting various parameters, as may be required

by WBSDMA, related to the progress and outcome of the various projects

undertaken by them.

District Magistrate :

The District Magistrate plays a co-ordinating role at the district level to

ensure that the various Government Departments effectively carry out the

rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in this phase. The primary

responsibilities of the District Magistrate in this phase are :

• Coordinating the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the district or

a part of the district.

• Assisting WBSDMA in monitoring the progress and outcome of

reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts on the basis of the mechanisms

established by WBSDMA.

Private Sector :

The private sector should provide fair estimates of damage assessment to

relevant authorities and provide feedback in terms of their priorities and

concerns for work, related to rehabilitation and reconstruction. They should

participate in the post-disaster activities, in co-ordination with State Relief

Commissioner and the District Magistrate and in alignment with the overall

policies and guidelines developed by the Authority. They should co-operate in

providing feedback regarding progress and outcome of rehabilitation and

reconstruction projects undertaken in their vicinity.

Community Groups and Voluntary agencies :

Community groups and voluntary agencies, including NGOs, should

provide fair estimates of damage assessment to relevant authorities and

provide feedback in terms of their priorities and concerns for work related to

rehabilitation and reconstruction. They should participate in the post-disaster

activities, in co-ordination with the District Magistrates, concerned Government

Departments and local self government authorities and in alignment with the

overall policies and guidelines developed by the WBSDMA/DDMA concerned.

They should co-operate in providing feedback regarding progress and outcome

of rehabilitation and reconstruction projects undertaken in their vicinity.

Section - II

WEST BENGAL STATE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

FRAMEWORK

Department of Disaster Management

Government of West Bengal

I. INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS

Expected Outputs Areas of intervention Agencies/sectors to be

involved and resource

linkages

Nodal agency for

disaster management

at the State level with

appropriate systems

(i) Constitution of State

Emergency Management

Authority with appropriate legal,

financial and administrative

powers.

(ii) Roles and responsibilities of

the SEMA:

-Coordinating multi-hazard

mitigation, prevention,

preparedness and response

programmes.

- Policies for disaster risk

reduction and mitigation

-Preparedness at all levels.

-Coordination of response

-Coordination of post disaster

relief and rehabilitation.

-Amendment of existing laws,

procedures, instructions.

Departments of Home, Finance,

Disaster Management, Health

and Family Welfare, Water

Investigation and

Development, Environment,

Forests, Agriculture, Science &

Technology, Panchayat & Rural

Development, Public Works,

Road Transport & Highways ,

Public Health Engineering, Civil

Defence, Fire & Emergencies

Services, Irrigation and

Waterways, etc.

Setting up State

Disaster Management

Authority

(i) State Disaster Management

Authority to be headed by the

Chief Minister.

(ii) The Authority to lay down

policies and monitor mitigation,

prevention and preparedness as

also oversee response.

Ministers for Finance, Health &

Family Welfare, Irrigation &

Waterways, Civil Defence, Fire

& Emergencies Services, Public

Works, Agriculture, and

Disaster Management

II. DISASTER MITIGATION & PREVENTION

Disaster

mitigation &

prevention to be

mainstreamed

into the

development

process

(i) Each Department which has a

role in mitigation /prevention will

make appropriate outlays for

schemes addressing

mitigation/prevention.

(ii) Where there is a shelf of

projects /schemes, projects /

schemes contributing to mitigation

to be given a priority.

(iii) Wherever possible

schemes/projects in areas prone to

natural hazards to be so designed

as to contribute to mitigation, and

preparedness.

(iv) Projects in vulnerable

areas/areas prone to natural

hazards to be designed to withstand

natural hazards.

Departments of State

Governments

Techno-legal

regime

(i) Regular review of building codes

and its dissemination

(ii) Construction in seismic zones

III, IV and V to be as per BIS

codes/National Building Codes.

(iii) Construction in areas

vulnerable to cyclones to be so

designed as to withstand the wind

hazard as per BIS codes/National

Building Codes.

(iv) Comprehensive review and

compliance of

- Town and Country Planning Acts

-Development Control Regulations

-Planning and Building Standards

Regulations

(v)Put in place appropriate techno-

financial regime

(vi)Capacity enhancement of Urban

Local Bodies to enforce compliance

of techno-legal regimes

Departments of Urban

Development, Municipal Affairs

Department, PWD – Hazards

Safety Cell, Housing, I&W,

Disaster Management.

Departments of Urban

Development Department,

Panchayat & Rural

Development, Municipal Affairs,

Disaster Management, Housing,

Public Works, Irrigation &

Waterways.

Urban Development , PWD,

Municipal Affairs, Disaster

Management.

Urban Development, PWD,

Municipal Affairs, Disaster

Management, Housing,

Municipal Affairs, Urban

Development, Disaster

Management.

Land-use Planning

and Zoning

regulations

(i) Legal framework for Land-use

planning and zoning regulations to

be reviewed.

(ii) Zoning regulations to be

enforced.

Departments of Urban

Development, Municipal Affairs,

Panchayat & Rural

development, Disaster

Management Urban

Development ,

Municipal Affairs, Panchayat &

Rural development, Disaster

Management

Plan schemes for

vulnerability

reduction and

preparedness.

State Government Departments to

formulate Plan Schemes and submit

to Planning & Development

Department

Departments of the State

Governments – PWD, I & W D,

P & RD, Municipal Affairs, Urban

Development, Housing,

Disaster Management.

III. LEGAL/POLICY FRAMEWORK

State Disaster

Management Act

Preparation of the Bill

Department of Disaster

Management

Policy on Disaster

Management

(i) Mainstreaming disaster

management into planning and

development process.

(ii) Mandate safe construction.

(iii) Coordinated action by all

relevant Departments as per policy

(iv) Mandate safe construction.

State Planning Commission,

Departments of Panchayat &

Rural Development, Urban

Development, Municipal Affairs,

Public Works, Home,

Environment, Finance

Department, Disaster

Management

State Disaster

Management

Codes

Amendment of existing relief

codes/scarcity codes/famine codes

to incorporate mitigation,

preparedness and planning

measures at all levels from

community to State, constitution of

Emergency Support Teams /Disaster

Management Teams /Committees

/State Disaster Management

Authorities, delegation of

administrative and financial powers

to disaster incident managers etc,

protocol to update the inventory of

resources and plans,

Department of Disaster

Management

IV. PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

State Emergency

Response Force/

Specialist

Response teams

(i) Designation of units for

conversion into Specialist Response

Teams.

(ii) Designation of training centres.

(iii) Training of trainers.

(iv) Procurement of equipment

(v) Training of teams.

Departments of Home(Police),

Civil Defence, Fire &

Emergencies Services, Health,

D.G. of Police/Commissioner of

Police, Police Training College,

Fire Training College, Civil

Defence Training College, ATI,

SIPRD, Disaster Management.

State Network of Emergency Operation Centres [SNEOCs]

State level EOC

(i) Multi- hazard resistant

construction.

(ii) Communication system linkages.

(iii) Mobile EOC for on-site

disaster management

information

State Government Departments

of P.W.D, P&RD, Home

(Police), Science & Technology,

Fire & Emergencies Services,

Fisheries, Disaster

Management.

District level EOC

(i) Multi- hazard resistant

construction.

(ii) Communication system linkages.

District Magistrates,

Department of P.W.D.

Putting Incident

Command System

in Place

(i) Designate nodal training centres.

(ii) Putting in place protocols/SOPs

for Incident Command System.

Administrative Training

Institute/State Institute of

Panchayat and Rural

Development and Disaster

Management

Emergency Support

Function Plan

(i) Departments/agencies, which

perform emergency support

functions to draw up ESF plans,

constitute teams, and set apart

resources in advance so that post-

disaster response is prompt.

State Government Departments

India Disaster

Resource Network

(i) A web enabled GIS-based

resource inventory listing out all the

necessary resources for emergency

response available at the district

and State level throughout the

country so that resources can be

mobilized at short notice.

(ii) Set up servers, draw up and

install programmes, input data.

(iii) Half yearly updating

State Government Departments

and the District Magistrates

Communication

linkages which will

be functional even

post-disaster.

(i) Draw up communication plan.

(ii) Obtain sanctions.

(iii) Put communication network in

place.

Director General of Police, West

Bengal, Commissioner of Police,

Kolkata,

P.W.D. Post and

Telecommunication, Irrigation &

Waterways and Disaster

Management

Regional Response

Centres

(i) Identify location of Regional

Response Centres.

(ii) Identify caches of equipment

required.

(iii) Obtain sanctions.

(iv) Put teams and caches of

equipments in place.

Director General of Police, West

Bengal, District Magistrates,

I&W , Disaster Management.

Training in

response to be

made a part of

training curriculum

of State Police

Forces

(i)Draw up capsules.

(ii) Train trainers

Home Department

State Disaster

Management Plans

(i) Plan to be drafted under the

supervision of the State Relief

Commissioner.

(ii) Plan will include mitigation,

preparedness and response

elements.

(iii) The plan will be multi-

disciplinary to be drawn up in

conjunction/consultation with all

relevant Departments concerned

with mitigation, preparedness and

response.

(iv) Plan to be updated once a year.

State Government

Departments

District Disaster

Management Plans

(i) To be drawn up under the

supervision of District

Magistrate/Collector and to include

mitigation, preparedness and

response.

(ii) Emergency Support Functions by

various Departments to be included.

(iii) To be drawn up in consultation

with all relevant Departments.

(iv) District inventory of resources

to be maintained.

Disaster Management

Department in consultation with

all concerned Line departments

of the State Government,

District Magistrates

Block Disaster

Management Plans

(i) To be drawn up under the

supervision of District

Magistrate/Collector and to include

mitigation, preparedness and

response.

(ii) Emergency Support Functions by

various Departments to be included.

(iii) To be drawn up in consultation

with all relevant Departments.

(iv) District inventory of resources

to be maintained.

District Magistrates, Block

Development Officers.

Community based

mitigation,

preparedness and

response plans

(i) Enhance community capacity in

multi-hazard prone States and

districts to respond effectively to

disasters-special attention to be

given to empowering and capacity

building of vulnerable communities

and groups including women.

(ii) Set up and train village/

Panchayat (for rural areas) and

wards/municipal

council/corporations (for urban

areas) disaster management

committees and disaster

management teams e.g.

-Identification of safe shelters and

management

-Stockpiling of relief materials etc.

-early warning dissemination

-first-aid and counselling

-assist in search and rescue

(iii) Such plans to be made integral

to annual development plan of local

bodies

(iv) Mitigation plans of the

community and Panchayats to

receive priority under various rural

development schemes administered

by Panchayats and Urban local

bodies

Disaster Management,

Panchayat & Rural

Development, Civil Defence,

District Magistrate.

V. EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS

(i) State of the art

sensors to be set

up.

(ii) Hazard

monitoring,

tracking and

modeling.

(i) IMD / CWC to carry out a review of

sensors available and draw up plans

for strengthening the system.

(ii) Models to be updated to improve

prediction accuracy.

India Meteorological

Department/ Central Water

Commission/

Warning Protocols

(i) Warning protocols to be user

friendly.

(ii) Warning to be communicated as

quickly as possible to the

States/districts/community.

(iii) Protocols should be simple to

understand.

(iv) Districts to set up protocols for

communication of early warning to

the community.

(v) Panchayats/local bodies to be

used for early warning

communication.

vi) Communication linkages for early

warning.

India Meteorological

Department, Central Water

Commission, State Science

and Technology Department,

National Remote Sensing

Agency, Information and

Cultural Affairs Department,

Doordarshan, All India Radio,

Disaster Management

Department, Home (Police)

Deptt., District Magistrates

and

Superintendents of Police

VI HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING

Training for

services /cadres/

agencies involved

in mitigation,

preparedness or

response.

(i) Training needs analysis/ Human

Resource Development Plan

(ii)Drawing up of capsule courses for

training.

(iii) Training of trainers.

(iv)Administrative Training Institute

to be strengthened

Departments of Disaster

Management, Civil Defence,

Fire & Emergencies Services,

Health and Family Welfare,

A.T.I., S.I.P.R.D.

Training of

IAS/IPS, State

Administrative

Service Officers /

State Police.

(i) Training curriculum for IAS/IPS

and State Administrative Service

Officers/State Police Officers to

include capsules in disaster

management.

(ii)Training of Block/Village level

staff

(iii) Training of elected members of

three tier PRI.

Administrative Training

Institutes /State Institutes of

Rural Development, Police

Training College and District

Institutes of Education and

Training.

Engineers/Architec

Curriculum for undergraduate

engineering and B.Arch courses to

be amended to include mitigation

technologies in general and

elements of earthquake engineering

in particular

All India Council for Technical

Education /

Indian Institute of Technology

– Kharagpur /

Professional bodies - CII

Higher Education Deptt.

Health

Professionals

Include crisis prevention, response

and recovery and trauma

management in the MBBS

curriculum.

Department of Health and

Family Welfare and

Medical Council of India

Youth organisation

NCC, NSS, Scouts & Guides to

include disaster response, search

and rescue in their

orientation/training programmes.

Departments of Youth & Sports

and Higher Education

Masons

Mason training for safe construction

Departments of Panchayat &

Rural Development, Urban

Development and Disaster

Management

School curriculum

To include disaster awareness.

School Education Dept.

Mass media

campaign for

awareness

generation

Design and develop a

communication strategy for

awareness campaign

Use audio, visual and print medium

to implement awareness campaign

Development of resource materials

on mitigation, preparedness and

response

Disaster Management and

I & C A Departments

Non-government

community-based

organizations

involved in

awareness

generation and

community

participation in

disaster

preparedness and

mitigation planning

(i) Facilitate network of non-govt

community based organizations at

State/district levels

(ii) Co-opted into the planning

process and response mechanisms

at all levels

Disaster Management

Department and

District Magistrates

Departments of Development

and Planning, Finance,

Panchayat & Rural Development

Corporate sectors

involved in

awareness

generation and

disaster

preparedness and

mitigation planning

Sensitisation, training and co-opting

corporate sector and their nodal

bodies in planning process and

response mechanisms

Disaster Management

Department, Chamber of

Indian Industries and other

Chambers of Commerce

Inter-state

arrangements for

sharing of

resources during

emergencies and

lessons learnt

(i) Arrangements for inter-State

sharing of resources to be

incorporated in State Disaster

Management Plans

(ii) Inter-state exposure visits to be

facilitated for learning from the

experiences of other States

Departments of Home and

Disaster Management

VII. Research and Knowledge Management

Institutionalise

knowledge and

lessons learnt in

the process of

working on the

state roadmap

(i) Assessment and evaluation of

ongoing programmes and activities

regular documentation of key

lessons

(ii) Establish India Disaster Resource

Network as knowledge portal to pool

and exchange information and

knowledge among all concerned

institutions and organization

Disaster Management

Department, S.I.P.R.D. ,

A.T.I. , District Magistrates

Develop State

disaster database

(i)Systematic inventorization of

disasters

(ii)Trend analysis and reporting

Disaster Management

Department , A.T.I.

S.I.P.R.D.

Promote research

in national, state

and regional

institutions in the

areas of disaster

risk reduction

(i) Mitigation technologies for

housing, roads and bridges, water

supply and sewerage systems,

power utilities,

(ii) Cost-effective equipments for

specialized rapid response and

preparedness in

--temporary and transition shelter in

post-disaster situations

--search and rescue equipments

--provision of drinking water,

emergency health and sanitation in

post-disaster situations

-post-trauma stress management

and care

(iii) Promote participation of

corporate sector in finding out

technological solutions for disaster

risk reduction

Departments of Housing, ,

Public Works,

Public Health Engineering,,

Municipal Affairs Deptt.

Power, Disaster Management,

and

Panchayat & Rural

Development.

AGENDA NOTE FOR THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME

FOR STANDING COMMITTEE TO THE HELD ON 27 SEPTEMBER 2005

(a) Review on Financial & Physical Progress under the Programme –

Quantitative Progress Report for August 2005 and Financial Progress

Report for the quarter-ending June 2005 are enclosed.

(b) Review & Approval of the Financial Progress Report for the quarters

from January to March 2005 & April to June 2005 –

Financial Progress Reports for the quarters from January to March & April

to June 2005 are enclosed.

the Programme States –

Review will be made by the National Committee.

(d) Post-facto Approval of the Work Plan for the July-September 2005 –

The Work Plan mentioned in the Agenda relates to National level only. At

the State level we prepare Work Plan for the year 2005, which we break into

Monthly Targets. In the Monthly Review Meetings held by the Secretary every

month with the Additional District Magistrates and District Project Officers, the

performance of the districts according to the target is reviewed. The

performance is reflected in the quantitative progress report upto 31.08.05.

(Work Plan for Ten Districts enclosed).

(e) Approval of the Work Plan from October to December 2005 –

This Work Plan will be that of the National Committee.

(f) Extension of Activities envisaged under the Urban Earthquake

Vulnerability Reduction Component –

It will be discussed by the National Committee.

(h) Extension of the Programme of several Districts and additional Districts

–

It was decided by the State Steering Committee at its 3rd Meeting held on

24.12.2004, that eight districts named, Purba & Paschim Medinipur,

Bankura,Birbhum, Hooghly, Howrah, Dakshin Dinajpur and Darjeeling should be

included under the Disaster Risk Management Programme. A request was sent to

the Ministry of Home Affairs enclosing a copy of the Minutes under Deptt’s No.

268-FR/7M-8/03(Pt-I) dt.02.02.05. This may again be agitated.

(i) Amendment in the existing MoU with the Government of Nagaland –

Not related to this State.

(j) Mid-Term Outcome Evaluation of the Programme –

It will be done by the National Committee.

(k) Accounting & Auditing of fund released to the Programme States –

This will be done by the National Committee.

(l) Any other issue with the permission of the Chairperson –

Under the total framework of the programme, the State of West Bengal is

to receive from UNDP 983000/- US Dollar for implementing various activities

vide Revised MoU executed on 20.12.2004. No fund has been earmarked therein

for taking up activities at the Gram Sansad level like sensitization of 26540

Gram Sansads on Disaster Management; preparation of Village Disaster

Management Plan in 26540 Gram Sansads; and organisation of Mock Drill

therein. At the 4th Meeting of the State Steering Committee held on 04.08.05, it

was resolved to move the Ministry of Home Affairs & UNDP for Rs. 5.05 crore so

that these activities are taken up. As the State Nodal Agency will be provided Rs.

43252000/- @ Rs. 44 per US Dollar, which is the current rate of conversion of

US Dollar into Indian Rupee, there will be a balance of Rs. 6290458/- after

implementation of other activities according to the Revised Work Plan approved

in the 3rd Meeting of the State Steering Committee. (Copy of the Revised Work

Plan is enclosed). Ministry of Home Affairs has been sent Minutes of the 4th

Meeting of the State Steering Committee held on 04.08.05 under No. 2535(21)-

FR/7M-85/04 dt. 05.09.05. A request for augmenting the budget of Disaster Risk

Management Programme Framework in West Bengal for taking up the activities

at the Gram Sansad level has also been sent to Mr. M. P. Sajnani, Advisor

(Disaster Management), NDM-III, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India

under Deptt’s No. 2644-FR/7M-85/04 dt. 20.09.05. Copy enclosed. This matter

may be agitated.