The Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM) and Professor Vinod Sharma, the founding coordinator of the National Centre of Disaster Management, have been acknowledged for their significant contributions in the field of disaster management. They were awarded the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar for 2022. The GIDM, founded in 2012, has directed its efforts towards bettering the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) capacity of Gujarat. Prof. Sharma, on the other hand, has pulled out all the stops to bring DRR into the limelight on the national stage.
A Closer Look into the Awards
The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar is an annual award established by the central government to acknowledge and honour the selfless service and substantial contributions made by individuals and organizations across India in the realm of disaster management. The award, announced annually on the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on January 23rd, includes a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate for institutions, and Rs. 5 lakh and a certificate for individuals.
Understanding Disaster Risk Management
Disaster Risk Management consists of a systematic process utilizing administrative decisions, organization, operational skills and capacities to execute policies, strategies and coping abilities of society and communities. The aim is to mitigate the adverse effects of natural hazards and associated environmental and technological disasters. Activities designed to prevent or limit damage caused by such adverse event are included.
There are three primary stages in disaster management:
Before a disaster – reducing the potential for human, material, or environmental losses caused by hazards and ensuring these losses are minimized when a disaster does occur.
During a disaster – ensuring that the needs and provisions of victims are met in order to alleviate suffering.
After a disaster – achieving a rapid and durable recovery which does not replicate the original vulnerable conditions.
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030
In 2015, the Third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The Sendai Framework is intended to supersede the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters. The stages of disaster management can be visualized through a disaster cycle diagram.
To conclude, both the GIDM and Professor Sharma have been rightfully recognized for their crucial role in improving disaster management activities in India. With their continued hard work and dedication, we can expect further advancements in this field.