Indian disaster management infrastructure will be ready by 2010

New Delhi, Jan 23 Nearly 80 percent of infrastructure for disaster management will be in place by 2010, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) vice-chairman N.C. Vij said here Thursday.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day Skoch summit 2009 here, Vij said the government had identified 242 disaster-prone districts and come out with guidelines for preparing disaster management plans.

Vij added that the NDMA was currently working on five major projects, including cyclone and earthquake risk mitigation, improving the communication network, creation of a National Disaster Response Force and a school safety programme.

Urban Development Secretary M. Ramachandran said increasing urbanisation was creating new perspective to disaster management.

“It’s important that new buildings are earthquake-resistant, the security establishment has the necessary skills to tackle urban disasters and the health system is geared up to meet any emergencies,’ he said.