Natural hazards and other related aspects of Madhya Pradesh
Vulnerability of the State
It has been observed during the last few decades that the State of Madhya Pradesh is prone to various kinds of disasters of recurrent nature. These disasters result in loss of life and property – public and private – and disrupt economic activity, besides causing immense misery and hardship to the affected population. It is felt that much of this is avoidable, or /and could be prevented and mitigated. A time has come to look at the disasters occurring in one or more parts of the State regularly, at more frequent intervals and to evolve a strategy for reducing their impact, and for giving assistance to the affected population. A timely and wellprepared action plan can save many lives and lots of property even at the time of sudden occurrence of a disaster, as the entire administrative machinery, and the community can be geared to the execution of a well laid out plan of action.
Disasters are of many types. The High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the Central Government has identified thirty-one disasters and grouped them in five categories. On the basis of available, data disasters frequently occurring in the State are as follows:
Droughts
With its vast expanse, geographical features and varying climate conditions, different parts of the State have been perennially prone to drought conditions. Many districts of Madhya Pradesh have been facing a drought situation repeatedly every year. During 2007-08, 39 out of 50 districts (165 Tehsils and one cluster) of Madhya Pradesh have been declared as drought affected. The State has faced drought in the nine out of last ten years. Though irrigated area has increased substantially in the State, yet production in almost 70% agriculture area remains highly dependent on rainfall. Around 7 districts are highly affected from drought.
Floods
In the year 2005, 10 districts and in year 2006 about 27 districts were affected by flood. In last 26 years there are 32 districts of the State affected from the flood.
Earthquake
Madhya Pradesh is vulnerable to various natural and manmade disasters. Looking towards the vulnerability it’s very important to address all in a holistic manner for sustainable development. There are 28 districts that come under Zone –III, having moderate seismic risk viz. Jabalpur, Khargaone, Indore, Khandwa, Dhar, Raisen, Dewas, Sehore, Betul, Sidhi, Shadol, Damoh, Narsinghpur, Hoshangabad, Badwani, Jhabua, Umaria, Chhindwara Harda, Burhanpur, Anuppur, Sagar, Seoni, Mandla, Dindori, Katni |Singhroli and Alirajpur and 22 districts come under Zone – II of Earthquake. The first urban India’s Earthquake took place in Jabalpur on 22nd May 1997.
Hailstorms
12 Hailstorms occur rather frequently in M.P., but fortunately mostly in small pockets at a time. They happen in one or another part of M.P. almost every year. They damage the crops resulting in loss of income to the farmers. To mitigate the loss, farmers will be encouraged to rely on comprehensive crop insurance policies.
Fire
Accidental fires are common in rural areas especially during the post harvest season. In urban areas, fires are increasing phenomena in high rise buildings, and in industrial and commercial areas. Public places such as cinema halls, auditoriums, exhibition areas, pandals, schools etc. have, in recent years, witnessed serious fires resulting in huge loss of human life and property. Forest and mine fires are common in the state.
Management of hazards
Madhya Pradesh State Disaster Management (MPSDMA)
As per sub-section (1) of section 14 of Disaster Management Act 2005, the Madhya Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (MPSDMA) was setup and notified vide no. F 35-115- 206-C-1 Dated September 5th, 2007. The Madhya Pradesh Disaster Management Authority is chaired by honorable Chief Minister of the State. The Minister of Finance, Revenue, Public Health and Family Welfare, Public administration and development, Commerce industry and employment, PWD and Home Department are the members of the MPSDMA. The department of Home, Government of Madhya Pradesh is the nodal department of the Authority.
As stipulated in the Act, at the State level State Government has constituted the State Disaster Management Authority under the chairmanship of honorable Chief Minister of the State. Likewise State Executive Committee (SEC) of SDMA under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary of the State. At the district level District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) under the chairmanship of District collector and co-chaired by the chairman of Zilla Parisad. There shall be a district disaster management officer who will coordinate all activities in the district and shall in charge of Emergency Operation Centers. In the State the Home Department of Government of Madhya Pradesh has been identified as nodal department for disaster management. And also Home department is responsible for servicing the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Aim & Objectives
The Authority has the mandate not only to take up the mitigation activities but also the relief, restoration, reconstruction and other measures. These activities cover the entire gamot of disaster management including preparedness activities:
- Coordinate with the line departments,
- Coordinate with bilateral and multi-lateral aid agencies,
- Coordinate with UN Agencies, International, National and State-level NGOs,
- Network with similar and relevant organizations for disaster management.
Functions of State Disaster Management Authority
- SDMA will be assisted by State Executive Committee.
- Lay down state disaster management policies and approve the state plan in accordance with guidelines laid down by NDMA.
- Approve DM plans prepared by State departments.
- Lay down guidelines for integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in the development plans and projects.
- Coordinate implementation of State plan.
- Lay down detailed guidelines for standards of relief.
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