India: First session of national platform for disaster risk reduction

Press Release:

The Government of India is organising the First Session of National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi on 13-14th May, 2013 on the theme, “Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in Development: From Risk to Resilience”.

The Government of India had constituted a multi-stakeholder National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) by a Resolution dated 26th February 2013. The National Platform aims to bring together the whole range of stakeholders from Government, Parliamentarians, Mayors, Media, International Orgnaisations, NGOs, local community representatives, scientific and academic institutions and corporate businesses etc. It will help in sharing of experiences, views and ideas, present findings of research and action and explore opportunities for mutual cooperation in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction. The National Platform will work towards reviewing the progress made in the field of disaster management from time to time, appreciate and guide Central, State and other concerned agencies in matters relating to implementation of the Disaster Management Policy. Advise on coordination between the Central and State Governments/UT Administrations, local self-governments and civil society organisations for Disaster Risk Reduction and advise suo-moto or on a reference made by the Central Government or any other State Government or a Union Territory Administration on any question pertaining to disaster management are other areas to be discussed in the Session.

The First Session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction will enable the decision makers, partners, experts and practitioners of DRR to come together to deliberate initiatives, share information, promote campaigns and provide useful suggestions relating to Disaster Risk Reduction. The Session will lead towards development and use of new tools and methodologies aimed at understanding and applying the economic and financial tools in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction; generate ideas and programs on building resilience among communities at regional, sub-regional and local levels.

Over the years India has been able to establish a holistic Disaster Risk Management apparatus at National, State and District levels. Important institutions have been created based on careful study of our experiences in dealing with major disasters. It is required to take up concerted measures to build capacities at all levels to be prepared to deal with disasters.

The legal framework and the institutional structures are gradually taking root in dealing with disaster management. Disaster Risk Reduction being a cross-cutting development issue requires political and legal commitment, scientific knowledge, careful development planning, and application of technology, law enforcement, community participation, early warning systems and effective disaster preparedness and response mechanism. There is a need to foster an enabling environment for developing a culture of prevention and to enable concerted measures to facilitate the integration of disaster management into developmental planning in various sectors and at all levels, from the National to the local, through a participatory decision making process.

KSD/HR/sk
(Release ID :95877)