STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT

PLAN

2023

Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation

Department

GOVERNMENT OF MAHARASHTRA
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................................ vi

LIST OF TABLES....................................................................................................................................... viii

PREFACE ..................................................................................................................................................... ix

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................1

1.1. Background and Rationale of SDMP .....................................................................................1
1.2. Vision and Mission of SDMP ...................................................................................................1
1.3. Pillars of SDMP ..........................................................................................................................1
1.4. Guiding Framework...................................................................................................................2
1.5. Guiding Principles of SDMP 2023...........................................................................................3

CHAPTER 2: INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ..................................................................................4

2.1. Sate Disaster Management Structure ....................................................................................4
2.2. State Executive Committee (SEC) ..........................................................................................5
2.3. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).................................................................................6
2.4. State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) .........................................................................7
2.5. Institutional arrangement for Drought Management...........................................................8

CHAPTER 3: HAZARD, RISK, VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS ...............................................................10

3.1. Climate Change and Disaster Management in Maharashtra............................................ 10
3.1.1. Major Flood Events in Maharashtra ............................................................................ 12
3.1.2. District-Wise Statistics of Flood Affected Area in Maharashtra. ........................... 13
3.2. Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability Analysis .................................................................................... 13
3.2.1. Earthquake ...................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.2. Flood ................................................................................................................................. 15
3.2.3. Cyclone ............................................................................................................................ 17
3.2.4. Drought ............................................................................................................................ 18
3.2.5. Landslide ......................................................................................................................... 18

CHAPTER 4: DISASTER PREVENTION AND MITIGATION MEASURES...........................................20

4.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 20
4.2. Drought ..................................................................................................................................... 20
4.2.1. Monitoring of Drought and Early Warning ................................................................. 20
4.2.2. Early Indicators of Drought .......................................................................................... 21
4.2.3. Preventive and Mitigation Measures........................................................................... 21
4.2.4. Drought mitigation ......................................................................................................... 22
4.3. Flood .......................................................................................................................................... 22
4.3.1. Structural and non-structural measures .................................................................... 22
4.4. Earthquake ............................................................................................................................... 25
4.4.1. Structural Measures....................................................................................................... 25

i
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

4.4.2. Non-Structural Measures .............................................................................................. 27

4.5. Landslide .................................................................................................................................. 27
4.5.1. Major Mitigation Strategies........................................................................................... 27
4.6. Cyclone ..................................................................................................................................... 29
4.6.1. Structural Measures....................................................................................................... 29
4.6.2. Non-Structural Measures .............................................................................................. 30
4.7. Fires ........................................................................................................................................... 31
4.7.1. Structural Measures....................................................................................................... 31
4.8. Industrial and Chemical Accidents ...................................................................................... 32
4.8.1. Structural Measures....................................................................................................... 32
4.8.2. Non- Structural Measures ............................................................................................. 34

CHAPTER 5: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ...........................................................................................35

5.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 35
5.2. Capacity Building Trainings .................................................................................................. 35
5.3. Techno-Legal Regime ............................................................................................................. 37
5.4. Awareness ................................................................................................................................ 40
5.5. Medical Preparedness ............................................................................................................ 40
5.6. Communication System ......................................................................................................... 41

CHAPTER 6: DISASTER RESPONSE .....................................................................................................42

6.1. Response Strategy .................................................................................................................. 42
6.2. Institutional Arrangements .................................................................................................... 42
6.3. Alert Mechanism ...................................................................................................................... 43
6.3.1. Early Warning .................................................................................................................. 43
6.3.2. Early Warning Dissemination System ........................................................................ 43
6.4. Salt Workers ............................................................................................................................. 44
6.4.1. Ship in the high sea ....................................................................................................... 44
6.4.2. Coastal shipping ............................................................................................................ 44
6.4.3. Mass rescue operation at sea…………………………………………………………...45
6.5. Public......................................................................................................................................... 46
6.6. Flood .......................................................................................................................................... 46
6.7. Tsunami ..................................................................................................................................... 46
6.7.1. Dissemination ................................................................................................................. 47
6.8. Drought ..................................................................................................................................... 47
6.9. Earthquake ............................................................................................................................... 47
6.10. Disaster Response Management at State Level ................................................................ 48
6.10.1. Disaster Response Management through Incident Response System (IRS) ...... 48
6.10.2. Coordination with Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Railway and Airport
Authorities ......................................................................................................................................... 48
6.10.3. Involvement of NGOs, NSS/NCC, and Local Communities..................................... 49
6.10.4. Temporary Shelter, Health, and Sanitation ................................................................ 49
6.10.5. Maintenance of Essential Services ............................................................................. 49
6.10.6. Law and Order ................................................................................................................ 50
6.10.7. Communication .............................................................................................................. 50
6.10.8. Preliminary Damage Assessment ............................................................................... 50

ii
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 7: DISASTER-WISE ACTION PLAN .....................................................................................51

7.1. Flood .......................................................................................................................................... 51
Relief Measures ................................................................................................................................ 56
7.2. Drought ..................................................................................................................................... 57
7.3. Earthquake ............................................................................................................................... 62
7.4. Cyclone ..................................................................................................................................... 71
7.5. Tsunami ..................................................................................................................................... 86
7.6. Landslides .............................................................................................................................. 101
7.7. Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies ............................................................................ 102
7.8. Industrial Chemical Disasters ............................................................................................. 106

CHAPTER 8: LIVESTOCK CARE IN DISASTERS ............................................................................... 121

8.1. Livestock Care during Disaster .......................................................................................... 121
8.2. Mitigation ................................................................................................................................ 122
8.3. Preparedness ......................................................................................................................... 124
8.4. Response ................................................................................................................................ 126
8.5. Recovery ................................................................................................................................. 127
8.6. Relocation ............................................................................................................................... 127

CHAPTER 9: SOCIAL INCLUSION IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION.............................................. 129

9.1. Gender issues in Disaster Management ........................................................................... 129
9.1.1. Women ........................................................................................................................... 129
9.1.2. Children.......................................................................................................................... 130
9.1.3. Elderly ............................................................................................................................ 131
9.1.4. Disability ........................................................................................................................ 132
9.1.5. Men ................................................................................................................................. 133
9.1.6. Migrants ......................................................................................................................... 133
9.1.7. Transgenders & LGBTQ .............................................................................................. 133
9.2. Disaster Response ................................................................................................................ 134
9.2.1. Gender Considerations in Disaster Response........................................................ 134
9.2.2. Gender Sensitive Recovery. ....................................................................................... 136
9.3. Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Measures ............................................................ 137
9.3.1. Ensuring Gender-Sensitive Disaster Risk Reduction .......................................... 137
9.3.2. Risk Reduction Measures for Disabled Persons .................................................... 138
9.4. Indicators for tracking progress Core indicators ............................................................ 140
9.5. Disaster Mitigation for Persons with Disabilities ............................................................ 141
9.6. Use of ICT in Disaster Management ................................................................................... 143

CHAPTER 10: BUILDING DISASTER RESILIENCE AND GOVERNANCE ....................................... 144

10.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 144
10.2. Thematic Areas of Disaster Risk Management ................................................................ 144
10.3. Disaster Risk Governance ................................................................................................... 147
10.4. NDMP 2019, Sendai Framework and Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance ....... 148

CHAPTER 11: PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ...................................................... 150

iii
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

11.1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) .......................................................... 150

11.2. National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) ......................................................... 150
11.3. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)....................................................................... 150
11.4. Armed Forces (AF) ................................................................................................................ 151
11.5. National Remote Sensing Center ....................................................................................... 152
11.6. Airport Authority of India (AAI) ........................................................................................... 152
11.7. Indian Railways (IR) .............................................................................................................. 153
11.8. India Meteorological Department (IMD) ............................................................................. 153
11.9. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) ................................ 153
11.10. State Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) ................................................................. 154
11.11. Institute of Seismological Research (ISR).................................................................... 154
11.12. Bhabha Atomic Research Center................................................................................... 154
11.13. Mutual Aid Response Group (MARG)............................................................................ 155
11.14. Media ................................................................................................................................... 155
11.15. International Agencies ..................................................................................................... 156
11.15.1. United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) ................................................................. 156
11.15.2. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ................................................. 156
11.15.3. Programme Management Unit (PMU) ....................................................................... 156

CHAPTER 12: FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS..................................................................................... 159

12.1. 15th Finance Commission ................................................................................................... 159
12.2. State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) ............................................................................. 161
12.3. State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) ............................................................................. 162
12.4. Alternate Sources of Funding ............................................................................................. 164
12.4.1. Public Funded Schemes ............................................................................................. 165
12.4.2. Flexi Funds as a part of Centrally Sponsored Schemes ....................................... 165
12.4.3. Externally Aided Projects ........................................................................................... 166
12.5. DM concerns to be mainstreamed in Development Plans/ Projects ............................ 166
12.5.1. Insurance and Risk Transfer ...................................................................................... 166
12.5.2. Reconstruction Bonds ................................................................................................ 167
12.5.3. Crowd Funding Platform for Disasters ..................................................................... 167
12.5.4. Other Financing Options............................................................................................. 168

Ready Reckoner for District Disaster Management Plan Review ................................................... 169
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 170
Purpose of DDMP Review.................................................................................................................. 170
Guiding Framework Used for DDMP Review ................................................................................. 171
National Model Framework for DDMP, NDMA – 2014 ................................................................... 172
Steps for DDMP review ...................................................................................................................... 173
Step 1: Review Initiation................................................................................................................ 174
Stage 2: Desktop review................................................................................................................ 174
Stage 3: Consultation with key officials ..................................................................................... 174
Stage 4: Field/ Observation Study ............................................................................................... 174
Step 5: Guidance for DDMP Review ............................................................................................ 175
Step 6: Sharing the report for feedback and finalization. ....................................................... 175

iv
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

DDMP Review Process – Chapter Wise Review Through Point of Inquiry ............................... 176
Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................. 176
Chapter 2: Hazard Vulnerability Capacity Risk Analysis (HVCRA) ....................................... 176
Chapter 3: Institutional Arrangements for Disaster Management (DM) ............................... 177
Chapter 4: Prevention Measures ................................................................................................. 177
Chapter 5: Preparedness Measures ............................................................................................ 178
Chapter 6: Capacity Building and Training Measures ............................................................. 179
Chapter 7: Response & Relief Measures.................................................................................... 179
Chapter 8: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery Measures ................................... 180
Chapter 9: Financial Resource for implementation of DDMP ................................................. 181
Chapter 10: Procedure and Methodology for Monitoring, evaluation, updating, and
Maintenance of DDMP ................................................................................................................... 181
Chapter 11: Coordination Mechanism for implementing DDMP. ........................................... 183
Chapter 12: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) .............................................................. 183
Annexures ............................................................................................................................................ 184
DDMP Review Matrix .......................................................................................................................... 186
Example Of Matrix Used for Osmanabad District DDMP Review ............................................... 187
Annexure 2: .......................................................................................................................................... 188
UNICEF-UNDP Joint Action Plan for Risk Informed Programing to provide technical
assistance to the Government of Maharashtra ............................................................................. 188
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................... 194

v
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AMCDRR Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction

CBO Community-Based Organization
CBRN Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear
CMG Crisis Management Group
CSO Civil Society Organization
CSR Corporate Social Responsibility
DC District Collector
DDMA District Disaster Management Authority
DDMO District Disaster Management Officer
DDMP District Disaster Management Plan
DEOC District Emergency Operation Centre
DM Act Disaster Management Act, 2005
DM Act Disaster Management
DRR Disaster Risk Reduction
DRR-C Disaster Risk Reduction Cell
EOC Emergency Operations Centre
ESF Emergency Support Function
EWS Early Warning System
GO Government Offices
GOI Government of India
GOM Government of Maharashtra
HOD Head of Departments
HRVA Hazard Risk Vulnerability Analysis
ICDS Integrated Child Development Scheme of Government of India
IDRN India Disaster Resource Network
IRS Incident Response System
IRT Incident Response Team
MDRR Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction
MSAAPCC Maharashtra State Adaptation Action Plan on Climate Change
NDMA National Disaster Management Authority
NDMP National Disaster Management Policy
NGO Non-Government Organization
NRHM National Rural Health Mission
PHED Public Health Engineering Department
PRI Panchayati Raj Institutions
PSU Public Sector Unit
QRT Quick Response Team
RDC Residential District Collector Disaster
SDMA State Disaster Management Authority
SDMP State Disaster Management Plan
SDRF State Disaster Response Force
SDRN State Disaster Resource Network
SEOC State Emergency Operation Centre
SFDRR Sendai Framework of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015
vi
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

SHG Self Help Group

SOP Standard Operating Procedure
ULB Urban Local Bodies

vii
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Current Constitution of SDMA ...................................................................... 4
Table 2: District-wise ranks for macro level vulnerability index and contributing
factors. ..................................................................................................................... 12
Table 3: Overall state profile of Maharashtra ........................................................... 12
Table 4: Drought monitoring checklist ...................................................................... 21
Table 5: Competent agencies working on early warnings ........................................ 43

viii
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

PREFACE
The State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) of Maharashtra is a “dynamic
document”. It is being periodically improved in accordance with the provisions of the
Disaster Management Act 2005, the guidance given in the State Policy on Disaster
Management 2015 (SPDM), keeping up with the national, global best practices and
the evolving disaster risk context and profile of the state. Further, it is also incumbent
on all the line departments and the District Disaster Management Authorities and the
line departments to update their disaster management plans annually.

The State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) 2023 is the updated Plan. The
original State SDMP was first prepared in 2014. The subsequent revised versions
have been reviewed and restructured. However, the process of revision that was
initiated in February 2020 experienced multiple disruptions due to the outbreak of
COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown in the following months.

The present revision is attuned to the National Disaster Management Plan 2019,
broadly considering the Prime Minister’s 10-Point Agenda and the three International
Frameworks viz. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Paris Agreement on
Change Conference (COP21) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Emphasis is not just relief-centric disaster management a proactive, holistic, and
integrated Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) by way of strengthening disaster
preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation through building the resilience of
institutions, society, and community at large against disasters and climate change.

The State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) 2023 provides a link between the
National Disaster Management Plan and the District Disaster Management Plan. The
State Plan provides a framework and direction to the Government agencies and the
district authorities for all phases of the disaster management cycle.

The State Disaster Management Plan 2023 that evolves with time addresses the
existing and emerging disaster risks of the State, stemming from ever changing nature
of hazards, risks, vulnerabilities, and national priorities and commitments for providing
strategic guidance to all the departments/authorities/agencies, society, and
communities across the state for risk-sensitive, resilient, and sustainable
development.

ix
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background and Rationale of SDMP
The State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) is the basic framework and provides
guidance to all the state level government agencies and the district authorities for all
phases of disaster management. The SDMP is a dynamic document and being
periodically updated with national guidelines and global best practices and
knowledge repository related to disaster management. The plan has been evolving
with time to address the emerging disaster risks of the State, stemming from ever
changing nature of hazards, risks, vulnerabilities and capacities of the institutions and
communities to make development resilient and sustainable.

In accordance with the provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005, the
guidelines mentioned in the State Policy on Disaster Management 2015 (SPDM), and
the established national practices, all the District Disaster Management Authorities
and the line departments will have to update their disaster management plans
annually. The revision of the planning process has been attuned to the paradigm shift
from the relief-centric approach of the past to a proactive, holistic and integrated
approach for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) by way of strengthening disaster
preparedness, mitigation, and emergency response, as embodied in current global
goals and frameworks i.e., the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Paris
Climate Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1.2. Vision and Mission of SDMP

Vision: The vision of this State Disaster Management Plan is to enhance Disaster
Risk Management in Maharashtra (considering physical, social, cultural, economic,
and environmental hazards, particularly in the disaster’s mitigation and preparedness
phase) to minimize the loss of lives, livelihoods & assets.

Mission: The mission of the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan is to

incorporate the culture of risk-informed planning, enhance disaster risk governance,
and institutionalize the best procedures possible to deal with any eventuality via
putting structural and non-structural interventions in place.

1.3. Pillars of SDMP

The main pillars of SDMP are –

(I) National Disaster Management Plan, 2019
(II) Prime Minister’s 10-point agenda, 2016 which is -
• All development sectors must imbibe the principles of disaster risk
management.

Page 1 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Risk coverage must include all, starting from poor households to SMEs to
multi-national corporations to nation-states.
• Women’s leadership and greater involvement should be central to
disaster risk management.
• Invest in risk mapping globally to improve global understanding of Nature
and disaster risks.
• Leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of disaster risk
management efforts.
• Develop a network of universities to work on disaster-related issues.
• Utilize the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies
for disaster risk reduction.
• Build on local capacity and initiative to enhance disaster risk reduction.
• Make use of every opportunity to learn from disasters and, to achieve that,
there must be studies on the lessons after every disaster.
• Bring about greater cohesion in the international response to disasters.

(III) Sendai Framework and Conference of Parties (COP 21) Paris Agreement
The adoption in 2015 of three landmark global agreements -the Sendai Framework
for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and COP21
Paris Agreement on Climate Change, to which India is a signatory, has opened
significant opportunities to build coherence across the DRR, sustainable development
and response to the climate change domains. Adopting the agenda of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) ‘Transforming Our World’ is a global transformative plan
of action with poverty eradication as an overarching aim.

(IV) Maharashtra State Adaptation and Action Plan on Climate Change, 2014

(V) National Disaster Management Act, 2005

The most recent National Disaster Management Plan, 2019, explicitly outlines the ten
points from the Prime Minister's Agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction, which guides
the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan (MSDMP) 2023's overall structure
and design. The Disaster Management Act of 2005 and the National Policy on
Disaster Management are the salient concerns articulated through the three global
frameworks of 2015—the SFDRR, SDGs, and COP 21—which are also included in
the Prime Minister's 10-point agenda for DRR.

1.4. Guiding Framework

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030): The third UN World
Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2015 saw the adoption of the Sendai Framework
because of stakeholder discussions and intergovernmental discussions. The Sendai

Page 2 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Framework sought to enhance stakeholder responsibility and accountability, disaster

risk governance, global collaboration, and partnership in managing catastrophes, and
understanding of exposure, susceptibility, and hazard in disaster risk (UNISDR, 2015).

The priorities for action for the Sendai Framework are:

a) Understanding disaster risk.
b) Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk.
c) Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience.
d) Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build
Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

1.5. Guiding Principles of SDMP 2023

(i) Shared Responsibility: Creating an enabling environment with clearly defined

roles and responsibilities, inter and intra-departmental coordination, dialogue,
and promoting knowledge transfer.

(ii) Disaster Resilience: Strengthening institutional resilience via top-down and

bottom-up capacity building of the pertinent stakeholders, setting up SOPs
(Standard Operating Procedures) and mechanisms in place, implementing the
national and international frameworks (contextualized to local needs and
priorities).

(iii) Social Inclusion and Civil Society Learning Processes: To promote an

exchange of learning experience between institutional actors, civil society
organizations (CSOs), and grassroots groups while ensuring that social inclusion
is understood and used in development strategies in relation to all target groups.

(iv) Empowering Animation: The interventions (whether before, during, or after the
crisis) must be planned in a way that strengthens the community over the long
term rather than focusing only on the urgent needs of relief and response to a
disaster.

(v) Volunteerism: Promoting universal social behavior and providing opportunities

for many people to engage in development.

Page 3 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 2: INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

2.1. Sate Disaster Management Structure

• The Disaster Management Act 2005 provides the legal and institutional
framework for disaster management in India at the national, state and district
levels. In the National policy of India, the primary responsibility of disaster
management vests with the State Governments. The Central Government lays
down policies and guidelines and provides technical, financial, and logistic support
while the state and district administration carry out most of the operations in
collaboration with central and state level agencies.

• The primary responsibility for DM rests with the States. The institutional
mechanisms at the Centre, State and District levels will help the States manage
disasters effectively. The DM Act, 2005 mandates the State Governments, inter
alia, to take measures for preparation of state DM plans, integration of measures
for prevention of disasters or mitigation into state development plans, allocation of
funds, establishment of early warning systems and to assist the Central
Government and other agencies in various aspects of DM.

• State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA): Section 14 of National DM Act

2005 mandates each State to establish State Disaster Management Authority
(SDMA). At the State Level the SDMA, headed by the Chief Minister, lays
down policies and plans for disaster management. It is also responsible to
coordinate the implementation of the State Plan, recommend provisionof funds
for mitigation and preparedness measures and review the developmental plans
of the different departments of the State to ensure integration of prevention,
preparedness, and mitigation measures. The Chairperson of the State Authority
shall, in the case of emergency, have power to exercise all or any of the powers of
the State Authority but the exercise of such powers shall be subject to ex post
facto ratification of the State Authority. The Maharashtra State Disaster
Management Authority was constituted in 2006 (GR. dated 11/08/2015). The
constitution of present SDMA is as follows:

Table 1: Current Constitution of SDMA

# SDMA Composition Position

1 Chief Minister Chair Ex. Officio
2 Minister, Revenue Vice Chair
3 Minister, Finance Member
4 Member
5 Member
6 Member

Page 4 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

7 Member
8 Member
9 Chief Secretary Ex Officio Member and Chief Executive Officer

2.2. State Executive Committee (SEC)

i. The State Executive Committee shall have the responsibility for implementing
the National Plan and State Plan and act as the coordinating and monitoring
body for the management of disaster in the State.

ii. Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsection (1), the State
Executive Committee may-

• Coordinate and check the implementation of the National Policy, the

National Plan, and the State Plan.

• Examine the vulnerability of various parts of the State to different forms of

disasters and specify measures to be taken for their prevention or mitigation.

• Lay down guidelines for preparation of state/district disaster management

plans.

• Monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the

departments of the Government of the State and District Authorities.]

• Monitor the implementation of the guidelines laid down by the State

Authority for Integrating of measures for prevention of disasters and
mitigation by the departments in their development plans and projects.

• Evaluate preparedness at all governmental or non-governmental levels

to respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster and give
directions, where necessary, for enhancing such preparedness.

• Coordinate response in case of any threatening disaster situation or

disaster.

• Give directions to any Department of the Government of the State or any

other authority or body in the State about actions to be taken in response to
any threatening disaster situation or disaster.

• Promote general education, awareness, and community training regarding

the forms of disasters to which distinct parts of the State are vulnerable
and the measures that may be taken by such community to prevent the
disaster, mitigate and respond to such disaster.

• Advice, aid and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the

Page 5 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Government of the State, District Authorities, statutory bodies, and other

governmental and non- governmental organizations engaged in disaster
management.

• Supply necessary technical aid or give advice to District Authorities and

local Authorities for carrying out their functions effectively; (Advise the State
Government about all financial matters in relation to disaster management.

• Examine the construction, in any local area in the State and, if it is of the
opinion that the standards laid for such construction for the prevention of
disaster is not being or has not been followed, may direct the District
Authority or the local authority, as the case maybe, to take such action
as may be necessary to secure complianceof such standards.

• The State Executive Committee will handle forming subcommittees and

inviting subject experts from outside for specific advice and functions. Other
departmental secretaries and Director CDM, YASHADA could be invited as
invitee members as deemed fit.

• The State Executive Committee will hold quarterly meetings during non-
emergency times to review progress on DM Plans, to consider any policy
issues and financial requirement. Emergency meetings will be called at the
Chair's discretion.

2.3. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)

Maharashtra is a multi-disaster-prone State. It is vulnerable to natural disasters like

floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides etc. as well as human-induced disasters like
fire, building collapses etc. The National Disaster Response Force has been
constituted atthe National level for effective response to such disasters. One battalion
of the NDRF is posted in Sudumbre in Pune to respond to these disasters. However,
this battalion handles covering Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. Also, as time is a
crucial factor after a disaster has occurred for effective response, it is difficult for the
NDRF to respond quickly to disasters that may occur in Vidarbha or Marathwada. It is
also the mandate of the NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) that every
state must become self-sufficient in this regard and constitute a SDRF of their own.
The SDRF is formulated in state and is functional in the following ability.

• Two Companies of the SDRF will be created in the State on the lines of the
NDRF.
• Every Company will consist of 3 teams. Every team will have 45 members. To
handle the establishment matters for the force, more posts will be created. In
total the SDRF will consist of 428 members. This will include the field level
officials and the support staff.
• Initially, the posts will be filled on deputation basis from SRPF for 5 years. The

Page 6 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

selection criteria will be finished by a committee consisting of the Secretary,

DMU, DG Maharashtra Police and Commandant NDRF. The salary part will
be borne by the SDMA with a 10% incentive to the members of the SDRF
over their current salary.
• The NDRF and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) will impart training to the
SDRF.
• The other matters on the positioning of the force, establishment matters,
location of headquarters, etc. will be decided by the State Executive Committee
of the SDMA.

2.4. State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC)

This is a facility that will be primarily established at Mantralaya premises in Mumbai.

To create redundancy in case of emergency, additional EOC could be established and
kept as reserve for activation on orders at the Centre for Disaster Management, Pune
within this plan period. Both the EOCs should be identically functional. The EOC at
Mantralaya will function 24 X 7 round the year. During non-emergency time it will
function as a ‘Watch and Ward’ regime and during emergencies, it should be
activated toa full scale within a short timeframe of 2 to 3 hours. The Mantralaya EOC’s
structure, detailed SOPs on roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders and the
functional aspects will be given separately along with its equipment profile.

The functions of EOC during Non- Emergency time are –

• Keep the EOC functional in all respects to be able to perform the duties fully
during emergency times.
• Keep maps updated with latest development details in each district map and
overall state map.
• Keep resource data and GIS maps updated and update the IDRN and State
Disaster Resource Data on computers.
• Plot state response forces on the map.
• Keep communication links active.
• Receive daily feedback from the districts and Municipal Corporations regarding
any incidences and maintain telephone and radio logs.
• Keep contact details of all state level and district level stakeholders and
response forces of state and central government and of various institutions
identified as stakeholders.
• Maintain the latest state and district disaster management plans including
mutual aid schemes.
• Media management as and when required with only the authorized PR Officer
interacting.
• Internal funds accounting and management.
• Keep EOC staff well trained.

Page 7 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The functions of EOC during Emergency time are –

• Ensure passage of information to the CM, Chief Secretary, Minister R&R,

Secy. R & R, Director DMU, and all members of the SDMA and State Executive
Committee.
• Maintain communications between the EOC and the district(s) facing
emergencies and get periodic feedback from them.
• Maintain emergency time event logs.
• Plan of meetings of the stakeholders in the EOC.
• Keep track of all info and intelligence for dissemination to all concerned.
• Ensure dissemination of orders/ information to all districts/ divisions/
Municipal Corporation and National EOC
• Media management

2.5. Institutional arrangement for Drought Management

State Drought Relief Commissioner: Secretary in Relief and Rehabilitation of Revenue

and Forest Department is the State Drought Relief Commissioner who is assisted by
drought management section consisting of one Deputy Secretary, one Section
O fficer, one Assistant Section O fficer in the department. The section deals with
declaration of drought, sanctioning of relief and collating information from various
departments and agencies needed for declaration of drought.

State Level Drought Monitoring Committee: The State has constituted a state level
drought monitoring committee under the chair of Commissioner, Agriculture having
experts from Groundwater Survey and Development Agency, State Remote Sensing
Application Centre, Hydrology department. The State level committee monitors the
drought situation in all districts based on the reports received from the district level
committees and submits its report to the Relief Commissioner.

District Level Drought Monitoring Committee: The State Government has set up
District Level Drought Monitoring Committee in each district under the Chairmanship
of District Collector with officers from various departments dealing with agriculture,
groundwater survey and development agency, water resources department. The
district level committee monitors the drought situation in the district based on various
indicators enumerated in the manual for drought management, 2016. The committee
monitors the situation monthly and submits its report to the state-level committee.

Crisis Management Group: The Crisis Management Group has been constituted
under the chairmanship of Relief Commissioner with secretaries of all major line
departments to take review of the drought situation in the State.

Crisis Management Plan (CMP): The CMP is an actionable program which will be
pressed into action in the event of drought, to minimize the damage to life. It explains
the roles and responsibilities of various departments in managing the drought

Page 8 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

effectively. This plan is focused on management interventions needed during drought

situations. (A detailed Drought Management Plan is made as per the directions of the
Honorable High Court).

Page 9 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 3: HAZARD, RISK, VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS

3.1. Climate Change and Disaster Management in Maharashtra

In 2008, the Government of India released the National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC), and in August 2009, directed the states to develop State Action
Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC) guided by and consistent with the structure and
strategies of the NAPCC. The Government of Maharashtra took a pioneering step
towards formulating the Maharashtra State Adaptation Action Plan on Climate
Change (MSAAPCC) by commissioning a comprehensive vulnerability assessment
study, which included the task of generating model-based climate projections,
specific to the state’s geography. The Government of Maharashtra appointed The
Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in 2010 to carry out a study 1, which broadly
aimed to “address the urgent need to integrate climate change concerns into the
state’s overall development strategy, thus assisting in building long term climate
resilience and enabling adaptation to the likelihood of risks arising from climate
change”. The study outputs have been used to formulate the Maharashtra State
Action Plan on Climate Change (MSAPCC).

For the modeling component of the study, TERI entered a partnership with the UK
Met Office to assist in the development of climate projections for the state. Using the
high resolution ‘HadRM3P’ model to represent the climatic pattern over the state’s
topography to a good degree, changes in temperature and rainfall were projected at
a resolution of about 25 km x 25 km. These projections related to three future time
slices during the 21st century – 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s, with respect to the model
baseline, which was the average climate during 1970-2000.

The climate modeling results show that temperature and rainfall are projected to
increase all over the state, although there are regional variations. Amravati and
Aurangabad divisions may experience a greater rise in annual mean temperature
than other parts of the state. Temperature increase is projected from minimum 1.1 ⁰C
in Konkan to maximum 3.46 ⁰C in Amravati division up to 2070. The projected
increase in monsoon rainfall by the 2030s and 2050s is relatively more for Amravati
and Nashik divisions. Rainfall increase is projected from lowest 10% in Southern
Maharashtra to highest up to 40% in Northern Maharashtra. Extreme rainfall is
projected to increase in all regions with greater increases in northern parts of the
state. This overall increase in monsoon rainfall for the state is consistent with the
findings of Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC). The model results were validated using several observational
datasets including those of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Four priority
areas were considered for further assessments: (a) Hydrology & freshwater
resources, (b) Agriculture & food systems, (c) Coastal areas, marine ecosystem, and
biodiversity and (d) Livelihood (including migration and conflict).

Page 10 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Additionally, some cross-cutting areas were identified including issues related to

human health, ecosystem and biodiversity, markets, and risk management. Based on
the sector and cross-sectoral impact and vulnerability assessments and taking
account of the regional diversity within the state, the study developed key
recommendations for the selected sectors along with implementable adaptation
measures.

An important component for this included the development of a Macro Level

Vulnerability Index (MLVI), which identified the most vulnerable districts in the state.
The MLVI is comprised of 19 indicators under the categories of exposure, sensitivity,
and adaptive capacity to assess the vulnerabilities of the districts. The corresponding
data specific for all the districts was analyzed to develop the index. A ranking exercise
was undertaken for the districts on the basis of the vulnerability index which ranked
Nandurbar as the most vulnerable district, followed by Dhule and Buldhana. Satara
was regarded as the least vulnerable district, whereas Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg were
also considered less vulnerable as compared to other districts. Figure 1 below
represents the Macrolevel Vulnerability Index of all districts in Maharashtra.

District wise ranks for macro level vulnerability index and contributing factors are
given in the following table:

Page 11 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Table 2: District-wise ranks for macro level vulnerability index and contributing factors.

District Exposure Sensitivity Adaptive Vulnerability

Name Capacity Index
Ahmedanagar 20 26 9 20
Akola 4 6 11 21
Amravati 13 8 20 16
Aurangabad 12 1 13 27
Bhandara 19 30 10 11
Bid 24 16 22 14
Buldhana 8 17 32 3
Chandrapur 23 28 6 22
Dhule 2 19 29 2
Gadchiroli 27 33 14 10
Gondia 18 31 15 8
Hingoli 15 21 31 5
Jalgaon 1 13 26 4
Jalna 17 18 30 7
Kolhapur 32 20 8 30

Table 3: Overall state profile of Maharashtra

Geographical Area (‘000 sq. km.) 308

Administrative Setup
Revenue Divisions 6
Districts 36
Talukas 355
Local Self Government Institution
Zilla Parishad 34
Gram Panchayats 27832
Panchayat Samitis 35
Municipal Councils 244
Municipal Corporations 27
Nagar Panchayats 139
Cantonment Boards 7
Population as per Census 2011 in’ 000 112374
Male 58243
Female 54131
Rural 61556
Urban 50818
3.1.1. Major Flood Events in Maharashtra

The major flood events that have occurred in Maharashtra from the year 2002 to
2020 is as stated in the table below -

Page 12 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

3.1.2. District-Wise Statistics of Flood Affected Area in Maharashtra.

The district wise flood affected areas in Maharashtra is as per the statistics stated in
the table below-

3.2. Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability Analysis

A hazard is an event or physical condition that can cause fatalities, injuries, property

Page 13 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

damage, infrastructure damage, agricultural losses, damage to the environment,

interruption of business, or other types of harm or loss. Earthquakes, floods, and
wildfire hazards represent the pervasive and primary events that result in disaster
losses. Secondary hazards include dam failure, landslides, and tsunamis.

Vulnerability indicates the level of exposure of human life and property to damage from
natural and human-induced hazards. In Maharashtra, people are vulnerable to a
wide range of hazards that threaten communities, businesses, government, and the
environment in each State.

3.2.1. Earthquake

The most seismic active region in Maharashtra is the west coast – Western Ghats.
The Koyna-Warna and the Bhatsa areas are in this region and an earthquake with
magnitude 6.5 occurred on 11 December 1967. Based on past earthquakes the west
coast and West Ghats belt is highly prone to seismic movements. The major spots
where seismic activity noticed during last few years are near Ratnagiri, along the
western coast, Koyna Nagar, Bhatsa and Surya areas of Thane district.

For the last few years isolated seismic activity has been seen near Nanded,
Beed, Ujjani and Solapur in eastern Maharashtra and Uran, Kolhapur and
Sindhudurg in south-west Maharashtra. Frequent shocks have been recorded in
Nanded for the last few years. In south-east Maharashtra isolated activity has also
occurred in Latur-Osmanabad districts. Near Dhule, Akola, Jalgaon and Amravati in
North Maharashtra the seismic activity could have occurred due to movements of

Page 14 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

faults existing in the complex system of river Narmada, Tapi and Purna lineaments.
It is observed that in north-east corner of Maharashtra, Nagpur and Bhandara districts
may have shocks because of faults associated to Ramtek and Sakoli Basins.

The impact of earthquake is very severe as there is no prediction about its

occurrence. It may occur at any time. If it takes place at night, the loss of lives will be
more along with property and environment. In rural area people will lose their crops,
houses, irrigation infrastructures and livelihood sources whereas in urban areas the
physical structures will be destroyed along with service infrastructures such as
water supply, sewage, telephones, electricity, piped gas supply etc., which are
underground installations and hence exposed to a direct impact. The disruption in
urban areas and consequent investments for rehabilitation becomes a major
challenge.

3.2.2. Flood

Maharashtra is vulnerable to floods. It may be noted that there is many man- made
reasons for the occurrence of floods. Analyzing the floods in Maharashtra, one
observes that most floods in Maharashtra are flash floods due to nallah-overflows
and poor drainage systems. Very few floods, like the one in Konkan in 1983, are due
to heavy rains in the region. Major flood events post 2005 are floods of 2013, 2016,
2019, 2020, 2022. The last four floods itself (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), have caused
1246 loss of lives as indicated in the table below. Floods kill by destroying houses,
crops, and food stocks. They strip farmlands, wash away irrigation systems and erode
large areas of land or make them unusable otherwise.

S.No. Year No. of lives lost

1. 2018-19 108

2. 2019-20 354
3. 2020-21 184

4. 2021-22 377
5. 2022-23 223

Total 1246

Page 15 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Page 16 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

3.2.3. Cyclone

The coastal areas are risk prone to cyclones. Maharashtra has a coastal belt of over
720 kilometers between Gujarat to Goa. Thus, the Konkan region including Mumbai
becomes prone to cyclones. There are many marine fishing villages / hamlets with
fishing boats, engaged in fishing in this coastal belt. Cyclones make impact by
killing people, damaging property, crops, and infrastructure. In the rural areas, the
damage is primarily to lives, crops and to housing. It may also affect the irrigation
infrastructure. The damage to forests and plantations, when it occurs, has a long-term
effect and takes a much longer period for restoration.

In urban areas, both transport and communication receive severe damage, in addition
to loss of life and shelter. In the Arabian Sea, severe cyclonic storm has been
recorded in past which have affected Maharashtra -Goa coast. Mumbai is a coastal
city which has faced many threats of cyclones in the recent past. It faced peripheral
impact in 1982, 1988 and October 1996 and was hit twice by cyclones (1948 and June
1996). The data indicates that the city is prone to cyclones. The most recent to hit the
State was cyclone Okhi in 2016, cyclone Nisarg in 2022, cyclone Tauktae in 2021
caused huge damage to the coastal areas.

Page 17 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

3.2.4. Drought

Drought is a natural hazard that differs from other hazards since it has a slow onset
and evolves over months or even years and affects a large spatial extent and causes
little structural damage. It is a creeping disaster. If dealt with systematically, it will help
reduce the impact of drought on society. It has broken the backbone of farmers in
Vidarbha and Marathwada regions in Maharashtra. Rainfall deficiency, dry spells,
depleting ground water levels, drying wells, deficiency in reservoir levels, poor
vegetation condition warn the onset of drought.

3.2.5. Landslide

Page 18 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

In Maharashtra, landslides are often triggered by heavy rains in the Western Ghats.
Major landslide major incidents have occurred in monsoon seasons due to
anthropogenic development along the landslide prone regions. Landslides have
resulted in loss of life and property but have led to secondary and tertiary impacts such
as chemical accidents, road accidents, rail accidents, floods, fire, gas leaks, etc.

Causes of Landslides in Maharashtra are as follows -

• Geological Weak Materials: Weathered materials, jointed materials, contrast

in permeability and contrast in stiffness.
• Soil Erosion: Wave erosion of slope toe, glacial erosion of slope toe,
subterranean erosion (vegetation removal).
• Heavy Rainfall: Intense rainfall lasts for few hours or few days caused
abundant landslides.
• Human Excavation: Human excavation of slope and its toe, loading of
slope/toe, draw down in reservoir, mining, deforestation, irrigation,
vibration/blast, water leakage from services.
• Earthquake Shaking: Seismic activity has triggered landslides in many
different topographic and geologic settings. Rock falls, soil slides and
rockslides from steep slopes.
• Volcanic Eruption: Deposition of loose volcanic ash on hillsides commonly is
followed by accelerated erosion and frequent mud or debris flows triggered by
intense rainfall.
• Risk Elements: The most common elements at risk are the settlements built
on the steep slopes, built at the toe and those built at the mouth of the stream
emerging from the mountain valley. All those buildings constructed without
appropriate foundation for a given soil and in sloppy areas are also at risk.
Roads, communication lines and buried utilities are vulnerable.
• Hazardous Areas: Canyon bottoms, stream channels, areas near the outlets
of canyons, and slopes excavated for buildings and roads are the most
hazardous areas for landslides.
• Physical Damage: Landslides destroy anything that comes in their path. They
block or bury roads, lines of communication, settlements, river flow,
agricultural land, etc. It also includes loss to agricultural production and land
area. In addition, physical effects such as flooding may also occur.
• Causalities: They cause maximum fatalities depending on the place and time
of occurrence. Malin landslide in Pune district of Maharashtra is an example of
such type, which killed many people.

Page 19 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 4: DISASTER PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

MEASURES
4.1. Introduction
Prevention consists of actions that reduce risk from natural or human made disaster
incidents. Prevention includes actions or measures taken to cover or shield assets
from exposure, injury, or destruction. Prevention activities are designed to provide
permanent protection from disasters. Not all disasters, particularly natural disasters,
can be prevented, but the risk of loss of life and injury can be mitigated with good
evacuation plans, environmental planning, and design standards. These activities are
designed to minimize loss of life and damage.

Mitigation, with its focus on the impact of a hazard, encompasses the structural and
non-structural approaches taken to eliminate or limit a hazard’s exposure, impact on
people, property, and the environment. Under prevention and mitigation phase
structural and non-structural measures are taken up to reduce the risk from natural
and unnatural disasters. Common structural measures for disaster risk reduction
include construction of dams, floodwalls, ocean wave barriers, earthquake-resistant
structures, and evacuation shelters. In short, engineering measures, construction of
hazard resistant structures, and protective infrastructures are the major structural
measures. And common non- structural measures refer to awareness and
education, policy, techno-legal systems, building codes, land use planning, and
practices, training, capacity building etc.

4.2. Drought
4.2.1. Monitoring of Drought and Early Warning

The revised Manual for Drought Management 2016 of the Department of Agriculture,
Cooperation and Farmers' Welfare has discussed rainfall, vegetative indices, soil
moisture and hydrological indices in a cogent matrix for assessment of drought. A
drought management cell in DM division of Government of India is created to help
collate information from diverse sources, monitor drought conditions, issue advisories
and coordinate with other ministries, state governments to mitigate the effect of
drought.

As far as the State is concerned the district level drought monitoring committees and
State level drought monitoring committees have been set up to meet periodically to
monitor the drought conditions. The district level drought monitoring committees
monitors the following parameters that may indicate an onset of drought like condition:
Rainfall deviation and dry spell; Crop sown area; Remote sensing based vegetative
indices; Soil moisture indices; Hydrological indices.

Page 20 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

4.2.2. Early Indicators of Drought

The following constitute early warning indicators of drought-

• Delay in onset of monsoon

• Dry spell during monsoon season
• Insufficient rains and skewed spatial distribution particularly during sowing period.
• Rise in fodder prices
• Absence of rising trend in reservoirs level
• Drying up of sources of rural drinking water supply
• Out migration of rural population
• Increased trend of water through tankers

Drought monitoring checklist is given below:

Table 4: Drought monitoring checklist

Data Indicator Source

Meteorological Rainfall and dry Rain gauges were established at
data spell circular levels. The data is available on
http://krishi.maharashtra.gov.in
Hydrological Groundwater Groundwater Survey and
Drought Index Development
(GWDI) Agency under Water Supply and
Sanitation Department
Agricultural Crop Sown Area District level offices of the Agriculture
and moisture Department. The soil moisture index
adequacy index data is available on MNSFC website
Remote NDVI/NDWI/VCI The data is made available on the
Sensing MNCFC website at the block level
Vegetative
Indices
Socio-Economic Availability and Food and Civil Supply Department,
data prices of food Department of Animal Husbandry,
grains, fodder, EGS and Water Conservation
migration of Department
Population

4.2.3. Preventive and Mitigation Measures

The containment and mitigation of the crippling impact of drought and the eventual
attainment of the objective of drought proofing of an area is contingent upon a
proactive and relentless but planned pursuit of a combination of structural, physical
long- and short-term measures. The short-term measures are mostly reactive or relief
centric in nature and mostly relate to in season drought management through

Page 21 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

contingency planning and relief distribution. Long term mitigation measures are
geared toward the adaptation to climate change, restoration of ecological balance
through adoption of sustainable agronomic and conservation practices, sensible crop
choices etc. Most of these measures are translated on the ground through soil and
water conservation, watershed management, agronomic practices suited to rain fed
agriculture and forestry programs that seek to integrate soil, water, and forestry
management in an ecological compliant and sustainable manner.

4.2.4. Drought mitigation

Drought mitigation must be included in the State Government's regular development

programs. Some of the most significant current national programs and State
government programs that may have a decisive bearing on drought mitigation are
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna, National Rain fed Area Development
Program, National Rural Drinking Water Program, Jalyukta Shivar, Afforestation
activities through forest department etc.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna has been formulated with vision of extending
the coverage of irrigation ' Har Khet Ko Pani' and improving water use efficiency
' More Crop Per Drop '. This program deals with focus on faster completion of ongoing
major and medium irrigation projects, ground water development, lift irrigation,
diversion of water from water plenty to water

scarce areas, supplementing rainwater harvesting, repair, restoration and renovation

of traditional water bodies, use of micro irrigation system for efficient use of available
water etc. The departments involved in implementation of various aspects of this
program are Water Resources Department, Agriculture Department, and Water
Conservation Department.

4.3. Flood

Flood mitigation is different in urban landscape and rural context. This includes
engineering measures and flood preparedness with the understanding of the
landscape's ecological and hydrological functions. Modifying susceptibility to flood
damage and disruption is the floodplain management strategy of avoiding
dangerous, uneconomic, undesirable, or unwise use of the floodplain. The tools
used to implement this strategy are regulations, development and redevelopment
policies, flood roofing and elevation.

4.3.1. Structural and non-structural measures

Development of Regulations:

Task Activities Responsibility

Page 22 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Development of • Prohibition of development in • Revenue Dept.

techno-legal wetlands, flood zone and low- • Irrigation Dept.
regime/ lying areas • Urban Development
regulations • Encourage for flood proofing Dept, Panchayat &
structures in flood prone Rural Housing
areas • Local Governments
• Build new water and sewage
systems andutility lines.
• Prescribing standards for
different flood prone zones on
flood maps
• Enactment and enforcement
of laws regulating in
developmental activities

Safe spaces in Flood hazard:

Task Activities Responsibility

Arrangement of • Study of Flood history • Relief and
Safe spaces in • Development of flood Rehabilitation
flood hazard map Department
vulnerable area • Irrigation
• Assess the Flood risk in
Department
the areas
• Urban
• Regulations for flood
Development
safe buildings
Department
• Rural
Development
• PRIs

Task Activities Responsibility

Arrangement of • Development of flood • Revenue Dept.
safe siting in hazard map • Irrigation Dept.
flood hazard • Study of history on floods • UD Dept, Panchayat &
areas occurred and estimated loss Rural Housing
and damage.
• Local Governments
• Asses the vulnerability of
risk elements
• Build houses in safer zone
Roles and Responsibilities:

Page 23 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Task Activities Responsibility

Arrangement of • Development of flood hazard • Revenue Dept. •
safe siting in map • Irrigation Dept.
flood hazard • Study of history on floods • UD Dept, Panchayat
areas occurred and estimated loss & Rural Housing
and damage. • Local Governments
• Asses the vulnerability of risk
elements
• Build houses in safer zone

Development and Redevelopment Policies:

Task Activities Responsibility

Development and • Develop long term • Revenue Department
redevelopment of flood flood policies to • Irrigation Dept.
preventive policies protect natural • UD Dept, Panchayat &
resources, Rural Housing
property and lives. • Local Governments
• Legislative and
regulatory
requirements.

Flood Forecasting and Warning System:

Updating of flood • Strengthening and • Director DMU

forecasting and warning upgradation of existing • Irrigation Dept
system flood forecasting • CWC
system
• IMD
• Stay in touch with IMD
and CWC
• Establish infrastructure
for flood warning and
dissemination.
• Ensure proper
communication
between district
authority and SEOC.

Timely forecasting helps people in taking some preparedness measures and protect
their lives and properties with all possible efforts. Thus, flood forecasting and early
warning system should be updated and kept in place by concerned authorities.

Page 24 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Non-Structural Measures:

Task Activities Responsibility

Capacity • Prepare departmental flood contingency • Revenue Dept.
Building plan • Director DMU
• Establish rain gauge recording station • Irrigation Dept
with trained.
• Line Dept.
• manpower in the State
• Train the flood rescue teams and ensure
• they havedemos/mock
Conduct functional rescue
drills inmaterials.
flood prone
areas from time to time and ensure that
rescue teams are properly trained and
equipped.
• Organize training for various
stakeholders involved in flood mitigation
and management.
• Organize mock drills on flood rescue
Awareness • Undertake public awareness activities in • Revenue Dept.
Generation flood affected areas and let people know • Director DMU
what to do and what not to do after, • Irrigation Dept
before and during flood.
• SDMA
• Design and develop the IEC materials in
local language and ensure their storage • Information Dept.
and distribution among people. • Line Dept.
• Motivate all families in flood prone areas
to prepare the family kit of emergency
materials.

4.4. Earthquake
4.4.1. Structural Measures

Zoning and Building Codes:

Task Activities Responsibility

Zoning • Conduct micro-zonation study and • Revenue Dept.
and prepare seismic map in earthquake • Director DMU
Building prone locations. • UD Dept.
Codes • Identify the vulnerable structures.
• PWD Dept.
• Adapt building code and
• Gram Panchayats
suggestions given by micro
• Local Urban
zonation study and do construction
Bodies
works accordingly
• Housing Dept.

Page 25 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

It is essential to conduct Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) of the existing building stock
as a preliminary step of building vulnerability assessment. This process will help to
scrutinize the highly vulnerable buildings requiring further evaluation and
retrofitting. RVS helps in prioritizing the structures for retrofitting. Initial focus for
structural safety audit and retrofitting can be on government and public buildings.
This activity needs to be carried out in a phased manner. Technical guidance should
be provided by the nodal agency to owners of the private buildings. Seismic
strengthening is also required for non-structural elements in the buildings such as
building finishes, cladding, water tanks and heavy elements inside buildings such
as furniture, hanging walls and roof elements. In seismic zone property insurance
mainly in new constructions should be done as a mitigation measure. The weak
structures in seismic zone should be avoided and vacated in time.
Instrumentation for monitoring of seismic activity

Task Activities Responsibility

Regular • Set up seismic recording stations • Science &
monitoring of in seismic prone areas with technology dept.
seismic activities modern equipment. • Local Urban
• Ensure regular study and Bodies
research work in this field by • Secy. DM
technical groups.
• Ensure dissemination of data and
information to all concerned.

Since early warning is not possible in case of earthquakes, the best choice is to
ensure that seismicity is monitored and integrated with the GIS (Geographic
Information Systems). It is necessary that mitigation strategies consider
instrumentation of all seismic prone areas to have a total assessment of the
seismic activity. This would enable reconfirmation and up-gradation of micro
zonation activities. The government may consider setting up a technical team
comprising scientists from time to time to investigate the aspects of instrumentation
and prepare instrumentation plans for the state.

Page 26 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

4.4.2. Non-Structural Measures

Task Activities Responsibility
Capacity Building • Strengthening of Techno-legal • Education &
regime technical
• Organize trainings on Education Dept.
earthquake resistant. • Revenue Dept.
• structures for engineers, • SDMA
architects, masons and others • Line Dept.
working in the construction (Technical
industry. Knowledge)
• Prepare departmental • YASHADA
earthquake contingency plan,
action plan and SOP (Standard
Operating Procedures)
• Incorporate earthquake
engineering course in
engineering syllabus.
• Carry out structural safety audit
of all critical infrastructures and
key resources.
• Motivate disaster insurance of
buildings.
• Improvement of emergency
4.5. Landslide response

4.5.1. Major Mitigation Strategies

(i) Hazard Mapping: Hazard mapping will identify the landslide-prone locations
and help to develop proper mitigation and preparedness measures in advance.
The settlement plan will be appropriate to reduce the risk and make the resources
more productive.

(ii) Land Use

• Areas with less vegetation on the upper slopes to be afforested with suitable
plants and more attention to be paid to preserve the existing vegetation and
forest patches.

• In landslides prone areas all development activities should be carried out only
after proper planning and protective measures
• Natural drainage systems should be protected while making roads, cannels,
railway tracks, and other developmental works in landslide vulnerable areas.

Page 27 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• It should be mandatory not to develop settlements in landslide prone hill

stations, sloppy areas, and newly constructed roadsides susceptible to
landslide risk etc.
• In advance relocate the infrastructures and settlements in the risk zones.

(iii) Civil Engineering and other Mitigation Measures (Structural Measures)

In hilly areas retaining walls are important to stop the landslides from slipping. But
other civil engineering structures such as shot-crafting, bolting, nailing, anchoring,
bioengineering etc. As per the requirement of site-specific mitigation are also
important measures. These are common and inevitable along the rod sides in
western-ghat region.

(iv) Engineered Structures

To control landslides, the strong engineering structures help a lot. Obviously,

engineering structures with strong foundations can withstand or take the ground
movement forces. Largely, the underground installations (pipes, cables etc.) should
be made flexible to move to withstand forces caused by landslides.

(v) Surface drainage Control Works

The surface drainage control works are implemented to control the

movement of landslides accompanied by infiltration of rainwater and spring flows.

(vi) Increasing Vegetation Cover

Vegetation controls soil erosion and landslides effectively. It is also one of the
cheapest and widely accepted mitigation measures. The surface soil becomes
stickier and stronger because of good vegetation. It helps to bind the top layer of
the soil with layers below, while preventing excessive run-off and soil erosion

(vii) Insurance

The houses that are prone to landslides or any other natural disasters should be
insured in time. In case of disaster, the houses may partly or fully get damaged,
which is unbearable to any house owner. Thus, insurance is the best way to
reconstruct the houses immediately after a disaster.

Page 28 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

4.6. Cyclone
4.6.1. Structural Measures

Safe siting and safe construction in cyclones prone areas:

Task Activities Responsibility

Safe siting in • Identify cyclone • SDMA
cyclone prone areas susceptible areas. • Secy. R & R
• Avoid sea shores, hill • PWD Dept.
slopes, river sides and • Irrigation Dept
weak and tall trees
near house.
• Make provision for wide
roads and drainage
system
Safe construction • Incorporate cyclone
resistant features in
house design and
construct accordingly
•• Certain factors can make some sites more exposed than others.
• Coastal areas are particularly prone. Cyclones originate out at sea and
become hazardous when they come ashore. They also drive the sea level
up to cause coastal flooding.
• Estuaries and river deltas will flood during heavy rainfall associated with the
• Exposed sites on the tops of hills or cliff tops.
• Valley necks or open-ended valleys, through which winds may be channeled.
When siting in areas that suffer from high winds:
• Select a sheltered site. Use any topographical effects or natural defenses
that may protect the building or settlement from the prevailing wind.
• Consider the orientation of the site. Shelter behind hills from prevailing
wind directions.
• Create wind breaks by planting trees or making strong bush fences.
Settlements with many trees experience lower wind speeds.
• The layout of the building on the site can also influence the way winds
affect them. Generally, settlements that are built in close clusters are
known to suffer more damage than those that have reasonable spacing
between buildings. Large buildings can be used to shelter smaller buildings.
A guide to safer layout would include:

• Site buildings are some distance from adjacent structures (at least three times
the plan dimension of the building).
• Site buildings in staggered formations rather than straight lines.

Page 29 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Keep buildings away from tall trees that might fall.

• Maximize street widths. Where possible they should be wider than 6m.
• In cyclone prone areas it is also important to minimize damage from floods,
and landslides.
• Construction of cyclone shelter and development of infrastructures
Task Activities Responsibility
Development of • Constructions by NCRM Project • SDMA
physical • Construction of 13 multipurpose • Secy. R & R
infrastructures cyclone shelters in cyclone prone • PWD Dept.
Konkan division
• Irrigation
• Strengthening of saline
Dept
embankments (50 kms)
• Development of underground • Electricity
cabling for electricity in Alibaug Dept
town
• Construction of all-weather roads
and bridges.
• Construction of missing roads and
bridges, strengthening/repairing of
existing roads and bridges in
cyclone belt.
• Strengthening of dams and canals
Strengthening/Se • Set up cyclone and tsunami • IMD,
tting up of Early forecasting system. Mumbai
Warning system • Ensure timely dissemination of • SDMA
early warning to both on-shore and
• Director,
off-shore coastal people.
DMU
• Ensure all ports, fishermen, salt
workers are connected to warning • Tourism
dissemination system. Dept

4.6.2. Non-Structural Measures

Task Activities Responsibility
Capacity • Prepare/update departmental • SDMA
Building cyclone contingency plan, • YASHADA
Activities action plan and SOP. • Line Depts.
• Organize cyclone mitigation
and management trainings for
various stakeholders involved
in cyclone

Page 30 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Awareness • Organize awareness • SDMA

Program campaigns on cyclone/ • Tourism Dept.
tsunami safety in schools, • Information Dept.
colleges, and coastal
communities.
• Disseminate cyclone/tsunami
warning to general public in
coastal areas.

4.7. Fires
4.7.1. Structural Measures

Task Activities Responsibility

Develop fire • Extend coverage of fire • Fire and
infrastructure and emergency services emergency
and other fire services dept.
to rural areas
facilities
• Involve the new • Industrial safety
stakeholders. department
• Strengthen coordination • Urban Local
between municipalities Bodies
and industrial safety • Health Dept
department.
• Equip fire stations with
modern fire engines and
other equipment.
• Provide fireproof devices
to fire fighters.
• Insurance coverage for
fire staff
• Make provision for special
fire burn ward in the
hospital
• Ensure that all fire
stations are connected to
effective communication
system

Fire and emergency services are essentially under the control of municipal authorities
and hence, are discouraged from crossing the municipal limits. Industrial safety
departments also have firefighting equipment for on-site emergencies. It is therefore
seen that the rural sector by and large, is totally deprived of any firefighting
assistance.

Page 31 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

As a part of mitigation strategy, efforts should be made to -

• Make fire and emergency services available to rural areas outside the
local municipal limits.
• Assisting municipal authorities not having fire brigade to establish such a
service.
• Encourage agricultural marketing committees and cooperatives in rural
areas to establish their fire services.
• Evolving methods of coordination between municipal fire services and
industrial safety departments.
• Undertake community education and preparedness for fire fighting in areas
where fire services will not easily available.
• In industrial towns, fire services should be equipped with protective clothing
and firefighting devices including masks, gloves etc. for dealing with
chemicals and toxic materials.
• Special burns wards should be established in every civil hospital and in the
hospitals near the industrial estates.
• Equipping fire services with communication facilities like wireless etc. and
wherever such facilities exist, these should be upgraded.
• A computerized data management system should be introduced to keep the
record of all fires including frequency, extent, fatality, economic losses etc.
• The roles and responsibilities of district administration, police, fire services
and medical services should be clearly laid down.

4.8. Industrial and Chemical Accidents

4.8.1. Structural Measures

Task Activities Responsibility

• Set up Emergency
Response Centre (ERC)
• Strengthen Mutual Aid
Response Group (MARG) • Industry Dept.
Industrial • Form and strengthen the • MIDC
Safety Crisis Groups at State, • District
Measures • District and Local levels. Authorities
• Industries not to be allowed • Local Authorities
in hazard prone areas.
• Develop on-site and off-site
Plans

Page 32 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Set up toxic water

treatment facility
• Set up leakage checkup
devices
• Purchase, store and keep
functional all necessary
industrial safety equipment.
• Make provision for poison
ward in civil hospital
• Implement the Acts and
Rules related to industrial • Industry Dept.
Techno-legal
safety firmly. • MIDC
Regime
• Ensure structural safety • Local
inspection/audit

• Establish/strengthen EOCs
• Nodal Authority
Strengthening (Emergency Operations
• MIDC
EOC and Centers) at all levels.
• Dist. Collector
warning • Set up onsite and off-site
systems • Municipal
warning dissemination
Commissioner
system

• Disaster prone areas should not allow for any factory/industry. Consider the
land use planning in view of hazard, risk, and vulnerability of the State.
• All industrial concentrations should be encouraged to establish MARG
for management of industrial accidents.
• Industries involved in the production or transportation of inflammable,
hazardous and toxic materials should have a mandatory responsibility for
preparing an off-site plan and communicating the same to the District
Collector. Simulation exercises should be undertaken in the adjoining
communities.
• Poison centers should be established in every civil hospital and in the hospitals
near the industrial estates with facilities for detoxication.
• All transport of hazardous and toxic materials should be communicated to the
RTO.
• All pipelines carrying hazardous and toxic materials should be equipped with
devices to check any leakage or metal fatigue.
• Small scale industries releasing toxic wastewater should be encouraged to
set up common effluent treatment facilities.
• A familiar format for chemical data sheets should be devised which should be
used by DISH to collect information from all industries in the state and the

Page 33 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

same should be available with the fire brigade & police.

4.8.2. Non- Structural Measures

Task Activities Responsibility

Emergency • Prepare/update emergency onsite • Nodal Authority:
Planning and offsite plan MIDC
• Regular monitoring of safety • Dist. Collector
activities in all the factories/ • Municipal
industries Commissioner
Organize • Organize industrial safety training • Nodal Authority:
Capacity for officers and staff working in the MIDC
Building factories. • Dist. Collector
• Set up an on-site and off-site • Municipal
monitoring team to check all safety Commissioner
measures.
• Conduct mock drills in a regular
interval.
• Encourage disaster insurance
Awareness • Organize community awareness • Nodal Authority:
Activities programs for the communities MIDC
residing near the factories and let • Dist. Collector
people know what to do what not to • Municipal
do in case of industrial disaster. Commissioner
• Develop IEC materials on local • SDMA
language and distribute them in
schools and local communities.
• Organize school level awareness
activities and ensure students'
participation in large numbers.

The district administration shall also organize various training and awareness
programs for community awareness for first aid and mitigation.

Page 34 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 5: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

5.1. Introduction
Disaster Preparedness

Preparedness for any disaster makes the response situation effective. A well-
prepared society can meet any emergency better. Thus, government on
preventive and mitigation measures rather than relief and post disaster works has
given more priority. The following disaster management activities may be considered
under preparedness measures.

• Update the resource inventory

• Review and update the DM plans
• Develop DM policy, guideline, and plan
• Establishment of EOC and early warning system
• Formation of DM committees and task forces
• Organize capacity building trainings
• Purchase/repair the search and rescue materials and critical supplies
• Identify disaster prone areas and complete the HRVA study
• Prepare the hazard maps
• Organize community-based DM trainings, orientations, and awareness
activities
• Make fund provision for disaster response, mitigation and relief works
• Implement all preventive and mitigation activities in disaster prone areas
• Conduct mock drills
• Mainstreaming of DM in development programs/projects/scheme
• Develop coordination and net working with various stakeholders

5.2. Capacity Building Trainings

The following capacity building training courses are to be organized under disaster
management program in the State for various state holders

Task Activity Responsibility

Capacity • Training to civil Defence, • SDMA/DDMA
Building Police and • Civil Defense
Trainings • Home Guards personnels, • Police
NSS/NC students in Search • Home Guard
and Rescue (SAR), and • Education Dept.
various aspect of disaster
management

Page 35 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Training to teachers, • Education Dept.

municipal corporation staff, • DDMA
district administration • Municipal Corp.
personnel, Zilla Parishad staff,
• Zilla Parisad
in various aspect of disaster
• YASHADA
management
• Training to civil society, • SDMA/DDMA
Community Based • Municipal Corp.
Organizations (CBOs), Self- • YASHADA
Help Groups (SHGs)
members, community
volunteers, PRI members and
corporate entities in various
aspect of disaster
management
• Training to fire and • SDMA
emergency service personal, • Municipal Corporation
and traffic police in various • Fire/Police
aspect of disaster
management
• Training to State Disaster • SDMA
Response Force (SDRF)
Teams in various aspect of
disaster management
• Training to Government • SDMA
officers and media persons in • Information Dept.
various aspect of disaster • YASHADA
management
• Training to engineers, • SDMA
architects, structural • UD Dept.
engineers, builders, and • PWD Dept.
masons in various aspect of • YASHADA
disaster management
• Training city planners and
government officials to
promote ecosystem-based
adaptation and integration of
climate risk management in
developmental planning.

Page 36 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Develop • Conduct HRVA study in the • SDMA

database for State and prepare hazard- • Science & Tech. Dept.
disaster wise mapping. • All line Dept.
management • Develop Geographic • MRSAC
Information System (GIS)
based information on
emergency fire and
ambulance services,
important civil supply, medical
and health services, and
important emergency
resources.
• For disaster management
purpose SDMA will develop a
database including
information of contact details,
disaster resources, response
agencies, NGOs, trained
personnel, most vulnerable
groups, evacuation routes,
available shelters, relief
centers, critical
infrastructures, storage
godowns, etc.

5.3. Techno-Legal Regime

Task Activity Responsibility
Institutional • Constitution of State Disaster • R & R Dept.
Arrangement Management Authority
• Formation of DM policy, guidelines, and • SDMA
Act. • All line Depts.
• Development of DM Plans at state,
district, taluka, and village level including
HRVA
• Prepare Hazard-wise Action Plans
• State Contingency Plans
• Prepare SOPs and ESF
• Departmental Disaster Management Plans

Page 37 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Formulation of professional Civil • UD Dept.

Engineers Act. • Legal dept.
• Revision of General Development Control
• Health &
Regulations (GDCR)
Medical Dept.
• Emergency Medical Service Act
• Formation of an Emergency Medical
Services (EMS)
• Set up paramedic cadre through training
programs and accredit / license them.
• Provide trainings to emergency service
staff.
• Make provisions for reorganization and
setting up of trauma centres in the state
• Standardize and license ambulance
services.
• Dedicate a statewide medical emergency
toll free number.
• Develop of guidelines/schemes for
Emergency Care of special section of
people like children, elders, Below Poverty
Line (BPL) beneficiaries, citizens of
remote and disaster-prone areas.

• Ensure all safety measures • Home Dept.

• Identification of locations. • Science &
• Put reliable alarm system in place • Technology
• Arrangement of personnel protective Dept.
equipment. • Revenue Dept.
• Promotion of life saving methods and • SDMA
techniques • Line Dept

Page 38 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Strengthening of relief distribution and • Revenue Dept.

accounting system at state and district Secy. R & R
level • Dist. Collector
• Identification of centralized system for
• Municipal
receipt, storage, and distribution of relief
Commissioner
• Rate contract, procurement, and stockpile
of relief material Civil Supply
Dept.
• Strengthening of EOC at state, and district • Revenue &
level DM Dept.
• Retrofitting of existing buildings in hazard • Secy. R & R
prone Zones • Dist. Collector
• Strengthening the DM committees, Task • Municipal
Forces, training organizations, Commissioner
government line agencies.
• SDMA
• Establish the EOCs with latest
communication system right from state to
village level
• Organize mock drills on different themes
and check the preparedness of line
agencies
• Ensure the emergency logistics
arrangement is in place system right from
state to village level
• Organize mock drills on different themes
and check the preparedness of line
agencies
• Ensure the emergency logistics
arrangement is in place

Page 39 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

5.4. Awareness
Task Activity Responsibility

Information • Design and develop public • Revenue Dept.

education and awareness messages in local • Information Dept.
communication language. • Education Dept.
• Disseminate the messages
• All line dept.
through electronic and print
• Dist. Collectors
media.
• Municipal
• Do wall paintings, hoardings,
Commissioners
posters, booklets, leaflets, street
plays, folk dances, local cable, • Other Dist.
Authorities
Advertisement, hording,
• Forest
booklets, school programs etc. Department
as core awareness activities.
• Disseminate messages on
promoting plantation and green
spaces in urban areas

5.5. Medical Preparedness

(a) Nodal Authority
The Director of Health Services is the State control authority for Disaster management
in the state. The Joint Director of Health Services (Malaria, Filaria & Waterborne
Diseases) is the State Nodal officer for Disaster Management. At district level, the
Civil Surgeon is Nodal Officer for the same.

The health department is supposed to refer to the Hospital Safety Guidelines for
further details issued by the National Disaster Management authority.

https://ndma.gov.in/images/guidelines/Guidelines-Hospital-Safety.pdf

Page 40 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

5.6. Communication System

Task Activity Responsibility

Set up safe • Set up reliable communication • Revenue
communication system between state, district, Dept.
and last mile taluka, and village. • SDMA
Connectivity • undertake research on the latest Science &
emergency communication and • Technology
information system. Dept.
• Enhance the local • Information
communication mechanism and Dept.
give priority on local language to • Local and
• Disseminate the alert message. district
• Form the Early Warning Teams authorities
at village level and train them on • Municipal
EWS. Ensure the teams are Commissioner
ready with communication
equipment round the clock.
• Ensure the most reliable and
alternative EWS in Disaster
prone localities.

Page 41 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 6: DISASTER RESPONSE

6.1. Response Strategy
A coordinated response mechanism makes relief and rescue operation effective,
resulting in minimizing losses of lives, property and environment damage. The goal
of response strategy is obvious to make maximum efforts to save more lives during
disaster and use the limited available resource in proper planning in due
coordination with all line departments at the time of emergency.
Disaster relief is a coordinated multi-agency response to reduce the impact of
a disaster and its long-term results. Relief activities include rescue, relocation,
providing food and water, preventing disease and disability, repairing vital
services such as telecommunications and transport, providing temporary
shelter and emergency health care.
The operational priorities regarding response strategy are strongly outlined as
follows:
• Dissemination of accurate and timely emergency public information and
warnings to the public
• Law enforcement
• Intelligence gathering/situation analysis
• Resource allocation and coordination
• Fire and rescue
• Evacuation
• Medical care
• Coroner operations
• Care and shelter
• Access and perimeter control
• Public health
• Safety assessment
• Restoration of vital services and utilities
• Along with goal and operational priorities, the operational strategy of response
mechanism is also important at State level which includes,
• Responsive and focused
• well-functioning
• working together effectively
• proper use of resources

6.2. Institutional Arrangements

To respond to disasters, the State Disaster Management Plan allows all disaster
specific mechanisms to work together at the time of emergency. For this purpose,
the existing administrative set, up at State level needs to be defined and made

Page 42 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

more specific and operational in terms of emergency management. The Incident

Response System (IRS) which has been taken as an effective disaster management
system and customized in Indian context considering the administrative
establishment proposes Chief Secretary as the head supported by the Secretary of
Disaster Management Unit (DMU) at State level and district collectors at district
level with Emergency Operation Centers (EOC).

6.3. Alert Mechanism

6.3.1. Early Warning

It is marked that the early warning message of a disaster declared by its

concerned competent agency first through electronic media and print media. Based
on such early warning or report from district collector on occurrence of a disaster
the State disaster response mechanism will be activated and kept on standby
position to respond to the situation on priority basis.

The details of competent agencies' work on early warning are given below:

Table 5: Competent agencies working on early warnings

Disaster Competent Agencies

Earthquake IMD, ISR
Floods Water Resource Dept. Irrigation Dept. IMD
Cyclones IMD
Tsunami INCOIS, ISR, IMD
Drought Agriculture Department
Epidemics and heat waves Health and Family Welfare Dept.
Industrial and Chemical Industry, Director Industrial Safety and Health
Accidents
Fire Fire and Emergency Services

6.3.2. Early Warning Dissemination System

On occurrence of a disaster in the State the message will be communicated

immediately to the concerned authorities and agencies at State and National level.

6.3.2.1. At State Level

Governor, Chief Minister, Home Minister, State Cabinet, Guardian Minister of the
district, and non-officials of the affected district namely MLAs and MPs.

6.3.2.2. At National Level

PMO, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary Home, and defense, NDMA and MHA to respond
to disasters, the State Disaster Management Plan allows all disaster specific

Page 43 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

mechanisms to work together at the time of emergency. For this purpose, the
existing administrative set, up at State level needs to be defined and made more
specific and operational in terms of emergency management. The Incident
Response System (IRS) which has been taken as an effective disaster management
system and customized in Indian context considering the administrative
establishment proposes Chief Secretary as the head supported by the Secretary of
Disaster Management Unit (DMU) at State level and district collectors at district
level with Emergency Operation Centres (EOC).

Based on the early warning of cyclone disaster of the IMD and other competent
agencies the same warning must be circulated to fishermen through ports,
fisheries officials and AIR broadcasts daily three/four times in local language. The
warning related to fishermen includes the following information - synoptic situation,
signals hoisted and advice not to go out into the sea. The warning is generally issued
for fishermen when one of the following conditions of weather is expected along and
off any coast.

• Strong offshore and on shore winds speed exceeding 45 km (about 27.96

mi)/hr.

• Squally weather – frequent squalls with rain, or persistent type of strong gusty
winds (36 km (about 22.37 mi)/hr.) accompanied by rain

• Gales and State of sea very rough or above (wave heights are four meters
or more)

6.4. Salt Workers

The salt workers in coastal districts will be protected from cyclone disasters. On
receipt of cyclone warning the district collectors of coastal area will immediately
warn the salt industries to investigate the situation and take care of the salt workers
for timely evacuation and safe shelter. In this connection the district collector will
involve the officials of the Labor Department and Industry Department.

6.4.1. Ship in the high sea

To help the ships in the high sea the IMD Mumbai published alert bulletins. It issues
bulletins known as “Extra,” “Storm” and “Special” as and when required during
cyclone.

6.4.2. Coastal shipping

The ships roaming in coastal area up to 75 km (about 46.6 mi) far from coastline are
provided the regular weather information through weather bulletins, The CWC
Ahmedabad issues these routine bulletins twice a day and broadcasted by Coastal

Page 44 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Radio Stations – Mumbai and Kandla. During the cyclone situation bulletin known as
“Extra,” “Storm” and “Special” are issued as and when necessary, by the CWC,
Ahmedabad six times a day and broadcasted by Coastal Radio Stations at Mumbai
and Kandla.

6.4.3. Mass Rescue Operation at Sea

The state of Maharashtra has coastline of 720 kms. and Maritime zone around
Maharashtra has great potential risk areas due to the threat posed by transportation
of Oil and hazardous chemical substances. The Indian Coast Guard is the lead
agency primarily entrusted to respond to operation at sea in events of any sighting
of distress or incidence at sea. One of the statutory duties of the Department of
Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation is to facilitate Mass Rescue
Operation at sea at the time of major fatalities at sea in coordination with the Indian
Coast Guard and all departments of State and Central Government. The State Mass
Rescue Operation Contingency Plan (Short Title: MRO, MAH) prepared by the Indian
Coast Guard has been designed to provide simple and operationally flexible mass
rescue contingency plan to effectively respond to all major distress situations at sea
in the Search and Rescue Region (SRR) of Maharashtra. The MRO (MAH) manual
has been vetted by the Department of DM, R&R. All public and private resources
under the India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) are included as part of the plan1.
The detailed Local Contingency Plan for Mass Rescue Operation at Sea prepared
by the Indian Coast Guard is annexed to this SDMP. The MRO covers important
aspects of coordinated mass rescue operation including the scope, AoR, rescue
procedures, documentation, training, and media interaction.

As per the MRO, the Department of DM R&R is entrusted with following

responsibilities in events of an emergency:

a) Crisis Management in case of Mass Rescue Operation at sea i.e. arrange for
rescue, relief.

b) Arrange for Risk Management by coordinating among all concerned departments

of the State and Central Government & promoting the culture of Preparedness,
Mitigation and Prevention for reducing disaster risks in the sea and coastal area.

c) Preparation of State Disaster Management Plan and Mass Rescue Operation

Contingency Plan at Sea.

d) Promoting the culture of preparedness, mitigation & prevention of effecting

sustainable development.

Page 45 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

e) Coordinating with Nodal Departments of the State Government for preparation of

Crisis Management Pla1n in respect of those disasters, which are monitored by the
National Crisis Management Group.

6.5. Public
The weather-related information available by AIR in local language. Now the
updated weather bulletins are also immediately circulated by electronic and print
media. In case of cyclone warning the special bulletins are broadcasted by local
radio and television for public information and preparedness.

6.6. Flood
IMD, Mumbai issues heavy rainfall forecast and warning. The Water Resources
Department, Govt. of Maharashtra manages the floods. On receiving heavy
rainfall warning the Water Resource Department assesses the situation and issues
flood warning if necessary and keeps alert the nodal officers of every irrigation
division and control rooms of district administration and police. The Krishna and
Bhima Sub-division office, Pune has prepared its flood control plan. In every
irrigation division, the executive engineer is a nodal officer who will closely monitor
the water level and discharge of dams and rainfall during emergencies.

6.7. Tsunami
A state-of-the art early warning center is established at INCOIS with all the
necessary computational and communication infrastructure that enables reception
of real time data from all the sensors, analysis of the data, generation and
dissemination of tsunami advisories following a standard operating procedure.

Seismic and sea level data are continuously monitored in the early warning centre
using a custom-built software application that generates alarms/alerts in the
warning centre whenever a pre-set threshold is crossed.

Tsunami warnings/watches are then generated based on pre-set decision support

rules and disseminated to the concerned authorities for action, following a Standard
Operating Procedure.

The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has installed 2 Bottom

Pressure Recorders (BPRs) deep in the Arabian Sea to confirm the triggering of a
tsunami.

1 Local Contingency Plan for Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) at Sea for Maharashtra.

Page 46 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

6.7.1. Dissemination

The National Early Warning Centre will generate and disseminate timely advisories to
the Control Room of the Ministry of Home Affairs for further dissemination to the
public. For the dissemination of alerts to MHA a satellite based virtual private
network for disaster management support has been established. This network
enables early warning center to disseminate warnings to the MHA, as well as to the
State Emergency Operation Centre.

On receiving an initial warning at SEOC, immediately the same will be sent to

all line departments, the district administration who are likely to be affected by
reliable communication means.

6.8. Drought
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water,
causes drought. It severely affects the agriculture and economy of the State.
Being a slow disaster, it takes time to get declared by the government considering
the rainfall reports of the IMD. The drought situation in Maharashtra was generally
monitored from the progress of the onset and the withdrawal of the Southwest
monsoon. The agriculture department of the government of Maharashtra is the
authentic agency to declare it. Drought situation reports are released by Agriculture
department from time to time. The IMD issues the rainfall report in this regard through
AIR, Doordarshan and other print and electronic media.

6.9. Earthquake
Early warning on earthquake disaster is not predictable. On account of disaster
history, the people of earthquake prone areas are motivated to take up all possible
structural and non-structural activities. As it is known that earthquake does not kill,
but the unsafe structures do. People shall be encouraged to build safe structures.
In case of earthquake, preparedness, and migration measures play a key role. To
minimize the loss of lives from earthquake disaster only quick response activities are
to be taken up.

Human-induced Disasters

Prediction of occurrence of unnatural disasters is not possible. So, preparedness

and mitigation measures are required to put in place and start immediate response
to such disasters if they happen somewhere in the State. Chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear disasters need to be handled by trained people working
in police, health, and industry departments. So, CBRN related issues need
professional groups to organize awareness activities at State and district level.

Page 47 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

6.10. Disaster Response Management at State Level

6.10.1. Disaster Response Management through Incident Response
System (IRS)

With early warning or without it, if a disaster occurs either natural or unnatural
then response activities start. In this phase search and rescue operations begin on
a priority basis. Based on location, size and severity of disaster the search and
rescue operation have to be planned and implemented. Obviously, it is a multi-
disciplinary job so different stakeholders get involved. Due to lack of prior
coordination and absence of role clarity among various stakeholders the disaster
specific relief and rescue operation gets delayed. To avoid all these disorders,
the NDMA has given priority to adapting the Incident Response System in
handling the emergency operation situation. However, Maharashtra State Disaster
Management Authority has customized the IRS considering its administrative set up
and will be implemented.

The Detailed description of the IRS is available in the National Disaster Management
Authority’s Guideline for implementation of Incident Response system (IRS).

https://ndma.gov.in/images/guidelines/incidentresponsesystemjuly.pdf

6.10.2. Coordination with Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Railway

and Airport Authorities
Immediately after a disaster the district administration will start its response works with
its own available resources. If the situation goes beyond its control, then district
administration seeks support from State and National level. In this emergency
State Government coordinates with Armed forces, Paramilitary forces, Airport
Authorities of India, Indian Railways and other organizations for search and rescue
operation, relief management and temporary shelter arrangement for affected
people.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) located at Talegaon, Pune covers
the Maharashtra State, and it plays an energetic role in response and relief
operations. This battalion is well equipped with skilled workforce and equipment and
ready to respond to any disaster in the State. The Maharashtra government will
take its support as and when necessary. In normal time the NDRF helps the disaster-
prone districts in organizing capacity building trainings for various stake holders and
in emergency it reaches at the spot to response on demand of the district/state. The
district administration may directly contact the NDRF or go through the Chief
Secretary and Secretary of Disaster Management Unit.

Page 48 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

In extreme situations support of the Armed forces requires at that time the Chief
Secretary will have to ask the national authorities for help.

As it is said in Response Mechanism chapter that the SDMA will adapt the IRS in
its emergency response operation. If necessary, the State will take help from
NDRF, Para Military Forces and Armed Forces in the time of emergency for
search and rescue operations, relief, and rehabilitation purposes. To make the
operation work easier and effective the representative of NDRF, Armed Forces and
Paramilitary Forces may be appointed as the Operation Section Chief (OSC). Under
his leadership the Search and Rescue operations will be carried out. The role and
responsibilities of OSC, Strike Team or Task Force Leader are given details in
Response Mechanism chapter.

6.10.3. Involvement of NGOs, NSS/NCC, and Local Communities

In emergency response activities voluntary organizations play a vital role. They

get involved in search and rescue operations, first aid service, food and shelter
management, and relief works. Thus, the local communities, college NSS/NCC
students, community-based organizations, NGOs and INGOs will be involved in
emergency activities to help the disaster affected people and the response
personnel.

6.10.4. Temporary Shelter, Health, and Sanitation

Immediately after the disaster the search and rescue works get started on war footing
basis, the rescued persons and affected families need to have temporary shelters
with basic amenities. The shelter management teams must take all necessary steps
to arrange temporary shelters in affected locations with toilets, drinking water, light,
food, and security. The problems of women, children, elderly people and disable
persons must be taken care of. The victim families would be provided candles,
matches, water pouches, milk pockets, biscuits, potable gas stoves, first aid kits, and
clothes.

6.10.5. Maintenance of Essential Services

Disaster causes great damage to the infrastructures and disturbs the normal
movement of society. The basic essential services like electricity, water supply,
communication, road links, and gas connection etc. need immediate attention of the
administration to get restored. The departments concerned, with the help of other
supporting agencies, must come forward and start working on a priority basis.

Page 49 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

6.10.6. Law and Order

In emergency situations the affected people and administration get busy in search
and rescue operations and try to save the lives of maximum people. In such a
situation security needs to be stringent and police must have a close look into the
behaviors of criminals. People during disaster become hopeless and do not have time
and patience to take care of their properties. Thus, police must maintain law and order
in disaster-affected areas with great care and ensure that people's belongings are
safe.

6.10.7. Communication

Every stakeholder in an emergency needs to be informed about the progress and

constraints of response work. The govt. bodies, affected communities, media
persons and voluntary organizations work together during emergency so district
administration will have to set a communication desk to circulate the updated
information to all and based on field information the State will also do same. Media
management is important to control panic in the community and make the response
activities more effective, systematic, and fair. Through communication unit the
authentic information goes to media and let people to know what the measures
govt. are is taking up, where and how the work is going on, what is the span of
search and rescue operation and how community will get involved in this phase.
Only effective communication helps the affected people to stay connected with govt.
connected and know government welfare schemes, relief measures, and financial
support.

6.10.8. Preliminary Damage Assessment

In the aftermath of a disaster the affected families and areas need assistance
from the government on a priority basis. But it is difficult to meet the demands
without proper damage assessment. In this regard the government departments
and local authorities shall carry out a preliminary need and loss assessment study
under the guidance of district administration and distribute the available resources
accordingly in affected areas. The loss and damage assessment report helps to
deploy the limited resources properly without chaos. The district administration for
this purpose shall develop some parameters, resulting in the affected people and
infrastructure being restored in time.

Page 50 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 7: DISASTER-WISE ACTION PLAN

7.1. Flood
Flood is a temporary inundation of large regions as the result of an increase in water
level of a reservoir o r r i v e r a n d high winds, cyclones, storm-surge along coast,
tsunami, melting snow or dam bursts. Maharashtra is highly vulnerable to floods.
Also, floods are not just restricted to one region but spread all over the state.
Maharashtra, therefore, exhibits a high proneness to floods. Floods in Maharashtra
occur during monsoon and hence, the accompanying damage such as deaths due
to lightning, landslides, house crashes and drowning have been commonly reported
from most districts. Analyzing the floods in Maharashtra, one observes that most
floods in Maharashtra are flash floods due to nallah-overflows and poor drainage
systems. Very few floods, like the one in Konkan in 2983, are due to heavy
rains in the region. The floods of 2005 and 2006 have shown that almost all the
districts in the State are vulnerable to floods. All districts in the State except
Ahmednagar, Beed, Solapur, Latur, Osmanabad, Jalna, Aurangabad, and Buldhana
are flood prone. This puts most of the population in the State vulnerable to floods.

Onset Type

Floods may happen gradually and take hours, or can even happen suddenly due to
breach of the structures, spillover etc. A heavy downpour causes flash floods in the
region.

Disaster Declaration

IMD, Mumbai and Nagpur predict heavy rainfall warning for Maharashtra state. Based
on the information, and assessing the rainfall of catchment area, water level of rivers
and dams the water resource department declares flood disaster for affected areas in
the state.

Early Warning

Community based flood forecasting and warning systems

It is important that the people in each community receive information as early

as possible about the possibility of flooding in their area. The way in which
messages are disseminated in communities will depend on local conditions, but may
include some or all of the following:
• Media warnings (print and electronic)
• General warning indicators, for example sirens
• Warnings delivered to areas by community leaders or emergency services.

Page 51 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Dedicated automatic telephone warnings to at-risk properties.

• Information about flooding and flood conditions in communities upstream.
One approach to disseminating messages is to pass warning messages from
village to village as the flood moves downstream.
• Keep watch and be regularly informed about the river level and
embankment conditions in the local area. The monitoring of the river and
embankment should be increased as the water level increases and crosses
the critical danger level
• A community-based warning system to pass any information about an
approaching flood to every family.

Involvement of communities in data collection and local flood warning

systems

If communities become involved in data collection for flood forecasting, and

the importance of their role is understood, a sense of ownership is developed.
Individuals can be appointed for the following tasks:

Taking care of installations/ equipment, trained as gauge readers for manual

instruments (rain gauges, water level recorders), Radio operators to report real-time
observations.

Trained individuals within the community should be able to gather and

update information to:

• Know the depth of past severe floods in the local area.

• Know the causes of flooding in the local area.
• Know how quickly the waters might rise.
• Know how long the floodwaters might remain in the locality.
• Know the direction of movement of the floodwaters.
• Involving community members also helps prevent vandalism and damage to
installations going unreported.

Procedure for disseminating warnings to remote areas

Communities in remote areas may not receive the types of warnings described in the
previous section. Responsibilities need to be defined clearly for lower tiers of
administration and the emergency services to have predefined links with communities
in remote areas. This should include:

• Local radio, which should be supplied with clear and accurate information.
• Use of appointed community wardens with direct two-way radio or mobile
telephone access to warning agencies and emergency authorities

Page 52 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Local means of raising alarms, for example church bells, sirens, loud
hailers, loudspeakers etc. The latter could be the responsibility of selected
individuals or wardens, who need to be provided with equipment and transport,
for example motorcycles or bicycles.
• High Priority Telegram
• Doordarshan and the local cable channels (TV channels & radio Channels
including FM radio)
• Bulletins in the Press
• Satellite Based Disaster Warning Systems
• Fax, Telephone

Trigger Mechanism: Plan Activation

The flood response system will be activated on the occurrence of heavy rain. The
Secretary of R & R will activate all the Departments for emergency response
including the State EOC, other control rooms at the state level as well as district
control rooms with full strength. He will issue instructions to include the following
details:
• Specify exact resources required.
• The type of assistance to be provided.
• The time limit within which assistance is needed.
• The state, district, or other contact persons/agencies for the provision
of the assistance
• Other Task Forces with which coordination should take place.
Once the situation is totally controlled and normalcy is restored, the Secretary R
& R declares End of Emergency Response and issues instructions to withdraw
the staff deployed in emergency duties.

Page 53 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

# Response to be taken Responsibility

1 Flood Alert and Warning and Preparation State Emergency
• Receive rain fall warning from IMD Operation Centre (SEOC)
website. Secretary R & R Director,
• Communicate the warning to State DMU
authorities, all district collectors, and
other stakeholders.
• Ensure control rooms are in a readiness
position at all levels.
• Keep the workforce, equipment and
critical supplies on standby position
• Make provision for immediate evacuation
of affected people to safer places.
• Ensure food, water etc. are sufficiently
arranged in affected areas.
• Ensure all affected people will be
evacuated in time and provided basic
facilities in temporary shelters
2 Flood Declaration State Emergency
• Based on rainfall monitored by various Operation Centre (SEOC)
agencies like IMD, CWC rainfall stations, and Water Resources
State Irrigation Department, Central Dept.
Water Commission and Agriculture
Department the State Water Resource
Department declares flood in affected
areas.
• Report on the occurrence of flood to
Secy. R & R, MSDMA, Heads of line
departments, Chief Secretary and Chief
Minister's office and National Disaster
Management EOC, GoI.
3 Arrange Alternative Emergency State Emergency Operation
Communication Centre (SEOC)
• Establish communication links by
alternate communication equipment like
phone, radio etc. in state/district EOC and
Taluka control rooms.
• Deployment of Mobile Emergency
Communication Units to affected areas
for establishing communication links

Page 54 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

4 Emergency Meeting and Response Measures Secretary R & R

• Hold first meeting with Duty Officers of
EOC
• Contact the Heads of all the line
departments to reach State EOC
• Contact the district collector/s and take
the emergency requirement report.
• Dispatch of Search & Rescue teams to
the affected areas.
• Report to the Chief Secretary on the
situation.
• Contact the NDRF team if situation
worsens
• Make arrangements for the aerial survey
of affected areas
5 Search and Rescue Operation Secy. R & R Secy. Home
• Deploy search and rescue teams in Secy. Health
affected area
• Rescue and shift people to safer places.
• Maintain law and order in affected areas.
• Ensure medical treatment of flood victims
6 Post Flood Situation Revenue. Agriculture,
• Prepare damage assessment report. management, Health,
• Ensure proper collection and distribution Municipal Corporations
of relief materials.
• Prepare the list of missing people, death,
and injured persons.
• Take necessary steps for carcass
management.
• Restore and repair the basic
infrastructures.
• Develop reconstruction and rehabilitation
plan

Department-wise relief works:

# Response to be taken Responsibility

Providing temporary shelters to
1 PWD, Revenue Dept.
evacuated persons
2 Providing food materials to the Revenue, Civil Supplies Animal
victims Husbandry
Providing fodder and animal feeds

Page 55 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

3 Providing safe drinking water to Water Supply Dept.

the victims
4 Provision of hygienic sanitation Health Dept., NGO, Community groups
facilities
5 Provision of health assistance Health Dept.
6 Clothing and utensils Civil Supplies
7 Relief camps PWD, Revenue Dept.
8 Providing transport services to Revenue Dept. Transport Dept.
shelter sites

Relief Measures
Short-term relief measures

• Provide dry rations for home cooking.

• Supply clean and safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.
• Supply adequate of medicines, disinfectants, fumigants etc. to check
outbreak of epidemics.
• Distribute sufficient clothing materials, cooking and eating utensils.
Provide sufficient covered space for shelter. Disaster-affected households
shall be provided with necessary tools, equipment and materials for repair,
reconstruction, and maintenance for safe use of their shelter.
• Relief camps also provide good temporary arrangements for people
affected by the flood. Adequate numbers of buildings or open space should
be identified where relief camps can be set up during emergencies.

Interim Relief Measures

• Arrangements to be made for quick identification and maintenance of the

records of disposal of dead bodies in the affected areas (Home Dept.,
Revenue Dept., Health Dept., and Local Authorities).
• Arrangements to be made to record the complaints of all persons reported
missing. Follow-up action in terms of verification of the report also needs
to be taken. (Home Dept.)
• District Magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates are to be empowered to
exempt the requirement of identification and post-mortem in case of mass
casualties. Revenue Dept may depute additional sub-divisional magistrates
to expedite disposal of the dead bodies. (Revenue & Home Dept.)
• Unclaimed/unidentified dead bodies to be disposed of with the help of pre
identified voluntary Agencies at the earliest after keeping their records. (Home
Dept., Revenue Dept., Health Dept. & Local Bodies)
• Additional workforce to be deployed in the affected areas to supplement local
administration efforts. (GAD).

Page 56 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Separate Cell to be established at state/district/taluka level to coordinate with

the NGOs and outside donor/aid agencies. (Revenue Dept.)
• Regular meetings of the different stakeholders/departments should be
organized at state level for sharing information, developing strategies for relief
operations. (Secy. R & R, Director DMU & Collectors at District Level).
• Information & Public Relation Department to coordinate with the media to play
a positive role in disseminating appropriate information to the public and the
government to facilitate the speedy recovery.

Assessment of Damage/Loss and Relief needs

• The Secy. R & R to issue instructions to the district collectors to provide the
Need Assessment Report. The Secy. R & R should consolidate the same and
to prepare “State’s Need Assessment Report.”
• The Secy. R & R to issue instructions to the District Collectors to provide
the Damage and Loss Assessment Report. The Secy. R & R to consolidate
the same and to prepare the State’s Damage and Loss Assessment Report
which will be useful in planning and implementing the relief operations for
disaster victims.
• Adequate workforce, vehicles, stationery etc. should be provided to
supplement the efforts for need/loss assessment. (Secretary of R & R Dept.)
• The relief need assessment report should be provided by the Collectors.
(Secy. R & R, Director DMU & Collectors)
• Identification and demolition of dangerous structures in the affected areas
to minimize further loss of life and injuries. (PWD Dept., Revenue Dept.,
and Local Bodies)
• Arrangements for distribution of gratuitous relief and cash doles. (Revenue
Dept., Panchayat & Rural Housing Dept., UD Dept. and Collectors) (Sorce:
SDMP Gujrat)

7.2. Drought
Drought is a natural hazard that differs from other hazards since it has a slow
onset, evolves over months or even years, affects a large spatial extent, and
causes little structural damage. It is a creeping disaster.
It has broken the backbone of the farmers in Vidarbha or Marathwada regions
in Maharashtra. Since 2012, farmers in two regions have been severely affected.
Falling rainfall levels, falling ground water levels, drying wells, rivers and reservoirs
and poor agricultural production warn the onset of drought. According to Indian
Meteorological Department, the country is said to be drought affected when the
overall rainfall deficiency is more than 10 per cent of the extended period average.

Page 57 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Onset Type and Warning

Its onset and end and severity are often difficult to decide. Droughts are a normal part
of climate variability for virtually all regions, it is important to develop plans to deal
with these extended periods of water shortage in a prompt, systematic manner as they
evolve. Experience has shown that the democratic from of governance has handled
droughts more efficiently than others, as showed by the situation in India before and
after independence. Like other hazards, the impacts of drought span economic,
environmental, and social sectors and can be reduced through mitigation and
preparedness.

Authority

The Department of Agriculture of Government of Maharashtra is the nodal agency in

the State to declare a situation as drought disaster considering all the parameters
mandated by the Drought Manual 2016, Government of India.

Drought Type

There are three kinds of drought: meteorological drought, hydrological and

agricultural drought. (Source: threeissues.sdsu.edu)

1. Meteorological drought is related to shortage of rainfall. It occurs when

the seasonal rainfall received over an area is less than 25% of its long-term
average value. It is called moderate if the deficiency in rainfall is in the range of
26-50%. It is called severe when the deficit exceeds 50% of the normal.

2. Hydrological drought is caused due to deficiencies in surface and sub-surface

water supplies. Such a situation may arise irrespective of average or above
average rainfall. For, it is caused by indiscreet usage of water by an ignorant and
careless population.

3. Agricultural drought is caused by the combination of meteorological and

hydrological droughts. It occurs when soil moisture and rainfall are both inadequate
during the crop- g r o w i n g season. For, water demand of crops depends on
the prevailing weather conditions, biological characteristics of the specific crop,
its stage and rate of growth and the physical and biological properties of the
soil where crop plantation happens to be. Thus, agricultural drought is caused
by a combination of heterogeneous factors by chances together—
meteorological, hydrological, plant, weather, and soil. Besides, agricultural drought
is also caused due to excessive sensitivity of agriculture to seasonal cropping
with a weekly rainfall. Deficiency of even 5 cm (about 1.97 in) from mid-May to
mid-October (the Kharif season) may cause drought. Poorly drained soil with
mineral deficiency needs constant watering before the monsoon and after the
monsoon. In fact, during sowing kharif and rabi crops, soil must be kept sufficiently
moist by watering, or the yield is adversely affected.

Page 58 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Typical Effects of Drought

Drought is a creeping disaster. Its onset is difficult to demarcate and so also its
end. Delay in the arrival of monsoon, failure of monsoon, irregular and scanty rainfall
during kharif, falling of groundwater level, drying of wells and reservoirs and deficit
in paddy plantation show the onset of drought. Its impacts are generally non-
structural and difficult to quantify at once. Its spatial extent like that of floods denotes
its severity. The fall in groundwater level, less food production, availability of less
fodder for animals, migration of laborers, water crisis finds its long-term impact.
Its impacts like those of floods are cumulative and its continuance over a period or
season magnifies the impact manifold.
Drought, unlike other hazards, does not cause any structural damage. The typical
effects include loss of crops, livestock, timber, fishery production, food
shortage, dehydration, loss of life, increased poverty etc. In fact, the impacts of
drought are categorized as economic, environmental, and social. (Source:
threeissues.sdsu.edu)
1. Economic impacts
• Loss of production in farm sector and in non-farm sectors
• Loss of income and buying power of people in drought affected areas.
• Loss of production in agro-processing industries
• Unemployment increases
• Loss of government revenue etc.

2. Environmental impacts
• Loss of flora and fauna
• Loss of forest cover and vegetation
• Migration and extinction of wildlife due to more preying by starving
people
• Loss of biodiversity due to continuous drought
• Water sources will dry up.

3. Social impacts
• Population migration to urban will be higher
• Unemployment, child labor, human trafficking increase
• Social conflict for drinking water
• Problem of law and order
• School dropout increases
• People sales out their valuables in cheap rate

Page 59 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Roles and Responsibilities of Government Departments

Department of Disaster Management

• Drought being slow on-setting hazard, response to it may be coupled with

mitigation measures to hold it from further intensification.
• Encourage the Water Resources Department, Department of Minor
Irrigation, Department of Agriculture, and other specialized agencies to take
up drought prevention and mitigation measures.
• To coordinate with Urban Development Department/Panchayati Raj
Department/ Rural Development Department/PWD/ Education
Department/Health Department etc. for promotion of rainwater harvesting
measures as a drought prevention measure and encourage them.
• To incorporate rain harvesting measures in all building construction works
undertaken by the State Government.
• Work out drought prevention, mitigation, and preparedness measures in
association with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Department
and Department of Environment and Forest & through other specialized
agencies.

Department of Agriculture

• Identification of drought prone areas through GIS mapping, rainfall estimation etc.
• Survey and study of identified drought prone areas
• Formulation of prevention, mitigation, and preparedness measures along with budget
allocation,
• Formulation of policy and strategizing the implementation of rain harvesting
program & activities
• Working out Crop Contingency Plan
• Providing Agriculture Input subsidy
• Strategizing the storage and supply of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides
• Working out ecological betterment of the organizing the irrigation facilities
• Working out alternative cropping program and activities

Department of Minor Irrigation

• Identify drought-prone areas, availability of water resources, and level of ground

water in the area.
• Formulation of prevention, mitigation, and preparedness measures.
• Strategizing the cropping pattern in association with the department of
Agriculture and Creation of Irrigation facilities accordingly.
• Monitoring and supervision of the watershed and rainwater harvesting facilities
in drought prone areas.

Page 60 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Department of Water Resources

In association with the Department of Minor Irrigation, integrate its preventive

& mitigation measures with those of Department of Agriculture for prevention,
mitigation, and preparedness for drought.

Department of food and Consumer Protection

In consultation with the Department of Disaster Management, set up centers for

supply of food grains on subsidized rates or free, as decided.

Department of Health and Family Planning

• Organize medical camps in affected areas.

• Checklist of medicines and medical facilities to have in the camps.
• Arrangements for the running of the camps on long term
• Arrangement of provisions for the medical staff staffing the camps
• Making arrangements for community centered medical services rather than
camp centered services.

Department of Public Health

• Installation of extra hand pumps to sustain the supply of drinking water.

• Formulating rain harvesting practices and promoting the same in vulnerable areas.

Relief Measures

• Ensure immediate supply of drinking water, food grains, and fodder.

• Supply all necessary medicines and supplements for children, women, and
other poor communities.
• Distribute preventive animal health inputs for the time bound overcoming of
disease challenges.
• Provide off-faming business support to needy families.
• Sustenance funds to victim families for children education, health and purchasing
daily needs.
• Government takes effective steps to control the market price of basic goods
rice, wheat, pulses, edible oil etc.
• Ensure all government welfare schemes, projects and programs are implemented
properly in the drought prone areas.
• Make sure that agricultural products provided by the government are reaching
the target beneficiaries without discrimination and administrative chaos.
• Strengthening local natural resource management
• Promoting conflict resolution mechanisms

Page 61 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

7.3. Earthquake

Earthquakes in Maharashtra show major alignment along the west coast and
Western Ghats region. Seismic activity can be observed near Ratnagiri, along
the western coast, Koyna Nagar, Bhatsa and Surya areas of Thane district. Latur
earthquake in Maharashtra occurred on Sept. 30, 1993, of 6.3 magnitude and
caused a huge loss of lives and properties.

Onset Type and Warning

Earthquake is a sudden onset hazard. They occur at any time of year, day, or night,
with sudden impact and without any warning sign. There is no accepted method of
earthquake prediction as on date.

Disaster Declaration

Based on the information on occurrence of earthquake in certain areas from local

authority/ district collector the SDMA declares earthquake disaster affected areas.

Trigger Mechanism: Plan Activation

• An earthquake of magnitude 5 or more is likely to cause deaths and injuries to

human beings and damage to all kinds of property, both private and public.
Unfortunately, there is truly little warning available before the earthquake.
Therefore, planning should cater for a quick response at all levels to reduce the
effects of the earthquake to a minimum. The Revenue department of the State
will be the nodal department for formulating, controlling, monitoring and
directing measures for earthquake preparedness, organizing rescue, relief, and
rehabilitation. All other concerned departments should extend full cooperation
in all matters pertaining to the management of earthquake disasters whenever
it occurs. The occurrence of an earthquake may be reported by the Indian
Meteorological Department (IMD) / National Geophysical Research Institute
(NGRI) / Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) to the State Authority by the
fastest means.

• The State Crisis Management Committee (SCMC) under the chair of the Chief
Secretary should be activated immediately on the occurrence of any major
earthquake. Besides these, the SEOC also receives reports on the earthquake
from district and taluka levels. On receipt of the information, the SEOC verifies the
authenticity of the reports and will inform the real situation to the concerned
authorities. The State government may, by notification published in the official
gazette and in any one or more newspapers having widest circulation in the area,
declare such area to be disaster affected area.

Page 62 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Response Mechanism

Information and reporting

The agencies who provide information to the SEOC about the occurrence of an
earthquake in the State are as stated below:

• Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai

• Institute of Seismological Research (ISR)

• Mobilize additional workforce from the departments to the affected district /

talukas for supporting the Relief Operation. They should be provided task force
action Plans of the concerned talukas / district prepared earlier.

Management of Media (Press/TV Channels/Government Press Notes) to be

carried out by the Secretary (Information & Broadcasting) with special emphasis on
rumor control. He shall maintain constant liaison with Principal Secretary of Relief
Rehabilitation.

Restoration of lines of communications and essential services to facilitate

emergency response.

• Establishment of Emergency Communication

• Restoration of Communication Links (Rail, Road & Air)
• Restoration of power and electricity
• Supply of safe drinking water
• Restoration of essential lifeline infrastructure

Search, rescue, and medical assistance

• Identification of areas where SAR Teams to be deployed

• Coordination of SAR teams for their quick deployment in allotted areas
• Provision of quick transport of SAR teams to affected areas.
• The department of Transport to evolve a mechanism for clearing access routes and
debris in order to facilitate search and rescue operations.
• Mobilization of specialized equipment and machinery to affected areas.
• Cordoning of affected areas with control of entry and exit.
• Traffic Management by establishment of traffic points and check-posts.
• The Home Department to evolve a mechanism for providing security of properties of
government and public in the affected areas.
• Setting up of field hospitals in the affected areas and deployment of mobile hospitals.
• Arrangements to be made for quick transportation of injured victims to the hospitals.
• Secretary (Health) to evolve a mechanism for speedy treatment of casualties.

Page 63 of 193
 Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Emergency relief (shelter, food, clothing, etc.)

a. Establishment of temporary shelters for evacuees.

b. Ensuring provision of essential services as under:
• Arrangement for food, clothing, blanket/bedding, drinking water, sanitation
and hygiene, lighting arrangements and essential medicines.
• Deployment of mobile hospitals in affected areas for treatment of victims.
• Providing counseling services to the earthquake victims and their relatives.
c. Arrangement for providing transport facility to send dead bodies of non-locals
to their natives. The administration should also ensure Law and Order during shifting
of the dead bodies.
d. Ensure establishment of communication link between the affected people and their
relatives outside.

Emergency Response Phase (First 72 Hours of the Incident)

# Task Responsibilities
1 Occurrence of Earthquake and Information Dy. Secretary
Dissemination (SEOC)
• Verify the authenticity of the incident from
agencies like IMD, ISR, and also from District /
Taluka control rooms, Police and Fire Brigade
control rooms
• Report the occurrence of earthquake to Director
DMU, Secretary R & R, CEO - SDMA, Heads of all
line departments, Chief Secretary and Chief
Minister's Office and National Disaster
Management EOC at MHA, GoI
• In case of L-2 level event, overall management of
SEOC shall be taken over by Secretary R & R
2 Emergency Communication Dy. Secretary
• Establish communication link by activating (SEOC)
alternate communication equipment i.e., satellite Duty officer (I &
phone, HF / VHF set, HAM Radio, VSAT etc. in P)
State / District EOCs and Taluka control rooms.
• Instruct to deploy the Mobile Emergency
Communication Units to affected areas for
establishing communication link

Page 64 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

3 Holding Emergency Meeting Secretary R & R

• Hold first meeting with Heads of all line
departments and inform them to send responsible
officers to SEOC.
• Alert Emergency Rescue Teams for quick
mobilization to affected areas
• Inform GAD to ensure all State Government
employees report for emergency duties within half
an hour.
• Senior State level officers to be deputed to the
affected areas.
•Contact Ministry of Defense for aerial / satellite
imageries of the affected areas
4 Deployment of Task Forces Secretary R & R,
• Dispatch of Search & Rescue teams with Secretary
equipment and materials to the affected areas Health, Collector,
Municipal
• Quick Medical Response Teams to the affected
Corporation
areas
• Request for the services of NDRF and Armed
forces, if required through designated
representative
• Activate Operations Section of IRS for Emergency
Response Operation
• Instruct both regular and emergency staff of EOC
to report for duty.
• Instruct Quick Assessment Task Force to submit
preliminary need and loss assessment report of
the affected areas.
• Make arrangements for an aerial survey of the
affected areas.
• Instruct local administration to evacuate victims to
safer sites.

Page 65 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

5 Meeting with Crisis Management Group Secretary R & R,

• Contact Chief Secretary to decide on time and
venue for holding Crisis Management Group
(CMG) meeting at the earliest.
• Inform all CMG members to attend CMG meeting
in designated venue to assess situation and
review emergency measures.
• Crisis Management Group to assess situation,
delegate responsibilities for organizing rescue and
relief operations
6 Interdepartmental Coordination Chair, SEC,
• Requests may be made for assistance from the Secretary
Central Government (MHA and MOD), if required. R & R, Secretary
Request the nearest headquarters of the Armed Transport,
Forces to render assistance in emergency search, Secretary (I & P)
rescue, and relief operations
• Inform Secretaries of the departments to provide
necessary logistics support to emergency
operation task forces
• Assess the conditions of road, rail, and air
communication link for quick mobilization of
Emergency Teams and resources to affected
areas and take follow up actions.
• Director, Information and Secretary - (I & P) to
establish media management / information cell for
public information, guidance, and rumor control
• Make suitable transportation arrangement for
mobilization of quick response teams to the
affected areas
• Maintain constant touch with the National / District
and Taluka EOCs

Page 66 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

7 Assistance from External agencies Chief Secretary,

• Contact private / public sector agencies in the Secretary R & R,
State to assist in emergency rescue and relief Director DMU
operations.
• If necessary, assistance may be asked from
neighboring states and outside agencies.
• Set up separate desks for each operation task
force and NGO coordination desk in the SEOC for
coordinating emergency operations
• Set up separate desks for each operation task
force and NGO coordination desk in the SEOC for
coordinating emergency operations

8 Maintain Law and Order Secretary Home

• Provide security in affected areas and maintain
law and order situation.
• Instruct to cordon affected areas and setting up of
check posts to control entry and exit.
• Free access routes and manage traffic for
mobilization of equipment, machinery, and
volunteers to the affected areas.
• Ensure safety and security of personnel deputed
in affected areas for emergency response
operation
9 Media Management Chief Secretary R
• Instruct district information officers to establish & R, Secretary I
information center near affected areas to provide &P
guidance to volunteers and aid agencies.
• Establish Press / Media Centre for media
management and information dissemination
• Arrange for press / media release for rumor
control and public information and guidance.
• Establish information centres at the arrival and
departure points especially at the airports, railway
stations and interstate bus terminus
• Prepare and circulate the situation report and
prepare press notes twice a day

Page 67 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

10 Treatment of Injured persons Director, Disaster

• Alert all major hospitals to make necessary Management Unit
arrangement for treatment of injured
• Set up field hospitals near the affected areas &
arrange to shift injured persons to field hospitals

11 Relief Materials Secretary I & P

• Establish relief coordination center at the airport, and Secretary R
railway station, etc. for arrival of Search & Rescue & R, Secretary
and Medical Teams coming for humanitarian aid. Transport,
• Establish central relief coordination center nearer Secretary
to State Head Quarters Civil Supplies,
• Mobilize relief materials i.e., tents, food materials, Collectors,
water, essential medicines, blankets, etc. to the Municipalities
affected districts and talukas.
• Instruct district collectors to establish relief
coordination center and godowns near affected
areas and provide full security cover as well.
• Arrange for distribution of cash doles to the victims

12 Temporary Shelters Secretary R & R

Arrange to shift evacuated persons to temporary shelters Collector/s
and ensure provision of food, water facilities, blankets,
and storage of relief materials
13 Restoration of Essential Services PWD, BSNL,
Restore essential services i.e., power, water supply, Water Supply,
telecommunication facilities of SEOC, headquarter, AIR, Electricity, AIR,
Doordarshan, Governor, Chief Minister, senior officials of Doordarshan
the State bureaucracy on priority basis
14 Transportation Secretary
Arrange road, rail, and air transport at State / District Transport
headquarters for dispatch of relief materials to the
affected areas
15 Damage Assessment Secretary R & R
• Prepare quick need assessment report for Collector/s
planning of relief operation and mobilization of
resources to the affected areas.
• Conduct aerial survey and also mobilize quick
assessment teams to affected areas.

Page 68 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

16 Set up Public Grievance Desk Director DMU,

• Arrange information centers at shelter sites for Collector,
maintaining records of victims and to provide
guidance to relatives, NGOs, etc.
• Arrange for complaints regarding missing persons
and initiate search in shelters, hospitals, and police
records
17 Disposal of Dead Bodies Secretary Home,
• Arrange for identification, photograph, postmortem Secretary Health,
and maintenance of records for disposal of dead Secretary
bodies. Transport,
• Arrange for Sub-Divisional Magistrates Collector
empowerment for waiving off postmortem of dead
bodies.
• Arrange for additional workforce if necessary for
disposal of dead bodies.
• Arrange for transportation of dead bodies to their
native places if so required.
• Arrange for disposal of unidentified and unclaimed
dead bodies
• Arrange for transportation of injured from field
hospitals to base hospitals

Relief Measures

Short-Term Relief Measures

1) Provide temporary shelter to affected people

2) Evacuation sites should be safe, and easily accessible.
3) Continue to provide essential services to the affected people i.e., food,
water, clothing, sanitation, and medical assistance
The Secretary R & R, and Director DM Unit to ensure the following in the relief
camps:

• Special emphasis on hygiene and sanitation aspects should be given in relief

camp sites.
• A separate area should be earmarked within the relief camp for storage
of relief materials.
• Adequate workforce and transport facilities for the camp site.
• Arrangements to be made for trauma management.
• Mobile medical units to be sent to remote areas with a view to provide
medical assistance to the victims/injured.
• The information center should be established by the administration.

Page 69 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Interim Relief Measures

• Arrangements to be made for identification and maintenance of the

records of disposal of dead bodies in the affected areas.

• Arrangements to be made to record the complaints of all persons reported

missing. Follow-up action in verification of the report also needs to be taken.
• Sub-divisional magistrates to be empowered to exempt the requirement of
post-mortem in case of mass casualties. The Revenue Dept may depute
additional SDMs to expedite disposal of the dead bodies.
• Unclaimed/unidentified dead bodies to be disposed of at the earliest after
keeping their records.
• Additional human resources are needed in the affected areas to supplement
local administration efforts.
• Separate Cell to be established at state/district/taluka level to coordinate
with the NGOs and outside donor/aid agencies.
• Regular meetings of the different stakeholders/departments should be
organized at state level for sharing of information, developing strategies for
relief operations.
• Information & Broadcasting Dept to coordinate with the media to play a positive
role in disseminating appropriate information to public and the government
in order to facilitate the speedy recovery.

Assessment of Damage / Loss and Relief needs

• The Secretary R & R and Director DMU issue instructions to the district
collectors to provide the need and loss assessment report.
• provide manpower, vehicles, etc. to supplement the efforts for need/loss
assessment.
• Identification and demolition of dangerous structures in the affected
areas to minimize further loss of life and injuries.
• Arrangements for debris removal and its appropriate disposal.
• Arrangements for distribution of gratuitous relief and cash doles.
• Arrangements to be made for survey of human loss and distribution of ex
gratia relief to the families of deceased persons.
• Teams to be formed and dispatched to the affected areas for detailed
assessment of houses and property assessment.
• As reconstruction of houses will take a prolonged period, arrangements to
be made to provide interim shelters to the affected.
• Identification of the site for interim shelter

Page 70 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Allocation of areas to the affected families

• Providing essential services at the interim shelter sites such as water,
power, drainage / sanitation, PDS shops, etc.
• Distribution of shelter materials to individual families (Source: SDMP Gujrat)

7.4. Cyclone
A violent storm often of vast extent, characterized by high winds rotating about a
calm center of low atmospheric pressure. This center moves onward, often with a
velocity of 50 km (about 31.07 mi) an hour. The coastal areas are risk prone to
cyclones. Maharashtra has a coastal belt of over 720 kilometers (about 447.39 mi)
between Gujarat to Goa. Thus, the Konkan region including Mumbai becomes prone
to cyclones. There are 386 marine fishing villages / hamlets with 17,918 boats
engaged in fishing in this coastal belt. Cyclones make impact by killing people,
damaging property, crops, and infrastructure. Mumbai has faced peripheral impact in
1976, 1982, 1988 and October 1996, and has been hit on two occasions by
cyclones (1948 and June 1996). The data indicates that the city is prone to cyclones.
The most recent hit the State was cyclone Phyan in 2009, which affected the state's
coastal districts.
The IMD has bifurcated the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm category for the
Maximum Sustained Wind (MSW) speed of 118-221 kmph into two subcategories as
Very Severe Cyclone Storm for the MSW 118-166 kmph and Extremely Severe
Cyclone Storm for the MSW 167-221 kmph.

Onset Type and Warning

India Meteorological department (IMD), government of India is responsible for

monitoring of formation of cyclone, its intensity and movement. On assessing the
situation that the cyclone is likely to cross Indian coast then IMD issues the cyclone
alert/warning. IMD follows four stages cyclone- w a r n i n g system and
communicates to all concerned stakeholders including NDMA, SDMA and district
authorities.

1) Pre-Cyclone Watch

It is issued when a depression forms over the Bay of Bengal irrespective of its
distance from the coast and is likely to affect Indian coast in future. The pre-
cyclone watch is issued by the name of Director General of Meteorology and at least
72 hours (about 3 days) before adverse weather begins. It is issued at least once a
day.

2) Cyclone Alert

It is issued at least 48 hours (about 2 days) before the bad weather begins when the
cyclone is beyond 500 Km from the coast. It is held every three hours.

Page 71 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

3) Cyclone Warning

It is issued at least 24 hours before the commencement of the bad weather when
the cyclone is located within 500 Km from the coast. Information about time /place of
landfall is indicated in the bulletin. Confidence in estimation increases as the
cyclone comes closer to the coast.

4) Post landfall outlook

It is issued 12 hours before the cyclone landfall, when the cyclone is located
within 200 Km from the coast. More accurate & specific information about time /place
of landfall and associated severe weather indicated in the bulletin. In addition, the
interior distraction is likely to be affected due to the cyclone warned of in this bulletin.

India Meteorological department recently have divided very sever cyclonic storm
into two parts namely very severe cyclone and extremely severe cyclones.

Disaster Declaration

On receiving information from IMD the SDMA declares the affected districts as
cyclone disaster hit areas.

Trigger Mechanism: Plan Activation

On the receipt of cyclone warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department

(IMD) SDMA will activate its Response Action Plan (RAP) & will issue instructions
to include the following details:

• Specify exact resources (in terms of workforce, equipment, and essential

items from key dept. /stakeholders) required.
• The type of assistance to be provided.
• The time limit within which assistance is needed.
• Details of other Task/Response Forces through which coordination
should take place

The State EOC, and other control rooms at the state level as well as district control
rooms should be activated with full strength immediately. The state Government may
publish a notification in the official gazette, declaring such area to be disaster-
affected area.

Once the situation is totally controlled and normalcy is restored, the SDMA
declares End of Emergency Response and issues instructions to withdraw the staff
deployed in emergency duties.

Page 72 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Roles and Responsibilities

Task Activities Responsibility

Report the generation of Cyclone in
Arabian Sea/ Indian Ocean after
IMD,
getting information from IMD to
following officials:
• Secretary R & R Secy. R & R
• Principal Secretary (Revenue)
• Chief Secretary of the State
• Members of Crisis Management
Group
• Hon. Chief Minister
• Hon. Minister – Revenue
• National Disaster Management
Authority, GoI.
• All concerned District Collectors
• Control Rooms of the district/s
Receipt and likely to be affected as per
dissemination of preliminary warning of IMD.
cyclone warning • Ministers and Secretaries of all
line departments
• Instruct all Collectors (of the
districts likely to be affected) to
activate the District Control
Room at full strength.
• Alert all response teams in the
State for deployment.
• Remain in constant touch with
control rooms at National & State
Level.
• Instruct and alert all heads of
departments of the key line
departments to activate their
departmental plan and SOPs for
Cyclone response.
• Instruct all State government
officers and employees in the
State to report to their respective
Head for emergency duties (Only
if the warning is of a level 2 Secy. R & R, General
Establishment
disaster or as per the decision
of departmental
taken in the meeting of the Crisis
coordination
Management Group headed by
Chief Secretary).
• Alert the District Collectors of
districts not likely to be affected Administration Dept.,
to be prepared for providing:

Page 73 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

o Additional workforce.
o Additional resources
o Machinery & equipment
o Relief material to the
districts likely to be affected
• Activate alternative
communication equipment i.e.,
satellite phones, HF/VHF sets,
Ham radio, VSAT in State EOC,
District and Taluka control
Activation of rooms.
communication • Establish communication links Secy. R & R
system with EOCs and Search &
Rescue Teams in all Municipal
Corporations and alert them to
be in stage of readiness.
• Establish communication links
with villages likely to be affected.
• Establish contact with IMD,
CWC, ACWC, ISRO and the
defense ministry of GoI for aerial
/ satellites imageries of the latest
Cyclone threat.
Organize • Get the latest weather report
situation review from IMD/other international
meeting and Web Sites to know the exact
Secy. R & R
issue location of Cyclone and the likely
instructions and area where landfall will take
orders place.
• After reviewing the weather
report and satellite images issue
instructions and orders for
emergency response to areas
likely to be affected.
• Take over full command of the
State EOC.
• Instruct line departments to
depute representatives at the
State and District EOCs.
Management of • Hold a meeting with leaders of
EOC and task forces and entrust them with
Revenue/DM
communication their tasks.
system • Ensure that Cyclone information
is disseminated to all who are at
danger.
• Arrange emergency meetings
with State Crisis Management
Group (SCG) to devise a plan of

Page 74 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

action
• Arrange dissemination of
information through various
means of communication such
as Radio, TV, Cable Network, Director DMU
SMS about Cyclone warning to
districts/areas which are likely to
be hit by Cyclonic Storm.
• Based on the warning issued by
IMD, pinpoint the districts and
villages likely to be affected by
Revenue Dept.,
Cyclone and start the procedure
Transport
for identifying safe places/
shelters for evacuation in those
villages.
• Collectors/Village level officers
should be contacted to know the Dept. and Dist.
status of the shelters with the Collectors, Municipal
capacity of the shelter and other Commissioner
available facilities at the site.
• Make transport arrangements for
mobilization of all emergency
response teams.
• Alert following teams to remain
in readiness:
o Evacuation.
Response o Emergency Medical
preparedness Services
(Areas likely to o Search and Rescue
be affected) o Alert following emergency
Director DMU
response forces to remain
in readiness:
o Fire & Emergency Services
o NDRF /SDRF
o Village Disaster
Management Teams
o Police, Home Guards
• Dissemination of information to
the vulnerable areas
• All preparedness measures to be
taken by various authorities
• Keep in touch with National,
District and Taluka Control Secretary R & R,
Rooms information Dept
• Release information at
appropriate time to media and
public regarding response
measures organized by the
Government

Page 75 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• If reports regarding striking of

Cyclone are confirmed by IMD
and other sources, start the Secretary R & R
emergency response and relief
operations will start.
• Divert the emergency services to
Director DMU, Dist.
areas likely to be affected as per
Collector
the warning issued by IMD.
• Inform the public residing in
areas likely to be affected to
evacuate through various means Secretary R & R, Dist.
such as SMS, AIR, FM Radio, Collector, Municipal
Doordarshan, etc. Commissioner, Home
• Start evacuation from the likely Dept.
affected areas through Police
support, if necessary
• To account for the exact number
Maharashtra Maritime
of fishermen in the sea and
Board/ Coast Guard /
fishermen that have already
Fishery
reached the shore
• Ensure that the Relief
Management work planned in
R& R Dept.
Emergency the areas likely to be affected by
evacuation and the Cyclone is well organized.
relief • Ensure that the arrangement for
management basic amenities (shown below)
at evacuation/relief centres are
made by the respective Secretary R & R, Civil
departments: Supply Dept.,
o Drinking water Revenue Dept. & Dist.
Collectors, Municipal
o Food
Commissioner Water
o Clothing
Supply Dept., Health
o Sanitation and hygiene, Dept.
o Lighting
o Medicines and other Health
Care
• Inform following agencies to be
in a state of readiness for
assisting in the Cyclone
response measures (if required):
o Public sector agencies Secretary R & R
o Private sector agencies
o NGOs
o CBOs
o Volunteer Organizations
• Request for help (if needed) to
MHA/National Disaster Secretary R & R
Management Authority

Page 76 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Make necessary arrangements

for public information/guidance,
Information Dept.
public opinion, and rumor
control.
• Restriction may be imposed for Transport Dept. and
transportation in threatened Dist. Collector, Municipal
areas. Commissioner
• When a Cyclone makes a
landfall, the Cyclone affected
Dist. Collectors should send a
Disaster communication to the State
District Collector
declaration Govt. to declare the area as
disaster affected as necessary,
(depending upon the nature and
intensity of impact)
• Dist. Collector/s should send
teams to the affected areas to
take care of the effects of Dist. Collector,
Cyclone and associated rain. Municipal
• District Collector/s should send Commissioner
sector wise situation reports to:
State EOC/SDMA
• Deployment of following teams
to Cyclone affected areas:
o Emergency Communication
Teams
Preliminary o Emergency Medical Services Secretary R & R, Dist.
damage Teams Collector, Municipal
assessment, o Search and Rescue Teams Commissioner
deployment of (With Equipment)
emergency o Preliminary damage
response teams Assessment Teams
and information o Need Assessment Teams
dissemination • Establish communication links
with affected districts by
activating alternate
communication equipment such
as Satellite Phones, HF/VHF
Director DMU, Dist.
Sets, Ham Radio, V Set etc., in
Collector, Information
State/District EOCs and Taluka
Dept.
Control Rooms.
• Arrange dissemination of
information about occurrence of
Cyclone and areas that are
affected by it to Media & Public.
• Remain in constant touch with Secretary R & R, Dist.
Mobilization and
IMD for updates on weather Collector, Municipal
deployment of
forecast for the coming hours Commissioner, Key
task forces
and plan accordingly. line Dept.

Page 77 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Immediate mobilization of
following units/teams to areas
affected by Cyclone and
associated rains.
o S & R Teams of Fire and
Emergency Services
o Quick Medical Response
Teams
o Quick Damage & Loss
Assessment Teams
o Quick Need Assessment
Teams
o Teams for disposal of dead
bodies
o Teams for disposal of
carcasses
o Teams for debris clearance
(if any)
o Teams for maintaining Law &
Order in the affected areas
o Arrange for S & R teams of
Air Force (If required).
• State EOC, and the Collectors of
the affected District/s should
ensure that the following
response activities are carried
out immediately:
• Clearance of access roads
• To survey the access
roads/routes leading to the
affected areas and manage Secretary R & R, Dist.
traffic for mobilization of Collectors, Municipal
equipment, machinery, and Commissioner Line
volunteers. Dept.
Quick • Identify alternate roads/routes for
Response evacuation.
Measures • Undertake repairing/restoration
of damaged roads leading to the
affected areas.
• Identify and declare unsafe
buildings/structures in Cyclone
affected areas.
• Evacuate people from unsafe
buildings/structures and shift
them to relief camps/sites. PWD Dept., Transport
• Divert/stop transport activities Dept., Railways,
(Rail + Road) heading towards
Cyclone affected areas.

Page 78 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Arrangement of basic facilities at

relief centres
• To ensure that necessary
arrangements at
evacuation/relief centers are Revenue Dept., Civil
made with sufficient availability Supply Dept.,
of food, water, blankets/clothing, Collectors, Municipal
medicines, lighting, sanitation, Commissioner, Water
and hygiene etc. Supply Dept., Health
• To ensure necessary security Dept., Power & Energy
arrangements for the personals Dept., Electricity
(Emergency responders/relief Dept.& Local
teams) who are working at Relief Authorities, Home
Centers and involved in Dept.
distribution of Relief Materials.
• To ensure that law and order is
kept at evacuation/relief centers
and in the affected areas.
• Safety of fishermen and salt
workers Secretary R & R, Port
• Immediate actions to be taken and
for safety of
Fisheries Dept.,
• fishermen, salt workers and visitors
Tourism Dept.,
at Cyclone affected coastal areas.
Industrial Dept.
• Ensure that all the fishermen and
salt workers have returned from
the sea or those who are in the
sea are rescued and evacuated
to safer places.
Control of outbreak of diseases
• To establish camp hospitals near
the affected areas.
• To make transportation
arrangements to shift
• seriously injured persons to
nearest Camp Hospitals, Taluka
and District Hospitals, Regional
and State Hospitals
Health Dept.,
• Ensure that the Hospitals are Transport Dept.
well prepared to deal with
seriously injured persons.
• To ensure that the required
medical assistance/ aid and
medicines are provided to the
affected.
• people at site as well as at
evacuation/relief centers in the
affected area and necessary

Page 79 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

records are maintained.

• Take sanitation and epidemic
control measures for preventing
any water borne disease.
• Keep adequate stock of
essential medicines, first aid etc.
at taluka/district hospitals.
• Take steps to purify drinking
water sources
• Take the help of
doctors/paramedics from the list
of doctors/paramedics available
at the taluka/district level for
medical assistance.
Other important measures Revenue Department,
• Prepare quick need assessment
Relief and
report for planning of relief
Rehabilitation
operation.
• Additional assistance may be
asked for emergency
response/relief from GoI-NDMA
(If needed).
• Prepare situation report and
circulate it twice a day in the
morning and evening to key
Government functionaries.
• Maintain constant touch with
National, District and Taluka
EOCs and other control rooms.
• Remain in constant touch with
IMD for updates on weather
forecast for the coming days and
plan accordingly.
• Conduct Arial survey of affected
areas for taking a stalk of the
situation.
• Activate evacuation & relief
centers according to
needs/situation.
• Maintain record of persons
admitted at evacuation/ relief
centers.
• Establish contact with IMD,
CWC, ACWC, ISRO and the
Review of
defense ministry of GoI for aerial
situation and
/ satellites imageries about
reporting
further weather condition and
plan accordingly.

Page 80 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Ensure that the essential

services/critical infrastructure of
the affected areas have been
restored or alternative
arrangements are made for
ensuring safety of people and
smooth management of
emergency response.
Restoration of
• Ensure that key administrative
critical
and lifeline buildings are brought
infrastructure/es
back to operation quickly.
sential services
• Designate and deploy senior
officers (as per the need) to
worst affected area/s to oversee
rescue/ relief operation.
• Ensure following primary
necessities are restored power,
water, telecommunication, roads,
and bridges
• Ensure following procedure is
followed before disposal/handing
over of dead bodies:
Photographs of the dead bodies
are taken, Identification of the
dead bodies is done,
• Postmortem wherever necessary
and possible is carried out,
• Handing over dead bodies of
Disposal of
persons known/ identified to their
dead bodies
relatives,
• Disposal of unclaimed and
unidentified dead bodies.
• Animal Husbandry Department
to ensure medical aid to cattle
who are injured.
• Disposal of animal carcasses
with the help of local
bodies/health dept.
• Establish Media/Press Centre for
media management and
information dissemination.
Public • Ensure that the information Director DMU,
information and about the progress of rescue and Information Dept., Dist.
media relief is given to media/public at Collector, Municipal
management least twice a day. Commissioner
• Establish help lines for
facilitating communication
between the victims and their

Page 81 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

relatives residing outside the

affected area/s.
• Establish Information Centers at
strategic locations for providing
information about persons
evacuated to the relief
centers/hospitals.
• Ensure that the information to
media/general public about the
response of the State
Government is released in an
organized manner.
• Organize media briefing twice a
day at pre-determined intervals.
• Assess the situation and take
appropriate action to accelerate
the Search & Rescue
Operations. Director DMU, Districts
• Depute additional officers and Collector, Municipal
supporting staff to Cyclone Commissioner
affected areas from non-affected
areas (if required) to accelerate
the rescue and relief operations.
• Ensure that the relief assistance
received from outside is centrally
received, stored, and sent for
distribution to Cyclone affected Secy. R & R, Civil
areas according to their need Supply Dept.
and proper accounts are
maintained about both receipt
Miscellaneous and distribution.
rescue and • District Collector may oversee
relief work the functioning of relief centers Revenue Dept, Civil
and ensure adequate supply of Supply Dept.,
relief materials.
• Remain in constant touch with
IMD for updates on weather
forecast for the coming days and
plan accordingly.
• Arrange for procurement of
Director DMU, Dist.
additional relief material required
Collectors, Civil Supply
for relief operations (based on
Dept.
need assessment).
• Mobilize additional relief material
required for relief operations.
• Maintain constant touch with
State & Districts EOCs.
• Arrangement for transportation

Page 82 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

of injured from field hospital to

base hospital
• Arrangement for transport of
dead bodies to their native
places.
• Ensure maintenance of records,
timely reporting, and information Revenue Dept. Health
management. Dept. and Transport
• Ensure maintenance of record Dept
and information database.
• Remain in constant touch with
IMD for updates on weather
forecast for the coming days and
plan accordingly.
• Review the restoration of all the Revenue Dept. Health
public and essential in Cyclone Dept. and Transport
affected areas. Dept
• Review and follow-up all
necessary arrangements for
emergency response & relief in
the affected area/s.
• On receiving the message from
IMD about degradation of Line Departments Dist.
Cyclone, inform the concern dist. Collector,
Collector.
• Organize a quick rapid visual
survey of the affected areas
(through a technical team of
engineers) to ascertain the
Director DMU
safety of the structures and
decide on giving permission to
people to move back to their
respective houses.
• After receiving the message of
de-warning, ensure that people
Director DMU, IMD
are moved back safely to their
houses.
• Ensure relief disbursement,
allotment of funds and grants to Secy. R & R, Dist.
line department and district Collectors, Municipal
collectors for organizing Commissioner, R & P
emergency response, relief, and Dept.
evacuation arrangements.

Page 83 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Relief Measures

Short-term Relief Measures

Search, rescue, and medical assistance

• Identification of areas where SAR Teams are to be deployed.

• Coordination of SAR teams for their quick deployment in allotted areas
• Provision of quick transport of SAR teams to affected areas.
• The Department of Roads and Buildings evolves a mechanism for clearing
access routes to facilitate search and rescue operations.
• Mobilization of specialized equipment and machinery to affected areas.
• Cordoning of affected areas with control of entry and exit.
• Traffic Management by establishment of traffic points and check-posts.
• The Home Department to evolve a mechanism for providing security of
properties of government and public in the affected areas.

Emergency relief (shelter, food, clothing, etc.)

• Establishment of temporary shelters for evacuees.

• Ensuring provision of essential services as under:
• Arrangement for food, clothing, blanket/bedding, drinking water, sanitation
and hygiene, lighting arrangements and essential medicines.
• Deployment of mobile hospitals in affected areas for treatment of victims.
• Providing counselling services to the cyclone victims and their relatives.
• Ensure establishment of communication link between the affected people and
their relatives outside.
• The Secy. R & R and Director DM Unit to ensure the following in the relief
camps:

o Special emphasis on Hygiene and sanitation aspects should be given

in relief camp sites.
o A separate area should be earmarked within the relief camp for
storage of relief materials.
o Adequate workforce and transport facilities for the camp site.
o Arrangements to be made for trauma management.
o Mobile medical units to be sent to remote areas with a view to
provide medical assistance to the victims/injured.
o Information center should be established by the administration.

Interim Relief Measures

• Arrangements to be made for quick identification and maintenance of the

records of disposal of dead bodies in the affected areas (Home, Revenue,

Page 84 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Health Dept., Local Authorities).

• Arrangements to be made to record the complaints of all persons reported
missing. Follow-up action in verification of the report also needs to be taken.
(Home Dept.)
• District Magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates are empowered to exempt
identification and post-mortem in case of mass casualties. Revenue
Department may depute additional sub-divisional magistrates to expedite
disposal of the dead bodies. (Revenue & Home Dept.)
• Unclaimed/unidentified dead bodies to be disposed of with the help of pre
identified voluntary agencies at the earliest after keeping their records.
(Home, Revenue, Health Dept. & Local Bodies)
• Additional workforce to be deployed in the affected areas to supplement local
administration efforts. (GAD).
• Separate Cell to be established at state/district/Taluka level to coordinate
with the NGOs and outside donor/aid agencies. (Revenue Dept.)
• Regular meetings of the different stakeholders/departments should be
organized at state level for sharing of information, developing strategies for
relief operations. (Secy R & R, Director DM Unit & Collectors at District Level).
• Information & Public Relation Dept to coordinate with the media to play a
positive role in disseminating appropriate information to public and the
government to facilitate the speedy recovery.

Assessment of Damage/Loss and Relief needs

• The Secretary of Relief and Rehabilitation issued instructions to the

district collectors to provide the need assessment report. He should
consolidate the same and prepare the state’s needs assessment report.
• The Secretary of Relief and Rehabilitation to issue instructions to the
District Collectors to provide the damage and loss assessment report. The
Secretary of Relief and Rehabilitation to consolidate the same and to
prepare state’s damage and loss assessment report which will be useful in
planning and implementing the relief operation after the disaster for the
victims of the disaster.
• Adequate workforce, vehicles, stationery etc. should be provided to
supplement the efforts for need/loss assessment. (The Secretary of Relief and
Rehabilitation Dept.)
• The relief need assessment report should be provided by the Collectors.
(The Secretary of Relief and Rehabilitation & Collectors)
• Identification and demolition of dangerous structures in the affected areas
to minimize further loss of life and injuries. (R & R Dept., Revenue

Page 85 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Department and Local Bodies)

• Arrangements for distribution of gratuitous relief and cash doles. (Revenue
Department, Panchayat & Rural Housing Dept., UD Dept. and Collectors)
• Arrangements to be made for survey of human loss and distribution of ex-
gratia relief to the families of deceased persons. (Revenue Dept.)
• Teams to be formed and dispatched to the affected areas for detailed
assessment of houses and property damage assessment. (Revenue Dept and
Local authorities)
• As reconstruction of houses will take an extended period, arrangements to
be made to provide interim shelters to the affected. (Revenue Dept and Line
Departments like Water Supply Dept., PWD Dept. etc.)
• Identification of the site for interim shelter
• Allocation of areas to affected families.
• Providing appropriate shelters for the affected families.
• Providing essential services as under in the interim shelter sites.

7.5. Tsunami
Tsunami waves often affect distant shores, originating from undersea or coastal
seismic activity, landslides, and volcanic eruption. Whatever the cause, sea water is
displaced with a violent motion and swells up, ultimately surging over land with
great destructive power.

Disaster Declaration

The INCOIS Hyderabad monitors the generation of tsunami waves in the ocean.
Whenever an earthquake of magnitude 6 and above occurs undersea and is likely to
become tsunami then INCOIS declares tsunami alert for coastal belts where it may
affect.

Onset Type and Causes

If an earthquake of magnitude above 6.0 or under water land movement is near

the coast, then tsunami may strike suddenly and if the earth movement is far in the sea,
then it may take few minutes to hours before striking the coast. The general causes of
Tsunamis are geological movements. The three major ways that cause tsunami are:
earthquake, landslides, and volcanic activity.

Early Warning

The public may be able to protect themselves from the Tsunami emergency if they are
informed and educated before an emergency. Most of the time tsunami hazard is
predictable so warning to public is important part of Action Plan.

Page 86 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The Action Plan is the set of routine activities to be followed by the staff at the
tsunami warning center for observation, evaluation, confirmation, and
dissemination of bulletins. The Early Warning Centre continuously monitors the
seismic activity in the two tsunami genic source regions of the Indian Ocean
through the network of national and international seismic stations. This network
enables us to detect any tsunami-genic earthquakes within a time of 10 minutes of
occurrence. Tsunami bulletins are then generated based on pre-set decision support
rules and disseminated to the concerned authorities for action, following the SOP.

The criteria given below is followed for generation of diverse types of advisory
bulletin messages (Warning/Alert/Watch) for a particular region of the coast
based on the earthquake parameters, available warning time (i.e., time taken by
the tsunami wave to reach the coast) and expected run-up from pre-run model
scenarios.

Warning/ Alert / Watch

Based on earthquake parameters, region’s proximity to the earthquake zone

(Travel Times) and expected run-up from pre-run model scenarios Warnings to
Far Source Regions: Issued only after confirmation of tsunami triggering based on
real-time water-level observations and correction of scenarios. This will reduce
the possibility of false warnings.

The warning criteria are based on the premise that coastal areas falling within 60
minutes travel time from a tsunami-genic earthquake source need to be warned based
solely on earthquake information, since enough time is not available for confirmation
of water levels from Bottom Pressure Recorders (BPRs) and Tide Gauges. Those
coastal areas falling outside the 60 minutes travel time from a tsunami-genic
earthquake source are put under a watch status and upgraded to a warning only upon
confirmation of water-level data, e.g. If a tsunami-genic earthquake happens in the
coast of the Northern Indonesia, parts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands falling within
60 minutes travel time of a tsunami wave are put under ‘Warning’ status. Other areas
are put under ‘Watch’ Status and upgraded to a ‘Warning’ only if the BPRs or tide
gauges reveal notable change in water level. This implies that the possibility of false
alarms is higher for areas close to the earthquake source; however, for other regions
since the warnings are issued only after confirmation of water-level data, the issue of
false alarms does not arise. To reduce the rate of false alarms even in the near source
regions, alerts are generated by analyzing the pre-run model scenarios, so that
warnings are issued only to those coastal locations that are at risk.

Category of tsunami advisory bulletins, timeline for generation, content of the alert
and dissemination contact information is detailed below: Types Tsunami Bulletin
Messages:

Page 87 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Earthquake Information Bulletin (T+20 Min) contains information about origin

time, latitude and longitude of the epicenter, name of geographical area, size, and
depth of an earthquake. This message also holds preliminary evaluation of tsunami
potential based on the magnitude. (e.g., earthquake occurring on land or earthquake
with < M6.5 or earthquake occurring > 100 Km depth or earthquake occurring in very
shallow water column, etc. No tsunami is expected; for larger magnitude
earthquakes in the ocean, a qualitative statement on the tsunami-genic potential may
be given). No immediate action is required. Bulletins provided to Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA).

Tsunami Warning (T+30 Min) (RED) contains information about the earthquake and
a tsunami evaluation message indicating that tsunami is expected. (e.g., For
earthquakes with > M6.5 occurring in the Ocean within a depth of < 100 Km, a tsunami
warning will be issued for those areas falling within 60 minutes travel time from the
earthquake source and if expected run up is > 2 m). This is the highest level wherein
immediate actions are required to move the public to higher ground. Message also
contains information on the travel times and tsunami grade (based on run-up
estimates) at various coastal locations from pre-run model outputs. Information
provided to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and public.

Tsunami Alert (T+30 Min) (ORANGE) contains information about the earthquake
and a tsunami evaluation message indicating that a tsunami is expected. (e.g. For
earthquakes with > M6.5 occurring in the Ocean within a depth of < 100 Km, a
tsunami alert will be issued for those areas falling within 60 minutes travel time from
the earthquake source and if expected run up is between 0.5 to 2 m as well as for
those areas falling above 60 minutes travel time from the earthquake source and
if expected run up is >2 m). This is the second highest level wherein immediate
public evacuation is not required. The public should avoid beaches since strong
currents are expected. Local officials should be prepared for evacuation if it is
upgraded to warning status. Message also contains information on the travel times
and tsunami grade (based on run-up estimates) at various coastal locations from Pre-
run model outputs. Information provided to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and
public.

Tsunami Watch (T+30 Min) (YELLOW) contains information about the earthquake
and a tsunami evaluation message indicating that tsunami is expected. (e. g. For
earthquakes with > M6.5 occurring in the Ocean within a depth of < 100 Km, a
tsunami watch will be issued for those areas falling within 60 minutes travel time
from the earthquake source and if expected run up is < 0.5 m and for those areas
falling above 60 minutes travel time from the earthquake source and if expected run
up is 0.5 to 2 m). This is the third highest level wherein immediate public evacuation
is not required, Local officials should be prepared for evacuation if it is upgraded to
warning status. Message also contains information on the travel times and tsunami

Page 88 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

grade (based on run-up estimates) at various coastal locations from Pre-run model
outputs. Information provided to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Tsunami cancellation (GREEN) will be issued if the tsunami warning was issued
based on erroneous data or if the warning center determines from subsequent
information that only an insignificant wave has been generated. In addition,
tsunami warning may be canceled on a selective basis when a significant wave that
has been generated clearly poses no threat to one or more of the areas the warning
center warns, either because of intervening continents or islands which screen them
or because the orientation of the generating area causes the tsunami to be directed
away from these areas. To maintain credibility the warning center will use the
terminology “non-destructive tsunami” in the cancellation message whenever
applicable.

Tsunami All Clear (GREEN) bulletin indicates that the ‘Tsunami Threat’ has
passed, and no more dangerous waves are expected.

Trigger Mechanism: Plan Activation

The tsunami response structure will be activated on a major tsunami. The Secretary
of Relief and Rehabilitation will activate all the Departments for emergency response
including the State EOC.

Once the situation is totally controlled and normalcy is restored, the Secretary of
Relief and Rehabilitation declares End of Emergency Response and issues
instructions to withdraw the staff deployed in emergency duties.

Roles and Responsibilities

Task Activities Responsibility

• After reviewing the satellite images,
issue instructions and orders for
Management emergency response to areas likely to
of EOC and be affected. Secretary R & R,
Tsunami • Take over full command of the State Secretary Trans-
Response EOC. port
• Instruct line departments to depute
representatives at the State and
District EOCs.
• Hold a meeting with leaders of task
forces and entrust them with their
tasks.
• Ensure that Tsunami information is
disseminated to all who are at danger.
• Arrange an emergency meeting with

Page 89 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

the State Crisis Management Group to

devise a plan of action.
• Arrange dissemination of information
through various means of
communication such as Radio, TV,
Cable Network, SMS about Tsunami
to districts/areas which are likely to be
hit.
• Impose restrictions on all transport
activities heading towards coastal
areas likely to be affected by the
Tsunami.
• Instruct all State government officers
and employees in the State to report to
their respective Head for emergency
duties (Only if the warning is of a level Secretary R & R,
2 disaster or as per the decision taken GAD
Set up inter- in the meeting of the Crisis
departmental Management Group headed by Chief
coordination Secretary).
• Alert the District Collectors of districts
not likely to be affected to be prepared
for providing:
o Additional workforce.
o Additional resources (Machinery &
Equipment, Relief material to the
districts likely to be affected)
Mobilize following teams:
• Evacuation.
Activate EOCs • Emergency Medical Services
with • Search and Rescue
Secretary R & R
communication
system Mobilize following emergency response
forces:
• Fire & Emergency Services
• NDRF
• Village Disaster Management Teams
Police, Home Guards
• State Reserve Police Force
• Army (if required)
• Air Force (if required)

Page 90 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Review of
situation and • Establish contact with IMD, INCOIS,
issue of ISRO and the defense ministry of GoI Director DMU
instructions for aerial / satellites imageries.
and orders
• Based on the warning issued by IMD,
Director DMU,
pinpoint the districts and villages likely
Transport Dept.,
to be affected by Tsunami and start
Dist. Collector,
the procedure for identifying safe
Municipal
places/shelters for evacuation in those
Commissioner
villages.
• Village wise data of safe sheltering for
evacuation available with district
collector should be referred and the
dist. collectors/village level officers
should be contacted to know the
status of the shelters with the capacity
of the shelter and other available
facilities at the site.
• Make transport arrangements for
Preparedness mobilization of all emergency
measures for response teams.
timely • Ensure arrangements are in place to Ports & Fisheries
response to evacuate fishermen and salt workers if Dept., Revenue
coastal areas needed. Dept.,
(likely to be • Ensure safety of tourists visiting
Tourism Dept.
affected) beaches along the coastline.
• Cordoning off coastal areas for Home Dept., Dist.
restricting entries of rail or road traffic. Collector, Municipal
• Ensure law and order is maintained in Commissioner
areas likely to be affected.
• Ensure that all critical activities (mainly
industrial production) in areas likely to
be affected are shut down. Industry Dept. other
• Ensure that all critical activities (mainly line Depts.
industrial production) in areas likely to
be affected are shut down
• Ensure dissemination of information to Dist. Collector,
remote areas by local means. Municipal
• Ensure that local help lines are Commissioner,
opened and effectively managed for Information Dept.
public information, guidance, and

Page 91 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

rumor control.
• Ensure that the information to public
and media about the progress of
Tsunami at periodic intervals is
released.
• Health Department to activate their
Departmental Tsunami Disaster
Health Dept,
Management Plan and Depart-mental
Animal Husbandry
SOPs for Management of casualties
• Assess the need for fodder if required.
• Keep teams ready for carcass disposal
(if required).
• Review and monitor following Secretary R & R,
activities: Information Dept.
• Evacuation of people from coastal
areas likely to be affected.
• Positioning of Search and Rescue
Teams
• Positioning of mobile communication
units
• Positioning of quick medical response
teams
• Mobilization of restoration teams of
respective departments
• Requirement of armed forces in
rescue and relief operations
• Dissemination of information to the
vulnerable areas
• All preparedness measures to be
taken by various authorities.
• Keep in touch with National, District
and Taluka Control Rooms
• Release information at appropriate
time to media and public regarding
response measures organized by the
Government
• Ensure that the Relief Management
work planned in the areas likely to be
Secretary R & R
affected by the Tsunami is well
organized.
• Ensure that the arrangement for basic Civil Supply Dept.,
amenities (shown below) at Revenue Dept. &

Page 92 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

evacuation/relief centres are made by Dist. Collector,

the respective departments: Municipal
Commissioner
o Drinking water
o Food Municipal
o Clothing Commissioner,
o Sanitation and hygiene, Water Supply Dept.,
o Lighting Health Dept
o Medicines and other Health Care
• Inform following agencies to be in a
state of readiness for assisting in the
Tsunami response measures (if
required):
o Public sector agencies
o Private sector agencies Revenue Dept.
o NGOs
o CBOs
o Volunteer Organizations
o Request for help (if needed) to
MHA/National Disaster
Management Authority
• Make necessary arrangements for
public information/guidance, public Information Dept.
opinion, and rumor control.
• Record the reports in detail with time,
source of reports etc. and declare the
Disaster Director DMU, Dist.
area as disaster affected, if necessary,
Declaration Collector,
(depending upon the nature and
intensity of impact)
• Dist. Collector/s should send teams to Dist. Collector,
the affected areas to take stalk of the Municipal
Preliminary
effects of Tsunami. Commissioner
dam-
• District Collector/s should send sector
agreement
wise situation reports to: State EOC/
assessment,
Secretary DM & SDMA
deployment of
• Deployment of following teams to
emergency
Tsunami affected areas: Secretary R & R,
response
teams and o Emergency Communication Dist. Collector,
Teams Municipal
dissemination
of information o Emergency Medical Services Commissioner,
Teams
o Search and Rescue Teams (With

Page 93 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Equipment)
o Preliminary Damage Assessment
Teams
o Need Assessment Teams
• Establish communication links with
affected districts by activating alternate Director DMU, Dist.
communication equipment such as Collector, Municipal
Satellite Phones, HF/VHF Sets, Ham Commissioner,
Radio, V Set etc., in State/District Information Dept.
EOCs and Taluka Control Rooms.
• Arrange dissemination of information
about occurrence of Tsunami and
areas that are affected by it to Media &
Public.
Immediate mobilization of following units
to areas affected by Tsunami.
• S & R Teams of Fire and Emergency Secretary R & R,
Services Municipal
• Quick Medical Response Teams Commissioner,
• Quick Damage & Loss Assessment Concern line Dept.
Mobilization Teams
and • Quick Need Assessment Teams
deployment • Road Clearance Teams
task forces • Teams for disposal of dead bodies
• Teams for disposal of carcasses
• Teams for debris clearance (if any)
• Teams for maintaining Law & Order in
the affected areas.
• Arrange for S & R teams of Air Force
(If required).
State EOC, the Collectors of the affected Secretary R & R,
District/s should ensure that the following Collector, Municipal
response activities are carried out Commissioner, Line
immediately: Dept.
Measures for • Clearance of access roads PWD Dept.,
quick and • To survey the access roads/routes Transport Dept.,
organized leading to the affected areas and Dist. Collector,
response manage traffic for mobilization of Municipal
equipment, machinery, and volunteers. Commissioner,
• Identify alternate roads/routes for Railways, Revenue
evacuation.
• Undertake repairing/restoration of

Page 94 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

damaged roads leading to the affected

areas.
• Identify and declare unsafe
buildings/structures in Tsunami
affected areas.
• Evacuate people from unsafe
buildings/ structures and shift them to
relief camps/sites.
Arrangement of basic facilities at
relief/evacuation centers
• To ensure that necessary
arrangements at evacuation/relief
Revenue Dept., Civil
centers are made with enough food,
Supply Dept.,
water, blankets/clothing, medicines,
Collector, Municipal
lighting, sanitation, and hygiene, etc.
Commissioner,
• To ensure necessary security
Water Supply Dept.,
arrangements for the personals
Health Dept., Power
(Emergency responders/relief teams)
& Energy Dept.,
who are working at Relief Centers and
Local Authorities,
involved in distribution of Relief
Home Dept.
Materials.
• To ensure that law and order is
maintained at evacuation/relief centers
and in the affected areas as well.
Safety of fishermen and salt workers
• Immediate actions to be taken for
safety of fishermen, salt workers and
Revenue, Port and
visitors at Tsunami affected coastal
Fisheries Dept.,
areas.
Tourism Dept.,
• Ensure that all the fishermen and salt
Industrial Dept.
workers have returned from the sea or
those who are in the sea are rescued
and evacuated to safer places.
Control of outbreak of disease
• To establish camp hospitals near the
affected areas.
• To make transportation arrangements Secretary Health,
to shift seriously injured persons to Secretary Transport,
nearest- Camp Hospitals, Taluka and Secretary R & R.
District Hospitals, Regional and State
Hospitals
• Ensure that the Hospitals are well

Page 95 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

prepared to deal with seriously injured

persons.
• To ensure that the required medical
assistance/aid and medicines are
provided to the affected people at site
as well as at evacuation/relief centers
in the affected area and necessary
records are maintained.
• Take sanitation and epidemic control
measures for preventing any water
borne disease.
• Keep adequate stock of essential
medicines, first aid etc. at
taluka/district hospitals
• Take steps to purify drinking water
sources
• If required, take the help of
doctors/paramedics from the list of
doctors/paramedics available at the
taluka/district level for immediate
medical assistance.
Other important response measures
• Prepare quick need assessment report
for planning of relief operation.
• Additional assistance may be asked
for emergency response/relief from
GoI-NDMA (If needed).
• Maintain constant touch with National,
District and Taluka EOCs and other
control rooms.
• Conduct Arial survey of affected areas
for taking a stalk of the situation.
• Establish Media/Press Centre for
media management and information
dissemination.
Director DMU,
• Ensure that the information about
Information Dept.,
progress of rescue and relief is
Dist. Collector,
provided to media/public at least twice
Municipal
a day at pre-determined intervals.
Commissioner
• Establish help lines for facilitating
communication between the victims
and their relatives residing outside the

Page 96 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

affected area/s.
• Establish Information Centers at
strategic locations for providing
information about persons evacuated
to the relief centers/hospitals.
• Ensure that the essential
services/critical infrastructure of the
affected areas has been restored or
alternative arrangement is made for
ensuring safety of people and smooth
Revenue, Line
management of emergency response.
Depts., Dist.
• Ensure that key administrative and
Collector, Municipal
lifeline buildings are brought back to
Commissioner.
operation quickly.
• Ensure the following primary
necessities are restored-Power,
Water, Telecommunication, Roads,
and Bridges.
• Ensure following procedure is followed
before disposal/handing over of dead
bodies:
• Photographs of the dead bodies are Revenue Dept.,
taken, Identification of the dead bodies Collector, Municipal
is done. Commissioner,
• Postmortem wherever necessary and Home Dept., Health
possible is carried out, Dept., Local
• Handing over dead bodies of persons Authorities
known/ identified to their relatives,
• Disposal of unclaimed and unidentified
dead bodies.
• Animal Husbandry Department to
Animal Husbandry
ensure medical aid to cattle that are
Dept, Local
injured.
Authorities, health
• Disposal of animal carcasses with the
dept.
help of local bodies/health dept.
• Assess the situation and take
appropriate action to accelerate the
Director DMU,
Search & Rescue Operations.
Districts Collector,
• Depute additional officers and
Municipal
supporting staff to Tsunami affected
Commissioner
areas from non-affected areas (if
required) to accelerate the rescue and

Page 97 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

relief operations.
• Ensure that the relief assistance
received from outside is centrally
received, stored, and sent for
Revenue, Civil
distribution to Tsunami affected areas
Supply Dept.
according to their need and proper
accounts are maintained about both
receipt and distribution.
• District Collector may oversee the
Revenue Dept, Civil
functioning of relief centres and ensure
Supply Dept.,
adequate supply of relief materials.
• Arrange for procurement of additional
relief material required for relief
operations (on the basis of need Director DMU, Dist.
assessment). Collector, Municipal
• Mobilize additional relief material Commissioner, Civil
required for relief operations. Supply Dept.
• Maintain constant touch with State &
Districts EOCs.
• Arrangement for transportation of
injured from field hospital to base Revenue Dept.
hospital. Health Dept.,
• Arrangement for transport of dead Transport Dept
bodies to their native places.
• Ensure maintenance of records, timely
reporting, and information
management.
• Ensure maintenance of record and
information database.
• Review the restoration of all the public
and essential in Tsunami affected
areas.
Secretary R & R
• Review and follow-up all necessary
arrangements for emergency response
& relief in the affected area/s.
• After receiving the message of de-
Secretary R & R,
warning, ensure that people are
Collector, Dy. SP
moved back safely to their houses.
• Organize a quick rapid visual survey of Secretary R & R,
the affected areas (through a technical Dist. Collectors,
team of engineers) to ascertain the Municipal
safety of the structures and decide on Commissioner,

Page 98 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

giving permission to people to move

back to their respective houses.
• Ensure relief disbursement, allotment
of funds and grants to line department
and district collectors for organizing Revenue Dept.
emergency response, relief, and
evacuation arrangements.

Relief Measures

Short-term relief measures

1. Provide temporary shelter to affected people

2. Temporary shelter sites should be safe, and easily accessible.
3. Continue to provide essential services to the affected people, (food, water,
clothing sanitation, medical assistance, and power)
The Secretaries of Line Departments and concerned Collectors to ensure the
following in the relief camps: -

• Special emphasis on hygiene and sanitation aspects should be given in relief

campsites. (Health Dept.)
• A separate area should be earmarked within the relief camp for storage
of relief materials. (Civil Supply & PWD Dept.)
• Adequate workforce and transport facilities for the camp site. (Transport
Department)
• Arrangements to be made for trauma management. (Health Department)
• Mobile medical units to be sent to remote areas to provide medical assistance
to the victims/injured. (Health Dept.)
• The information centre should be established by the administration. (I. & P.
Department)

Interim Relief Measures

• Arrangements to be made for quick identification and maintenance of the

records of disposal of dead bodies in the affected areas (Home, Revenue,
Health Dept., Local Authorities).
• Arrangements to be made to record the complaints of all persons reported
missing. Follow-up action in verification of the report also needs to be taken.
(Home Dept.)
• District Magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates are empowered to exempt
identification and post-mortem in case of mass casualties. Revenue Dept may
depute additional sub-divisional magistrates to expedite disposal of the dead
bodies. (Revenue & Home Dept.)

Page 99 of 193
Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Unclaimed/unidentified dead bodies to be disposed of with the help of pre

identified voluntary Agencies at the earliest after keeping their records.
(Home, Revenue, Health Dept. & Local Bodies)
• Additional workforce to be deployed in the affected areas to supplement local
administration efforts. (GAD).
• Separate Cell to be established at state/district/Taluka level to coordinate
with the NGOs and outside donor/aid agencies. (Revenue Dept.)
• Regular meetings of the different stakeholders/departments should be
organized at state level for sharing of information, developing strategies for
relief operations. (Secy. R & R & Collectors at District Level).
• Information & Public Relation Dept (DGIPR) to coordinate with the media to
play a positive role in disseminating appropriate information to public and the
government in order to facilitate the speedy recovery. (DGIPR)

Assessment of Damage/Loss and Relief needs

• The Secy. R & R to issue instructions to the district collectors to provide the
need assessment report. The Secy. R & R should consolidate the same and
prepare the state’s need assessment report.
• The Secy. R & R to issue instructions to the District Collectors to provide
the damage and loss assessment report. The Secy. R & R to consolidate
the same and to prepare state’s damage and loss assessment report which
will be useful in planning and implementing the relief operation after the
disaster for the victims of the disaster.
• Adequate workforce, vehicles, stationery etc. should be provided to
supplement the efforts for need/loss assessment. (Secy. R & R Dept.)
• The relief need assessment report should be provided by the Collectors.
(Secy. R & R & Collectors)
• The damage assessment Performa is also attached in the annexure. (Secy.
R & R & Collectors)
• Identification and demolition of dangerous structures in the affected areas
to minimize further loss of life and injuries. (PWD Dept., Revenue Dept and
Local Bodies)
• Arrangements for distribution of gratuitous relief and cash doles. (Revenue
Dept., Panchayat & Rural Housing Dept., UD Dept. and Collectors)
• Arrangements to be made for survey of human loss and distribution of ex-
gratia relief to the families of deceased persons. (Revenue Dept.)
• Teams to be formed and dispatched to the affected areas for detailed
assessment of houses and property damage assessment. (Revenue Dept and
Local authorities)

Page 100 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• As reconstruction of houses will take a prolonged period, arrangements to

be made to provide interim shelters to the affected. (Revenue Dept and Line
Departments like Water Supply Dept., PWD Dept. etc.)
• Identification of the site for interim shelter
• Allocation of areas to affected families.
• Providing appropriate shelters for the affected families.
• Providing essential services as under in the interim shelter sites.
(Water, Transportation, Power, Road, Drainage/Sanitation)

7.6. Landslides

Landslides are caused due to natural and anthropogenic factors. It is downward

movement of landmass such as mud, rock, boulders, vegetation, etc. under the
influence of gravity. It occurs on mountain slopes and riverbanks. Landslides of
several types occur frequently in the geo-dynamically active domains in the
Himalayan and North-Eastern parts of the country as well as relatively stable
domains in the Western Ghats and Nigiri hills in the Southern part of the country
by this hazard, mostly during the monsoons. (Source: Hazards, Disasters, and your
community)

The Western Ghats, overlooking the Konkan coast, though located in a relatively
stable domain, experience the fury of this natural hazard due to steep hill slopes,
overburden, and high intensity rainfall. The Western Ghats bear the innumerable
scars of landslides due to their location in a zone of high intensity and protracted
rainfall where overburden is sensitive to over-saturation.

Onset type and warning

Sudden sliding can occur without warning. They may take place in combination
with earthquakes, floods, and volcanoes. It is difficult to predict the actual
occurrence of landslides since there is no established early warning system in place.
Areas of high risk, largely hill stations, can be determined by using information on
geology, hydrology, vegetation cover, past occurrence and consequences in the
region.

Authority & Disaster Declaration

The district administration deals this disaster with the help of local authorities and
inform the same to State Authority. Based on the information on occurrence of
landslides in certain areas from local authority/district collector the SDMA declares
landslide disaster affected areas.

Response Mechanism

• The SEOC should be activated for emergency response.

Page 101 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Report the information to the higher authorities at State and National level.
• Alert the State search and rescue teams and consult with district administration
for their deployment in affected areas if necessary.
• Stay in touch with district administration and local authorities and send search
and rescue teams and necessary rescue equipment as and when required.
• Communicate with NDRF in time and alert it to get ready for SAR operation if
district administration needs.
• Inform all government line departments to support district administration with
reuse and relief materials, workforce, and other critical supplies.

Relief Measures

• Set up temporary shelters for evacuees.

• Make provision for essential services like food, clothing, blankets/bedding,
drinking water, light, and essential medicines.
• Deployment of First Aid team and medicines.
• Arrange transportation for patients to take them to hospitals in case of serious
condition.
• Maintain law and order in the affected sites.
• Take particular care of old persons, pregnant women, disables and children.

7.7. Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies

The growth in the application of nuclear science and technology in the fields of
power generation, medicine, industry, agriculture, research and defense has led to
an increase in the risk of occurrence of Nuclear and Radiological emergencies.

As on date, 17 power reactors and five research reactors are in operation in India,
six power reactors are under construction, and plans exist to set up thorium-based
reactors to meet the ever-increasing energy needs. Further, India is also one
amongst the seven declared nuclear weapon states which uses nuclear technology
for strategic purposes.

Maharashtra is one of the Nuclear Plant states in the country. It holds a prominent
position in the nuclear energy sector of India. Thus, nuclear disasters may not be
ignored in future on account of terrorist attacks, technical errors or natural activities
which include geological activities like earthquakes, natural fires, floods etc.

Scope of the Action Plan

This plan document has tremendous scope to address the issues from receiving
emergency intimation to immediate response actions.

Page 102 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Nuclear and Radiological Emergency/Disaster Scenarios

• An accident taking place in any nuclear facility of the nuclear fuel cycle including
the nuclear reactor, or in a facility using radioactive sources, leading to a large-
scale release of radioactivity in the environment.
• A “criticality” accident in a nuclear fuel cycle facility where an uncontrolled
nuclear chain reaction takes place accidentally leading to bursts of neutrons
and gamma radiation (as had happened at Tokaimura, Japan).
• An accident during the transportation of radioactive material.
• The malevolent use of radioactive material as Radiological Dispersal Device
(RDD) by terrorists for dispersing radioactive material in the environment.
• A large-scale nuclear disaster resulting from a nuclear weapon attack (as
had happened at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan) which would lead to mass
casualties and destruction of large areas and properties.

Regulatory Body

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is the nuclear regulatory

authority in India which, as per the legal framework of Atomic Energy Act,
1962, has the mandate for issuance of licenses to nuclear and radiation facilities
upon ensuring compliance with the applicable standards and codes.
• It is emphasized that the AERB, which oversees nuclear and radiological safety
in the country, has the powers to not only license the operation of a facility but also
the power to order partial or full shutdown of any facility that violates its guidelines.
• The AERB has been playing a very crucial role in the prevention of
nuclear/radiological accidents by ensuring that proper safety design features and
operating procedures in all nuclear and radiation facilities are in place.

Authority

• The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has been identified as the nodal
agency in the country for providing the necessary technical inputs to the national
or local authorities for responding to any nuclear or radiological emergency in
the public domain.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry in such emergencies.
For this purpose, a Crisis Management Group (CMG) has been functioning since
1987 at DAE.
• In the event of any radiological or nuclear emergency in the public domain,
the CMG is immediately activated and will co-ordinate between the local authority
in the affected area and the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).
The CMG comprises of senior officials drawn from various units of DAE like the
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL), Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre (BARC). It also includes a senior official from the regulatory authority, the
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). Each member is backed by an
alternate member, so that the CMG can be activated at noticeably short notice.

Page 103 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Several Resource Agencies from BARC also back up the CMG. They can
provide advice and assistance in the areas of radiation measurement and
protection and medical assistance to radiation affected personnel.
• For an effective response to any major nuclear emergency, an immediate
communication 20 Emergency Response Centres (ERCs) have been
established across the country, by BARC and DAE.
• In the case of Maharashtra, the ERC at Mumbai BARC and other national
resources such as the Armed Forces etc. shall deal with the situation. The State
Government and its agencies' role such as the Maharashtra State Disaster
Management Authority (MSDMA) will only be supportive and at the directions of
the CMG.
• Mutual Aid Response Groups (MARG) in the State can effectively mobilize
resources and play vital role to reduce consequences.

Trigger Mechanism

The Trigger Mechanism prescribes the way the disaster response system shall be
automatically activated after receiving early warning signals of a disaster
happening or likely to happen or on receipt of information of an incident. As a
basic regulatory requirement, emergency preparedness exists at BARC to respond
to any on-site emergency in their areas. But to handle radiological emergencies
arising from a transport accident or from movement/handling of “orphan sources”
(radioactive sources that have lost regulatory control) or due to malevolent acts like
explosion of a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), Radiation Exposure Device
(RED) or Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) any time or anywhere in the State, a
network of 18 number of Emergency Response Centres (ERCs) has been
established by Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BRAC) and Department of Atomic
Energy (DAE). This network is basically meant for responding to such emergencies
and also for providing timely advice and guidance to the first responder at the State
and National level. The ERC (BARC) is equipped with radiation monitoring
instruments, protective gear, and other supporting infrastructures. Various units of
Nuclear Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), consisting of personnel from different
DAE units are also being raised. The centralized agency, called the management
activities not only by activating these ERC and ERTs but also by mobilizing the
resources from all DAE facilities, at the time of crisis.

Line of Communication and Responsibility for the State

Nuclear Disaster is a situation where the chances of receiving any early warning
are incredibly low. In such a situation where no early warning signals are available, the
primary objective of the trigger mechanism shall be to mount immediate isolation. The
following procedure shall be followed in such situations:

Page 104 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• For metropolitan areas, the Incident Commander for all nuclear hazards shall
be the Commissioner of Police (CP). For other areas it will be the District
Magistrate (DM).
• The field functionary at ground zero shall inform the District Emergency
Operation Centre (DEOC), the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan area
and the District Magistrate of the incident. DEOC / District Magistrate/
Commissioner of Police shall inform the State Emergency Operation Center
(SEOC), Emergency Response Centers (ERCs), the Secretary of DM and
MSDMA.

Immediately thereafter, personnel from the AERC will determine the source of
the radioactive emission and its strength (*See below, IAEA-EPR-FIRST
RESPONDERS 2006) and report the same to the Commissioner of Police. In non-
Metropolitan Area, the District Collector will inform the MSDMA, Emergency
Response Centers for carrying out the function.

• The Secretary R & R or MSDMA shall convene an immediate meeting about the
Crisis.
• The Secretary R & R or MSDMA shall convene an immediate meeting of the
Crisis Management Group under the Chief Secretary.
• The Secretary R & R shall inform the National Emergency Operation Center
(NEOC) and if required coordinate with Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)
for specialized support team from the 18 ERCs.
• The Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan area and the District Magistrate
in others shall review the situation and activate coordination, command, and
control.
• The Secretary of Health (SoH) shall place medical and para-medical teams
if required at the disposal of the Incident Commander.
• The Fire Brigade as well as personnel/vehicles/equipment from MSDMA’s
Emergency Response Centers (ERCs) will report to the Incident Commander.
• The Secretary R & R shall also coordinate immediate evacuation of potentially
affected civilians with the Commissioner Police (CP), Municipal Commissioner
and Collector.
• Team for Rapid Assessment of damage shall be deployed.
• Chemical Biological Nuclear and Radiological team (CBRN) shall be formed
and deployed to ground zero by the incident commander, i.e., Commissioner of
Police in metropolitan areas and by the District Magistrate (DM) in other areas.

Response Mechanism

Response measures are those, which are taken instantly prior to, and following, a
Nuclear & Radiological emergency aimed at limiting injuries, loss of life and damage
to property and the environment and rescuing those who are affected or likely to be
affected by it. The National Executive Committee (NEC) will ensure that the

Page 105 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

functions and responsibilities of the nuclear facility operators and response

organizations are clearly defined and understood by all stakeholders. The MHA
and the NEC will also determine the actions that need to be performed by each
organization during an emergency and whether it has the necessary resources and
capabilities needed for the purpose. The advice of the National Crisis Management
Committee (NCMC) will also be sought in this matter.

7.8. Industrial Chemical Disasters

In the event of fires, chemical leaks or explosions occurring in industrial facilities,
people are exposed to dangers like fire, poison/chemical gas, low oxygen level
and contamination of land, water, and air. Maharashtra, being a highly industrialized
State, is prone to chemical and industrial hazards. Most of the hazardous factories
are in Thane, Raigad, Mumbai, and Pune districts. Chemical industries, handling
many chemicals as raw materials, in processes, products, and wasters, with
flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic and noxious properties are likely to cause
major industrial and chemical hazards. Any accident involving these may have an
adverse impact on both the community and the environment.

Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is a project of the

government of Maharashtra state in India and is the leading corporation of
Maharashtra. It provides b usinesses with infrastructure s uch a s land ( open p lot or
b uilt-up s paces), roads, water supply, drainage facilities and streetlights. MIDC areas
are spread all over the state of Maharashtra. The MIDC started in 1962 with Wagle
estate, Thane as its first industrial area.

MIDC’s major industrial areas are in Tarapur, Boisar, TTC (Trans Thane
Creek) near Thane and Navi Mumbai, Pimpri-Chinchwad near Pune, Satpur,
Ambad, Sinnar, Gonde near Nashik, Butibori 5 Star MIDC, Nagpur, Kagal 5 Star
MIDC, Kolhapur, Gokul Shirgaon MIDC, Kolhapur, Shiroli MIDC, Kolhapur, Nanded 5
Star MIDC, Nanded, Satara MIDC, Satara, Degaon 5 star MIDC, Satara, Kupwad,
Sangli, Miraj, Sangli, Latur, Latur, Waluj near Aurangabad, Islampur near Sangli

Onset type and warning

Onset in case of industrial disaster can be either rapid (minutes to hours) or sudden
(no warning) depending on the nature of occurrence. Chemical disasters, in
general, may result from: fire, explosion, toxic release and poisoning.

As there is a series of processes and reactions involved the onset may vary
accordingly. Release of chemicals may be because of human error, technological
failure or natural activities which include geological activities like earthquakes,
natural fires, floods etc. The industrial facility should have a monitoring and warning
system for fire and building up of dangerous conditions. Explosion in some cases can
be anticipated.

Page 106 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Emergency Activity Responsibility

• Declare an off-site emergency in
consultation with Site Emergency
Director.
• Activate an offsite emergency control
Off-Site centre.
District Collector
Emergency • Establish immediate communication
with ERC, State Government and the
CMG, DEA.
• Arrange an immediate deployment of
various ERTs in affected sector(s).
• Arrange an evacuation of the public to
safer places.
• Activate systems of the State machinery
to meet the necessary requirements of
the public in the camp till the people are
in a position to go back to their homes
after the affected areas are cleared and
declared safe.
• Deploy Quick Reaction Medical Teams
(QRMTs)/ Medical First Responders
(MFRs) consisting of physicians, triage
officer, Radiological Safety Officer
(RSO), nurses and paramedical staff.
• To ensure that necessary arrangements
at evacuation/relief centers are made
Secretary R & R,
with enough food, water,
Civil
blankets/clothing, medicines, lighting,
sanitation, and hygiene, etc.
Supply Dept.,
Collectors,
• To ensure necessary security
Municipal
arrangements for the personals
Commissioner,
(emergency responders/relief teams)
Water Supply Dept.,
who are working at Relief Centers and
Health Dept., Power
involved in distribution of Relief
& Energy Dept.,
Materials.
MSEB & Local
Authorities,
• To ensure that law and order is
maintained at evacuation/relief centers Home Dept.
and in the affected areas as well.

Page 107 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Make an arrangement for providing

timely and appropriate information to
the public in the event of a nuclear or Director DMU,
radiological emergency. Collector, Info.
• Ensure that the information to Dept., Municipal
media/general public about the Commissioner,
coordinated response is released in an
organized manner.
• Immediately activate and co-ordinate
between the local authority in the
affected area and the National Crisis Mgmt. Group
• Crisis Management Committee
(NCMC).
• Recognize the existence of an abnormal
situation.
• Identify and characterize the source and
its origin.
• Initiate a quick and reliable monitoring
methodology to detect the onset of an ERC, DEA, AERB,
accident/emergency condition and CMG, Dist.
Nuclear/
assess its magnitude. Collector,
Radiation
• Communicate the situation to fire Commissioner of
emergency
fighting and medical services, police, Police, Municipal
civil defense, transport, and other Commissioner,
agencies.
• Estimate the dose via the relevant
pathways. (*Dose Limits for exposures
to ionizing radiations for occupational
workers given here below)
• Support decision making on protective
measures for the population and the
environment.
• If required, distribute iodine tablets at
the earliest (iodine prophylaxis). Dist. Collector,
• Respond quickly to the situation and Municipal
mobilize resources at short notice. Commissioner,
• Initiate countermeasures at the earliest Health dept., Police
(for relief and rescue operations on the dept
basis of actual radiation dose levels
prevailing in different zones).
• Make sure immediate measures need to
be taken as the situation develops.

Page 108 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Ensure that the actions taken by the

various agencies are well coordinated.
• Send prior information (in respect of dos
and don’ts) to those likely to be affected
by the accident/emergency. These
include:
• Evacuation/temporary relocation of the
affected population, if required. Director DMU.
• Withdrawal and substitution of supplies Home Dept., State
of food and drinking water (based on EOC, Civil Supply
actual measurement of contamination Dept., Animal and
found in food and drinking water). Husbandry dept.,
• Animal husbandry and agriculture Information dept.
department personnel to ensure
radiological protection following a
nuclear emergency.
• Initiation of the recovery phase at an
appropriate time.
• Critical Situation in a nuclear facility is a
situation of national emergency. In the
case of Maharashtra, the ERC at
Maharashtra and other national
resources such as the Armed Forces
etc. shall deal with the situation. The
“Criticality” ERC, CMG, NEC,
role of the State Government and its
Accidents DEA
agencies such as the Maharashtra
State Disaster Management Authority
will only be supportive and be at the
direction of the Crisis Management
Group set up by the Union /Central
Government.
• On discovery of any such accident, the
District Magistrate in a district or the
Commissioner of Police in a
metropolitan area, shall inform the
Transportation
following –
of Radioactive DM or SP
o The ERC at Mumbai (Nodal ERC)
Materials
The SEOC at Mantralaya, Mumbai
o The Secretary of Relief and
Rehabilitation
o The Secretary, DMU
• Mobilize and operate incident command

Page 109 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Oversee victims' triage

• Make sure that the site is cordoned, and
the perimeters are controlled and
managed
• Ensure notification and activation of
special teams
• Ensure traffic and access control
• Ensure protection to at risk and
vulnerable population
• Gender issues must keep in mind
• Provide resources support and requests
for assistance.
• Ensure public works coordination.
• Ensure public information, outreach,
and communication activities.
• Seal off the inner zone of 400m (about
CMG, Dist.
1312.34 ft) radius from the blast point
Collector, SP,
as „no entry area except for emergency
Municipal
measures.
Radiological Commissioner,
Dispersal • Perform life-saving rescue and EOC, Director DMU,
Device emergency first aid for seriously injured. Info. Dept., Home
Emergency • Remove injured persons as far away as Dept., local
practical from the incident scene, authority, Health
especially in case of fire. Dept. Civil supply
• If medical attention is needed, assist in Dept.,
arrangements for medical assistance.
• The medical personnel will be informed
that radioactive contamination might
exist on the victims and/or their clothing.
• Identify all those who may have been
exposed to a possible release of
radioactive material.
• Identify those involved with the incident
or potentially contaminated by the
incident at the scene, except those
requiring emergency medical
evacuation.
• All individuals will be monitored and
decontaminated.
• Record names, addresses, destinations,
and telephone numbers of those

Page 110 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

individuals who cannot be persuaded to

stay at the incident scene.
• Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in
the incident area.
• Advice to the Local Public following a
Radiological Dispersal Device Explosion
• The public living in approximately twice
the radius of the inner cordoned area is
advised the following:
o If present in the inner zone, to get
monitored at the earliest.
o Move away from the immediate
area
o Not to eat food until certified free
from contamination.
o Avoid any smoke/dust.
o Turn on local radio/TV channels for
advice from emergency response
centres/health authorities.
o Remove contaminated clothes and
place these in a sealed plastic bag;
Take a shower to wash off dust and
dirt. This will reduce total radiation
exposure.
o If radioactive material was released,
local news broadcasts will advise
people where to report for radiation
monitoring and for blood and other
tests to determine whether they
were in fact exposed and steps to
be taken to protect their health

Sources of Chemical Disasters

Chemical accidents may originate in:

(i) Manufacturing and formulation installations including during commissioning

and process operations; maintenance and disposal

(ii) Material handling and storage in manufacturing facilities, and isolated

storages; warehouses and godowns including tank farms in ports and docks and
fuel depots.

Page 111 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Transportation (road, rail, air, water, and pipelines).

Authority

Enforcement and monitoring of chemical safety and emergency Management

involves various central/state ministries/departments viz. Ministry of Home Affairs
(MHA), Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Ministry of labor and
Employment (MoLE), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC & F), Ministry of Shipping,
Road Transport and Highways (MoSRT & H), Ministry of Commerce and Industries
(MoC & I), DEA, Ministry of Finance (MoF) etc. The MoLE, MoEF and MoSRT & H
handle enacting regulations.

At the State Level

At the State level, the State Crisis Group (SCG) is an apex body to deal with
major chemical accidents and to supply expert guidance for handling them. The same
existing and established structure could be used for handling Chemical Disasters
also SCG, under the Chair of Chief Secretary.

At the District Level

At the District level, the District Crisis Group (DCG) is an apex body to deal with
major chemical accidents and to provide expert guidance for handling them. The
same existing and established structure could be used for handling Chemical
Disasters also. The DCG includes District Collector, SDM and Dy. Collector, DDO, Dy.
Director – Industrial Safety & Health, DSP, PI, Fire Superintendent of the City
Corporations or important Municipalities, Chief District Health Officer, Civil Surgeon,
SE, Chief Officer, Dy. Chief Controller of Explosives, Commandant – SRPF, Group-
I, Dy. Director – Information to name a few.

Flow of Information (Communication)

A procedure must be laid out to communicate the accident / attack to the District
Control Room (DCR) giving details such as location of incident, chemical(s)
involved, severity of incident, casualties (if any), etc. The person in-charge at DCR
shall then inform the first three responders i.e., Police, Fire & Emergency Services
and Medical Department. He will then inform the District Collector and all other
members of the DCG. The District Collector, in turn, would inform the Maharashtra
State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) and the SCG about the incident and
ask for additional help in terms of resources and workforce (if at all required) after
assessing the situation on site. The SCG or the MSDMA would then inform the Central
Crisis Group (CRG) about the incident along with other relevant details on hand. The
first responders, after reaching the site, will secure more information about the
incident and try to establish communication with the concerned agencies /
departments for deploying resources / personnel as per the need of the situation.

Page 112 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework on chemical safety can be traced to the Factories Act,
1948 and chemical class-specific regulations like the Explosives Act, 1884; the
Insecticide Act, 1968; and The Petroleum Act, 1934. Later, an umbrella Act, the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, was enacted, which also deals with chemical
management and safety. A number of regulations covering safety in transportation,
insurance, liability and compensation were enacted thereafter. The Government of
India has further reinforced the legal framework on chemical safety and
management of chemical accidents by enacting new rules and by way of
amendments to them.

Trigger Mechanism for Industrial (Chemical) Disasters

On getting the firsthand information about an emergency/disaster, the in-charge of

the DEOC should immediately inform the District Collector and the first three
responders i.e., Police, Fire & Emergency Services and Medical Services. The
informed District Collector then runs down to DEOC, where Dy. Director of Industrial
Safety and Health (DISH) and two experts will join him. The notification should
specify the location of the incident, the type of chemical released/used (if known),
possible consequences and provide written reports on actions taken and on health
effects. The District Collector should then inform the State Control Room
(SCR)/SEOC, the MSDMA and the Chair of the SCG about the incident. The SEOC
will then issue an alert or direct all the Emergency Responder Agencies at the
State and District level to supply their services at once. The SCR/SEOC will at
once decide to deploy SRTs in the affected areas.

During the initial stages of the emergency, it is likely that the reports may be unclear
and conflicting. Therefore, the first responders conducting the on-site assessment
should secure reliable sources of information to allow an objective assessment of
the situation. The assessment should include casualty, material damage, and
the likely health consequences.

It should also suggest antidotes and treatment regimens for those affected by
medical care if the type/nature of chemical released/used during the attack is known.
The State Crisis Group (SCG), after analyzing the information received from the
District Collector and the first responders would then decide on mobilization of
added resources, medical aid and rescue equipment as needed through various
sources. The SCG should also instruct the Fire & Emergency/Rescue Services and
Hospitals of the neighboring districts to be on alert in case their services are needed.
The Team Commander of the ERT should cordon off the affected area. He should
instruct the neighboring population to stay away from the site. He should instruct the
medical unit to detect the substances used during the attack through the available
equipment/kit. He should also decide the place for establishing the decontamination
unit at an appropriate location in consultation with doctors and paramedics. The

Page 113 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Search & Rescue unit of the ERT should rescue and evacuate the affected people
to a safe location.

Response for Industrial (Chemical) Disasters

Response measures are those which are taken instantly prior to, and following,
an Industrial (Chemical) emergency/attack aimed at limiting injuries, loss of life and
damage to property and the environment and rescuing those who are affected or
likely to be affected by it. SCG will ensure that the functions and responsibilities
of the chemical facility operators and response organizations are clearly defined
and understood by all stakeholders. The Central Crisis Group (CCG) and the
SCG/DISH will also determine the actions that need to be performed by each
organization during an emergency and whether it has the necessary resources and
capabilities needed for the purpose.

For the fastest response, it is very important that the person who is receiving
the information should immediately pass it on to the first responders, Dist. Collector,
Sub Div. Magistrate. If he receives further information after making the first call, he
will convey that also in the same order. Alternatively, if the information is more
relevant to any department, he will first pass that information to its head. The specific
activities and role & responsibilities are as under;

Task Activity Responsibility

• In consideration with SCG declare
an off-site emergency and activate
an off-site emergency plan.
Declaration and Plan
• Activate DCG. Collector
Activation
• Establish immediate
communication with DEOC,
SEOC, and SDMA
• Deploy the Emergency Response
Teams of Fire, Police, S&R, and
Medical in affected locations
immediately.
Collector,
• Evacuate the affected/likely to be
Municipal
affected people to safer places
Commissioner,
Deployment of SAR and arrange temporary shelters
Home Dept.,
and First Aid Teams and medical assistance for them.
Health Dept.,
• Deploy the SAR and First Aid Industry/Industrial
teams including doctors, nurses, Association,
triage officers and paramedical
staff in affected areas with all
medical equipment and critical
supplies.

Page 114 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Keep people in temporary shelters

until the affected areas are
cleared and declared safe.
• Coordinate with State Authority for
necessary arrangement in
affected areas.
• Ensure sufficient stock of
emergency medicines, antidotes,
etc. in all hospitals at district and
taluka level.
• Keep all hospitals in a ready
position with workforce and
medicines to address any
emergency.
• Ensure that the required medical
assistance/aid and
Addressing Health
medicines/antidotes are provided Health Dept
related issues
to the affected people at site as
well as at evacuation/relief centers
in the affected area and area and
necessary records are maintained.
• Contact the State authority for any
additional help like doctors,
medicines, equipment etc.
• Mobilize doctors/paramedics If
required, from one district/taluka
to other.
• Make provision for dissemination
of accurate and reliable
information to the public and
Director DMU,
media in case of a chemical
Collector,
attack.
Media management Commissioner of
• Ensure that the information to
Info., Municipal
media/general public about the
Commissioner
coordinated response is released
in an organized and timely
manner.
• Ensure following procedure is Revenue Dept.,
followed before disposal/ handing Collector, Home
Disposal of Dead
over of dead bodies: Dept., Health
bodies
o Photographs of the dead Dept., Local
bodies are taken Authorities,

Page 115 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

o Identification of the dead Industry/Industrial

bodies is done Association
o Postmortem wherever
necessary and possible is
carried out,
o Handing over dead bodies of
persons known/ identified to
their relatives,
o Disposal of unclaimed and
unidentified dead bodies
• Animal Husbandry Department to
ensure medical aid to cattle that Animal Husbandry
Animal Care and
are injured. Depts., Local
disposal of dead
• Disposal of animal carcasses with Authorities, health
bodies
the help of local bodies/health dept.
dept.
• Ensure that evacuation/ relief
centres have sufficient food,
water, medicines, clothes,
Secy. R & R, Civil
blankets, lights, and sanitation
Resource Supply Dept.,
facilities and are running with
mobilization and Collectors,
regular supervision of district
security Municipal
administration.
Commissioner,
• Ensure that the collection and
distribution of relief materials are
systematic and transparent.

• The Secretary, Home and DGP will report to the SEOC at once upon the
receipt of information about the disaster.
• The DGP will set up contact with the District Police Control Room at once.
He will get a situation estimate and assess the operational requirements
for the police.
• The DGP will issue an alert to the Dy Inspector General and the surrounding
districts. He will direct all the police officials and forces in adjacent Districts to
be deployed if necessary. The DG will ensure that the police forces
needed for traffic management, evacuation and law and order are available
with the district administration.
• The DGP will review the dissemination of warning and the need for
evacuation. He will help the Fire & Emergency Services and the Deputy
Director, Industrial Safety and Health with Police Wireless sets, so that there
is continuous communication among the first responders in an emergency.
• The DGP will ensure that the police force will not enter the area under

Page 116 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

disaster without the permission of the Fire & Emergency Services and Health
officials.
• In case of big explosion and fire, the DGP will assess the situation and
suggest a Plan of Action based on his assessment of the immediate
causation.
• The DGP will order deployment of the police force for evacuation of the people
from the zone of the danger.
• The DGP will send instructions for the cordoning of the area. People should
not be allowed access anywhere close to the site of the disaster.
• The DGP will review the traffic management in the area. The primary aim
would be to ensure the transport of the injured to the hospital, easy access
for emergency responders and safe evacuation of the people from the danger
zone.
• The DGP will also issue directives that all the Private and Public Transport
(trains and buses) be diverted from the disaster area.
• The DGP will contact the DIG and ask him to organize the deployment of
police force from other Districts, based on the need assessment. The DGP will
also contact the Central Industrial Security Forces, and other paramilitary
forces to seek their deployment, if needed.
• The DGP will supervise law and order situation. He will take all possible
precautions to ensure that public order is kept, and no one takes undue
advantage of the situation.

Fire and SAR (Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), Municipal Corporation,
MIDC)

• Reach the site as soon as possible and assess the situation. (Information
about the chemical leak/spill, the action taken and status)
• In case of fire, start firefighting with suitable media and take care of
surrounding storages/tanks to be overheated to reduce the chances of further
spreading.
• In case of chemical leak, try to stop the leak.
• Secretary, Industries will coordinate redeployment of MIDC Fire Tenders from
other places, as required.
• Secretary, Industries will also coordinate with the Private and Public Sector
industries for deployment of their Fire Brigades to the disaster site.
• The SCG, in consultation with the District Collector and other local officials
will ensure that Chief Fire Officer, Fire Services, Dy. Director - Industrial
Safety and Health, Officer in charge Police and Health Personnel all work
closely with full coordination.
• Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Aurangabad are the main providers
of Fire Services in the state. The District Control Room will decide upon the
deployment of Fire Services, based on distance and accessibility.

Page 117 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Search and identify the risk and nullify the sources of leak / toxic release.
If any unclear or unidentified substance or source is found or detected,
the team should send them at once to the laboratory for further investigation
/ analysis.
• To search and evacuate the affected population from the site of the incident.

Medical Services (Dept. of Health and Family Welfare)

• The Secretary - Health, and emergency medicine experts will provide the
necessary expertise and specialized services to the SCG.
• The SCG will consider the level of exposure on the basis of situation
estimate received from the district administration. It will consider the intrinsic
toxic potential of the chemical, its concentration, the duration of exposure, and
the health status of the people exposed.
• Based on the information upon the level and extent of contamination, the
SCG will decide on the issue of alert and warning to the people in the affected
areas through the All India Radio, Doordarshan, and Cable TV.
• The SCG will contact the Civil Surgeon and the District Health Officer of the conc
erned district and ask them to deploy all the necessary medical facilities
including doctors, nurses, medicines, and ambulances.
• The SCG will alert major hospitals in the area and ask them to be in readiness
to receive patients.
• In case the nature of contamination requires much greater intervention, the
SCG will inform the CCG and ask for the necessary medical assistance of
experts, doctors, and equipment. The relevant agency for emergency
medicine in the Government of India is the Directorate General of the Health
Services (DGHS) in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The DGHS
has set up the Emergency Medical Relief cell, to deal with these
contingencies.
The SCG will review the diagnostic support services: clinical laboratory, blood banks,
radiology, pathology, pharmacy, paramedics, Red Cross, NGOs, and volunteer
personnel. It will seek all the steps to organize the necessary medical help through
the deployment of doctors, paramedics, and provision of blood and medicines, as
required.

The SCG will review the administrative support required for the situation, which
includes communications, transport of the victims and of the personnel, feeding of
the personnel and patients, and supplies.

• The SCG will collect information on the number of deaths and persons injured,
the nature of injuries and the likely long-term consequences.
• The SCG must assess the medical needs of the area on the basis of likely long-
term consequences and take steps to equip local medical facilities for

Page 118 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

treating people on a long-term basis. The SCG must also make financial
provision for spending on long-term treatment.

Responsibilities after the disaster

Once the situation at the site is under control, fire has been extinguished; the
emission of vapors to the atmosphere has been effectively checked, the following
actions have to be performed by various sub-teams of the SRT and the respective
line departments as well as the district administration:

Search & Detection of Leak / Toxic Release - The Search & Detection Team
would find the risk and nullify the sources of leak / toxic release. If any
unclear or unidentified substance or source is found or detected, the team should
send them at once to the laboratory for further investigation / analysis. The Team
should also preserve the samples from the site of the incident, such as sand, water,
air and other infected substances, for further investigation, which could help
strengthen the case later. The technical ability of Maharashtra Pollution Control
Board, Fire & Emergency Services and the Health Department may be used by the
Search & Detection Team in carrying out the activities if needed.

Structural Inspections after Fires or Explosions - A major explosion could damage

or destroy numerous buildings and any nearby bridges or tunnels. Similarly large
fires can have major effects on buildings and other infrastructure facilities over a vast
surrounding area. In either case, residents / owners of the partially damaged
buildings will want to know if the structures are safe to occupy while they await
repairs. Questions pertaining to the safety of highway or railway bridges must also
be resolved quickly to avoid traffic complications. It must be ensured that the
inspection personnel have special precautions (i.e., chemical protective gear) in
addition to normal safety equipment in those cases where the structure may still be
contaminated by hazardous residues. Fire & Emergency Services personnel along
with the structural experts from the PWD Department shall be responsible for
inspecting the structural integrity of damaged buildings, bridges, or other structures
in the aftermath of a fire or explosion.

Search, Rescue and Evacuation - After getting the go ahead from the technical
personnel responsible for ensuring structural safety of the buildings in and around
the incident site, the Search & Evacuation Team should carry out their job and
evacuate the affected population from the site of the incident. They should brief the
Information Officer about the rescue and evacuation status (including the place of
temporary shelter) to ensure that no rumors are spread to avoid any panic amongst
the general public. The Team, with the help of Police personnel should also stop
general public from moving towards the danger zone. The Team should provide
guidance to people regarding evacuation routes, first aid and decontamination
areas. They should also help the Medical Team in rushing the victims to nearby
hospitals.

Page 119 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Post-Incident Testing for Contamination - The De-contamination Team would

be responsible to decontaminate the affected area, population, members of the
SRT and equipment used during the operation on the site of the incident. In
addition, the Team should also be responsible for erecting the decontamination
chambers for the affected population. After the operation is completed in all
respects, the Team should ensure that the site is totally decontaminated from
toxic substances. The Team should also ensure that the water that was used for
decontamination is properly discharged, preferably to a sewerage system outlet.
Technical personnel from the MPCB, Fire & Emergency Services and the nearby
industrial units as well as the personnel from the Medical Team should help the De-
contamination Team to carry out their duty. Further, the Team shall also check
crops, water (ground & surface), homes, stored foods, and animals for possible
chemical contamination.

Providing Medical and First Aid to the Victims - The Medical Team should provide
first aid to the victims of the incident. If need arises, the Team should also help
the hospital staff of the hospital where the victims would be transported from the
incident site. They should monitor the level of triage of the victims through checking
their breathing and pulse. They should also decide on the type of decontamination
(either wet or dry) depending upon the substances / chemicals used during the
disaster. The Team should also identify the trauma cases and counsel them
appropriately.

Provision of Alternate Water Supplies - There are several circumstances under

which a potable water supply may become unfit for human consumption for a time
and require replacement. This is most accomplished by bringing in supplies of
bottled water and / or tankers / trailers capable of carrying water. The district
administration must ensure the availability of potable water for consumption of
affected population as well as first responders engaged at the incident site.

Re-Entry Into Evacuated Areas - Based on the assessment of the situation at the site,
the DCG would take a decision on the termination of emergency. However, before
taking this decision, several other actions need to be ascertained such as restoration
of electricity, gas, and water supplies in the affected areas / buildings, transport
arrangements for bringing the affected population back from the temporary shelters,
restoration of law & order in the affected area /s, etc. through the concerned Teams
/ departments.

Responsibility of the other Statutory Authority - The designated authority

under various statues like Indian Boiler Act, Factory Act, E.P. Act, Explosive Act,
Static and Mobile Pressure Vessel Act etc. shall perform post emergency activities
prescribed and as directed by District Collector under Maharashtra State Disaster
Management Authority.

Page 120 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 8: LIVESTOCK CARE IN DISASTERS

8.1. Livestock Care during Disaster

Natural disaster is an event that is responsible for social, economic, cultural, and
political devastation and affects people and communities at large. During
natural calamities attention usually goes primarily towards human welfare, however,
welfare of animal is also of paramount importance considering their causalities from
drought and flood prone diseases, epidemics, and different feed poisoning.
Livestock rearing in the State is a source of employment for many more people.
Nevertheless, grave implications of natural calamities on both the livestock and
their owners, disaster management of livestock has yet to receive any serious
attention in India.

Issue to be taken in consideration: Prevent flooding, fire or earthquake from

harming livestock: Safely transport, communicate and obtain medical assistance
for livestock in disasters: evacuate, feed and identify livestock in a disaster: take
steps to ensure that animal-related business fully recovers from a disaster: apply the
four phases of emergency management to the care of livestock in disasters.

The care of livestock

Many farms are vulnerable to natural disasters and require special consideration
in the protection against disasters. Their owners depend on the farm’s income for
their livelihood. There are often many chemicals, such as fertilizer, herbicides and
pesticides that can be spilled in a disaster. In this section, you will learn about some
of the basic principles of disaster mitigation for livestock.

Farms in disasters are of concern for many reasons, some of which are listed below:

➢ The safety of the human food supply depends on the health of food-
producing animals: Owners have personal and financial investments in their
animals.
➢ Farm owners may be injured or killed attempting to rescue their animals in
disasters.
➢ For many States and businesses, livestock, poultry, and horses are a vital
source of revenue.
➢ Protecting and saving human life is the priority of disaster relief.

Protecting property is of secondary concern. Because of this, emergency

management officials are not trained to deal with animals as property or the restoration
of animal-related businesses. Therefore, farm owners should work with their
emergency management agency and other groups before a disaster. Though, they
should remember that the care of and responsibility for all animals lies with their owner
or designated care provider.

Page 121 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

8.2. Mitigation
There are many things that can be done on farms to mitigate disasters. Some of
these are listed below.

Build and repair buildings to meet or exceed construction codes and consider ease
of evacuation.

• Replace or cover glass windows with materials that will not shatter and injure
animals or personnel.
• Make sure that drainage ditches have grass covering (maintain sod).:
prevent ground-burrowing animals from damaging dams and levees.
• Avoid accumulating piles of trash that can spill onto other persons’ property
and injure animals and people.
• Store chemicals in stormproof buildings and secure containers.
• Do not leave construction materials unsecure. In high winds, these may
become projectiles.
• Drain or build levees around ponds that could flood.
• After evacuating the barn, always close the barn doors to prevent animals
from running back inside the barn.

Flooding

Many farms are in floodplains, but some farm owners and managers have a
false sense of security. The animal husbandry department can provide maps and
flood risk assessment information on every property in their State. Farm owners should
gather this information, review the location of their property, and engineer access to
their property so that it will not leave them stranded during flooding. Civil engineers
can help in the design and construction of flood-protected farm accesses and
make recommendations on suitable locations for barns, stables, paddocks and high-
lying areas that may be used as pasture ground in the event of a flood.

A common aftermath of flooding is the overflow of manure pits and waste lagoons.
This can contaminate the environment, rivers, and the drinking water supply. If this
occurs, the environmental department will be interested in the environmental
impact and will be concerned with river contamination and potential fish killings.
Farmers can be fined for violations against regulations of environment
departments. To prevent this from happening, farmers should take the following
precautions.

• Have lagoons regularly inspected.

• Diligently keep records on the impact lagoons have on the environment and
water shed.
• Discuss plans to divert manure from streams and rivers

Page 122 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Another frequent problem on farms in disasters is hazardous materials spills. Storing

hazardous materials in locked buildings with securely strapped containers should
prevent these from leaking into the environment and water supply.

After floods there may be an increase in infectious disease.

• Animals that have stood in contaminated flood water will be at increased risk
and may develop infections of the hooves and skin (dermatitis).
• Cuts acquired from disaster debris make animals more susceptible to tetanus
and contaminated floodwater may contain toxins, including botulinum toxin
from rotting carcasses. Contact with wildlife may also increase the potential
for rabies.

Fire Safety

Barn fires tend to break out in the winter and summer months when barn doors
are closed and the demand for heating, cooling (fans) and lighting is at its highest.
Many livestock facilities are built of flammable materials, and some contain gas
heaters. Safety measures to prevent the damage caused by fires include the
following.

• Fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors and enforced no

smoking policies can greatly reduce the risk of fires.
• Electrical wiring of barns and stables should meet appropriate safety standards
and be installed by qualified electricians. Professional advice is available to
help with this.
• The State department of building and fire safety and most local fire departments
provide low-cost inspections and recommendations on fire safety for properties.
The recommendations are detailed and will provide the highest standards by
which to prevent fires.
• Farm owners should consult with their local fire department on how to fireproof
their stables. This also familiarizes farm owners and local fire fighters with one
another. This familiarity is helpful in case of an emergency. Knowing where a
farm is located, how to access facilities, how many animals are there, and
where large volumes of water are available can make a difference when
firefighters are responding.

Power Supply and Miscellaneous repairs

Priority for restoration of power following an emergency is usually based on

human population density. Because many farms are in rural areas, it could be
some time before power is re-established. Many livestock operations depend
heavily on electrical power to milk cows, provide heat and cool air (fans), and
operate feed elevators and machinery. Owners can find out about the relative
priority of their farm from their local utility company. This important information can

Page 123 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

help farmers prepare for times without power. Farm owners should consider
securing a generator for emergencies.

8.3. Preparedness
The priorities for disaster planning for farms varies to some extent with the type of
animals and facility. In general terms, the greatest priorities, i.e., the most likely
disasters to occur, are trailer accidents, floods, fires, power outages and contagious
disease outbreaks. Some locations will have additional hazards to consider, such as
high winds, landslides, and hazardous materials. Owners should consult their local
livestock officers and take necessary suggestions.

Safety in Animal Transport

Transportation accidents are one of the most common disasters that livestock owners
will encounter. Preventive measures include regular inspection of trailers and two
vehicles for safe operation.

Veterinary preparedness in disasters

The priorities in veterinary care vary with each disaster.

• In high winds, tornadoes and hurricanes, traumatic injuries will predominate.

• In droughts and in severe winter weather, starvation and dehydration may
be problems.
• Following fires, smoke inhalation and burn wounds will be issues that
require veterinary attention.

Many disasters also have distant effects on animals, e.g., debris on pastures many
miles from a tornado touchdown and moldy corn following a flood can be a problem
after a disaster. If you are concerned about diseases that may result from a disaster
you should consult your veterinarian. If animals die or have to be euthanized, it is
recommended that a post-mortem examination be performed so that insurance and
legal claims can be settled.

In disasters, farm animals may be forced to congregate. Livestock from several

farms may mix resulting in contagious diseases. Be aware that changing social
structure may result in aggressive behavior leading to injury. Some measures can
safeguard the health of livestock in disasters — vaccinations, deworming, and
Coggins tests for horses.

Before Disaster Strikes

Recommended items for a livestock disaster box include:

• Tack, ropes, halters

Page 124 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Concentrated feed, hay, supplements, and medicines

• Copies of ownership papers
• Buckets or feed nets
• Flashlight or lantern
• Blankets or tarps
• Lights, portable radio, and spare batteries
• Livestock first aid supplies

Additional Recommendations

• Consider the following prior to floods, cyclones, fires, blizzards, and other
natural disasters.
• Learn what disaster risks are prominent in your area and what conditions
accelerate that occurrence.
• Contact local law enforcement and emergency response agencies and
familiarize yourself with their response patterns, criteria, and capability.
Make sure you also contact the official in charge of disaster response.
• Visit with neighbors or local groups about organizing a management or
evacuation system for livestock.
• Evaluate your own handling capabilities including workforce, equipment,
and alternatives.
• Contact friends or families and make emergency arrangements with them
for temporary livestock care.
• Identify facilities and resources that may be available 15 to 40 miles from your
site. This works well with agricultural producers and stables for the same
contingency.
• Make sure you have legal and adequate markings to prove ownership of
your livestock. Consider having ID tags (such as luggage tags) on hand that
you can attach to any animals that are half broken. You might consider
having livestock marker crayons or bright-colored paint convenient to mark
your animals and your premises. For less domesticated livestock you may
be dependent on brands, ear tags, and ear notches. Have individual and
group photographs of all livestock in your livestock disaster box.
• Practice loading your animals, so you and the animals are familiar with the
effort.
• Monitor television and local radio broadcasts regularly if risk factors are
present.
• Identify an alley, lane or pen that can easily be used to confine animals and is
readily adjacent to where a trailer or truck can access them.
• Utilize cell phone technology to monitor neighbors, families, and livestock.

Page 125 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

8.4. Response
Evacuation

Farm evacuations present unique problems. Appropriate planning is essential.

Evacuations are best coordinated with neighbors, friends, and neighbors. Both the
destination and the method of transport need to be sorted out well in advance of any
need.

Feeding

When livestock and horses are evacuated and housed in large numbers,
adequate amounts of feed may be difficult to procure.

• Develop lists of feed and hay suppliers in your area.

• Avoid dietary changes. When the diets of horses or livestock change, they
become predisposed to colic, laminitis, and metabolic diseases.
• Feeding diets that have moderate energy levels and meet the minimum
nutritional requirements reduces the likelihood of illness. Use the following
table to judge how much water and feed your animals may need.

Identification of Animals

In large-scale disasters when many animals are evacuated, identification of the

animals and their owners is difficult. Ideally all animals should be uniquely and
permanently found. Consider that identification serves two purposes: the owner can
positively find their animal; and others can trace the owner.

Horses can be permanently found by microchips, freeze marking or tattoos. Owners

should have current front and side view photographs. However, when this is not the
case, e.g., when livestock and horses must be evacuated suddenly, emergency
identification methods can be used. These include:

• Painting or etching the hooves,

• Body marking with crayon,
• Clipping phone numbers or farm initials in the hair,
• Neck banding,
• Identification tags on halters, and
• Glue-on numbers.

Hazardous Materials

During floods, following cyclones and earthquakes, hazardous materials can be

knocked over and contaminate the environment and animals. While farmers are
often qualified to handle hazardous materials commonly used on their farms, farm
owners should be aware that proper training and hazardous materials certification

Page 126 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

are required to deal with releases and the potential contamination of the food supply.
Untrained persons should not deal with hazardous materials at all.

8.5. Recovery
Farms are traditionally concerned with restoring the animal industries following a
disaster.

• The long-term recovery phase of a disaster can be protracted, with

substantial adjustments occurring in the disaster-stricken community.
• Restoration of businesses is facilitated through low-interest loans supplied by
local banks. Businesses with appropriate insurance coverage are most likely
to have the best recoveries.
• Farms often have special claims programs for recovery from disasters —
farmers should pay special attention to these and consult their emergency
management officials and county extension educators on what is available.
In the past, farmers have been unaware of the sources of funding available
to them to help recovery.

8.6. Relocation
Every farm owner should have alternative accommodation planned for their animals
in the event of a disaster. These contacts should be confirmed at least once per
year. Be sure when selecting facilities to choose those that will not likely be affected
by the same disasters you are planning for. Consideration should be given to how
enormous amounts of manure will be disposed of — this will accumulate and pose a
significant animal and human health problem. Plans should be made for disposal of
carcasses.

Restoration of Farms as Business

Farms are often affected by local disasters, such as fires, floods, chemical spills,
and cyclones. It is estimated that only a few small businesses affected by a major
disaster ever recover to a functional state. This is likely due to inadequate insurance
coverage. Farms without sufficient records will have a challenging time making an
adequate insurance claim. Major concerns for small businesses, including farms, in
disasters include the following.

• Personnel,
• Cash flow,
• Continued income for employees,
• Continued provision of quality care for animals,
• Restoration of a functional business,
• Changes in community infrastructure, and
• Customer, buyer, and supplier loyalty.

Page 127 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Many of these issues can be addressed before a disaster by obtaining adequate

insurance coverage and entering into agreements with neighboring farms to share
facilities and resources.

In addition, farms may obtain assistance from local banks, insurance companies,
animal husbandry department, agriculture department and forest department to
recover.

Page 128 of 193

CHAPTER 9: SOCIAL INCLUSION IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

9.1. Gender issues in Disaster Management

The relationships between men and women are powerful forces in every culture.
The way these relationships are defined creates differences in the roles and
responsibilities of men and women. It also leads to inequalities in their access to,
and control over, resources and decision-making powers. Women and girls generally
tend to be the main victims of natural disasters. A few commonly recorded reasons
for higher death tolls among women and girls include:

➢ Cultural constraints on female mobility which hinder self-rescue, for example,

women may not leave the home without male permission, they may be
reluctant to seek shelter because shared communal facilities do not have
separate, private spaces for women or clothing may have been damaged.
➢ Lack of skills such as swimming or tree climbing, which are traditionally
taught to males.
➢ Less physical strength than males, in part due to biological differences but, in
some cases, also because of prolonged nutritional deficiencies caused by
less access to food than men and boys.
9.1.1. Women

Inclusive Disaster Risk Management is about equality of rights and opportunities, the
dignity of the individual, acknowledging diversity, and contributing to resilience for
everyone, not leaving aside members of any community based on age, gender,
disability or other.

Article 15 (1) of the Indian constitution states that “The State shall not discriminate
against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any
of them” It is not just a negative barrier on prevention of discrimination. It entails the
State to take positive action to ensure equity and inclusion for all segments of
population.

The Disaster Management Act, 2005 further reiterates this constitutional prohibition
against discrimination by stating specifically that “While providing compensation and
relief to the victims of disaster, there shall be no discrimination on the ground of sex,
caste, community, descent or religion”. (Section 61).

The preamble of the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) 2009 notes
that the economically weaker and socially marginalized sections, women, Scheduled
Castes, and Scheduled Tribes tend to suffer more during disasters. The Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015 – 2030 calls for an ‘all-of-
society approach’ that is people-centric and inclusive.

Page 129 of 204

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

9.1.2. Children

As per the 2011 census, 128.48 lakhs children in Maharashtra are in the 0-6 years
age group, constituting 11.43 percent of the state’s total population. Further,
projections from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report are as follows for
year 2011.

Age group Percentage

0-4 99.3
5-9 97.98
10-14 102.69
15-19 105.81
Total 405.51

Children in DRR planning: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
adopted in 1989 (UN (United Nations) 1989) became the first legally binding
international convention to affirm human rights for all children. It stipulates that children
have the right to adequate food, water, shelter, and education. In disaster situations
they ought to be free from abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, or trafficking, and should
be able to grow up in a safe and supportive environment. Children are vulnerable due
to their age and immature psycho-social understanding of the surrounding.

The needs of disaster affected children have been undermined so far in disaster
management planning. However, disasters can cause severe threats to life and the
overall development process of children. Lack of addressing their needs will put more
children at risk such as children being left out from schools due to infrastructural
damage, reduced nutrition due to lack of resources, new-born and children under five
are at increased risk of water and vector-borne diseases. Further, children belonging
to socially vulnerable groups such as SCs, STs, OBCs are further at large risk of being
affected due to disasters. There are even more grave consequences when the
vulnerabilities intersect such as age, gender, social group, economic status.

The JJ Act, 2000 provisions for care, protection and rehabilitation of children ensuring
setting up of Child Protection Units. Such units must be set up at village and block
level so that children have access to nutrition, child friendly spaces for recreation,
protection against violence and trafficking, restoration of children to their biological
families, promote community-based rehabilitation of the orphan and children of single
parent not in a position to provide care and protection making use of State specific
foster parent support services/ schemes.

Therefore, the State Disaster Management Plan in coordination with other line
departments needs to develop a holistic approach for safety of children and
implementing strategies with knowledge partner so as to reducing their exposure to

Page 130 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

risks and disasters and ensure a safe future. The outcome should be to increase
children’s resilience by improving their capacity to assess and manage disaster risk.
Consulting with children to ascertain disaster risks, issues and needs and include them
in the planning process. Additionally, including child centered risk assessment and risk
reduction through incorporation into planning, designing and implementation stages of
state, district and regional development programs is essential. Additionally,
strengthening health infrastructure and services including PHCs, CHCs, government
hospitals, developing school safety plans for all schools with special focus on remotely
located institutions are few key steps to ensure that vulnerabilities associated with
children are addressed.

9.1.3. Elderly

Disasters affect all, however older adults can become especially vulnerable due to a
range of challenges associated with old age-related health affecting their mobility,
access to shelter, health services and nutrition. According to the 2011 Census, 9.9
million persons in Maharashtra are enumerated to be above 60 years of age. Of them,
4.7 million are men and the remaining 5.2 million are women, with the majority residing
in rural areas. Further, in terms of the population composition of the state, over 10 per
cent is comprised of persons aged 60 and above, which is higher than the national
average of 8.5 per cent. Similarly, the proportion of the elderly in the age group 80 and
above (oldest-old) in Maharashtra is higher than the national average.

According to Helpage India, during disasters the elderly are usually the last in the line,
likely to be lost in the crowd, and highly vulnerable. Therefore, greater vulnerability of
the elderly compared to others during disasters needs more attention in all phases of
disaster risk management. It is imperative that the needs of the elderly population
need to be treated as priority group by proper design in the disaster management
plans. The DRR planning needs to pay special attention to psychological
vulnerabilities, impaired physical mobility, diminished sensory awareness, poor health
conditions as well as weak social and economic limitations that severely limit the
capacity of the elderly to prepare for disasters, hinder their adaptability and constrain
their ability to respond.

The UN Charter 14 (UNISDR 2014) for older people in DRR focuses on three key
principles of an inclusive approach to DRR, and there are fourteen minimum standards
underpinning them. The three principles are:

1. In need: older people have specific requirements which must be understood

and responded to within all DRR activities.
2. Invisible: Older people’s vulnerabilities and capacities are often overlooked;
the collection of data on people’s age and sex is essential to ensure older
people and other people at risk are visible and supported in DRR.

Page 131 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

3. Invaluable: Older people have years of knowledge, skills and wisdom which
are invaluable assets in DRR and must be acknowledged, valued, and engaged
by supporting older people to participate in DRR.

9.1.4. Disability

The domains of disability are hearing, speech, visual, mental, locomotor, and others.
Persons with disabilities (PWD) are often overlooked and thus not only excluded in
risk reduction and disaster response measures but are also subject to higher risk than
others. The NDMA has brought out relevant guidelines51 which must be consulted.
Neglected throughout the DRM cycle, concerns about inclusion relate to limited social
participation in DRR activities, poor access to information and services, poverty,
invisibility during relief operations, response to basic needs not adapted and specific
needs ignored.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) states in its
first article: “Persons with disabilities include those who have long - term physical,
mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers
may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others.” The Convention, in its articles 11 and 32, requires that persons with disabilities
benefit from and participate in disaster relief, emergency response and disaster risk
reduction strategies. The Adoption of the Dhaka Declaration on Disability and Disaster
Risk Management, in December 2015, acknowledges: “the importance of linking
disability inclusive Disaster Risk Management (DRM) with the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) on the understanding that inclusion builds the resilience
of the whole of society, safeguards development gains and minimizes disaster losses.”

Further, The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (Sendai
Framework) was the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda
which clearly emphasizes the importance of disability inclusive DRR (DiDRR),
specifically highlighting the need for empowerment, leadership, and meaningful
participation of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction related policymaking
and practice.

There is a clear need for including the needs of PWDs (Public Works Department) in
DRR planning with developing strategies that are aimed at institutionalizing disability
inclusive DRR. To make the disaster management plans more inclusive of PWDs the
plans must ensure disability disaggregated data during all disasters to understand the
impact of disasters on disabled population, include disability inclusive risk assessment
in development planning, allocate resources for implementation of disability inclusive
plans, and make risk communications disable friendly, direct representation of PWDs
in planning process, sensitize and enhance capacity of all stakeholders for so as to
enable disable inclusive disaster response, planning and preparedness.

Page 132 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

At the same time, gender-based behaviors and stereotypes can also have negative
effects on men and boys. Poverty is known to be a key factor in the vulnerability of
both men and women during hazard events, but there can be gender differences
among poor people that further compound the risks. For instance, poor women may
have heightened vulnerability to hazard events that occur during the daytime, as many
live in unsafe areas and houses and tend to spend more time indoors and near the
house than their male relations. As men usually form most poor migrant labourers,
their wives, and children, as well as older people remaining in the family home, may
be more exposed to the impacts of local disasters.

In addition to gender-based stereotyping and discrimination, women and men may

face further discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, language, disability,
sexuality, class, or religion, further increasing their vulnerability.

9.1.5. Men

It is essential to analyze the capacities, needs, and vulnerabilities for men and women
in various ways. Disaster risk management must consider a variety of ways that
gender dynamics affect how disasters are felt. Men's workload distribution and
stereotypical portrayals of men, harmful masculinity norms for boys and men, their
access to pertinent information, and their capacity to process and cope with the trauma
of a disaster are among the specific issues to be evaluated. These issues can either
have a positive or negative long-term impact on women and girls. Since few
frameworks specifically include males, "men-streaming" must be given priority. To
identify and analyze gender-differentiated hazards and vulnerabilities (physical, social,
economic, cultural, political, and environmental), socially and culturally aware
methodologies must be used. NGOs in the area/locality can become involved.

9.1.6. Migrants

In accordance with the information above, males typically leave the country while
women stay behind to take care of the family. They primarily experience resource and
structural limitations as they leave their homeland. Therefore, it is essential to address
the diverse needs of migrant populations so that better policies and interventions may
be developed to boost resilience for everyone. The state's Department of Women and
child development has created a migration tracking system (MTS) program that uses
a website to track the movement of vulnerable seasonal migrant workers. It is possible
to scale up this pilot initiative in six of its districts. The database for immigrants working
in unorganized sectors must also be kept up to date.

9.1.7. Transgenders & LGBTQ

The efforts to mainstream gender equality, particularly within LGBTQI communities,

are not based on requirements related to human rights. In addition to other factors
such a lack of sufficient documentation, social stigma is the main cause of this. This

Page 133 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

stigma is also present in relation to the numerous calamities or disasters that this
group experiences. During disasters, vulnerable communities, such as LGBTQI
people, are disproportionately affected. As a result, efforts should be undertaken to
train transgender people to administer first aid and prepare survival kits in case of
emergencies. Additionally, participants in the conversation will be recruited from the
transgender community. Sessions for general training and capacity-building must be
held. Making policies more inclusive while considering the needs, capabilities, talents,
and contribution of transgender populations to the development of resilient
communities.

9.2. Disaster Response

9.2.1. Gender Considerations in Disaster Response

Emergency needs assessment: In quick-onset disasters, rapid assessments

normally take place within the first 24 to 72 hours (about 3 days) of the emergency.
At the minimum, data should be collected on the age, gender, and diversity of the
affected population. Whenever possible, this data should be supplemented with
any available information on the pre-existing gender and socio-economic context
and on the impact previous disasters may have had on diverse groups.

Emergency response teams: Assessment and response teams should include equal
numbers of male and female members to facilitate accessing women and men
separately during needs assessments. The proportional representation of, and
consultation with, male and female representatives of diverse groups in the affected
communities (the elderly, youth, and minorities), is also particularly important for the
same reason.
Beneficiary registration and relief distribution systems: Procedures for
relief registration and distribution should recognize the need for, and ensure
access to, assistance by all types of vulnerable and needy households, as well as
individuals within households. Relief materials should not be distributed in the name
of only male heads or based on physical damage and losses. Food aid is far more
likely to reach children if it is distributed directly through women However, the
system for doing so must be carefully developed with the participation of community
and other local leaders to avoid misunderstandings and backlashes against the
targeted groups.

Female heads of household or female family members with limited physical mobility
may need help accessing distribution locations or may need relief aid transported
to them. This may also be the case for the elderly and for those with disabilities. This
situation can be compounded when women face multiple mobility constraints This
may require door-to-door visits to those with mobility constraints, as well as
consulting men and women separately and scheduling community meetings at times
that are convenient for both.

Page 134 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Appropriateness of relief items: Gender and culture-specific needs should

be taken into consideration when designing relief packages. Women and men
should be consulted on the contents of relief supplies to ensure they are suitable
and to avoid costly waste, preferably as part of disaster preparedness planning for
the pre-stocking of relief items. Women and older girls also have sanitary needs
that should be considered. Relief packages need to contain supplies for menstrual
blood absorption that are in line with what women would normally use (sanitary
pads and clean strips of cloth) and should include underwear for women and girls.
As women tend to be reluctant to approach men regarding their personal hygiene
requirements and can be easily embarrassed or humiliated during the distribution
of sanitary and undergarment supplies, it is generally preferable that males are
not involved in their distribution. Similarly, pregnant, and lactating women have
special needs for ensuring adequate milk production and for other crucial nutrients
and vitamin supplements that can be incorporated into family or mother and baby
assistance packages.

Addressing Health Issues: Disaster relief efforts need to pay attention to

specific female health needs. Often, pregnant women have lacked access to
obstetric care and have miscarried or delivered babies under unsanitary and unsafe
conditions. The availability of female and male medical personnel is particularly
important after a disaster. This is especially true when cultural norms may not allow
women to be examined by male physicians, and when women’s mobility may be
restricted.

Ensuring the safety and security of those displaced by disasters is also a key
priority. Displaced women and girls face heightened risks of unwanted and high-risk
pregnancies and rape. Those affected by disasters also frequently face a higher
exposure to contagious diseases including HIV/AIDS. Condoms, reproductive
health kits and midwifery kits, along with reproductive health information are key
post-disaster needs.

Domestic violence and alcohol abuse prevention counseling should be incorporated

into the provision of post-disaster psychosocial services whenever possible.
Increased rates of alcoholism and alcohol-related violence are frequent in disaster-
affected areas. Men may also need counseling to help them cope with changes in
gender roles, i.e., caring for young children after the loss of their spouse. Sports
programs for men and women may also be helpful in relieving tensions.

Ensuring Appropriate Safe shelter, Human Settlements and Water and

Sanitation: Shelter and human settlement planning needs to consider the socio-
cultural and economic needs and preferences of both men and women, as well
as safety considerations. Following natural disasters, the threat of physical and
sexual violence often increases; this threat is magnified in relief camps.

Page 135 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The location and set-up of shelters can affect both the perceived and actual safety
of those displaced by a disaster. Locating shelters close to the original home
whenever feasible provides extra safety due to intimacy with the shelter’s physical
surroundings. Women are normally responsible for collecting firewood a n d are
therefore particularly affected by the security of access routes to these resources.
The spacing and design of shelters is important in ensuring adequate privacy for
female members of households from neighbors or passersby. Secure doors and
adequate lighting can be crucial factors in safety. Cooking, bathing, and toilet
arrangements also need to be adequate, safe, and culturally appropriate. This
requires participation by both male and female beneficiaries in designing such
facilities. Female and male bathing areas should be placed at some distance from
each other and near areas with adequate lighting. Whenever culturally necessary,
women’s bathing and toilet areas should also include a separate area for washing
and drying menstruation clothes. Furthermore, kitchens should be adapted to local
food preparation customs.

9.2.2. Gender Sensitive Recovery.

Recovery assessment: A full gender analysis should be conducted as an essential

component of recovery needs assessments. Following the initial emergency
assessment of a quick-onset disaster, a more in-depth assessment of community
needs, vulnerabilities, and coping strategies is usually undertaken by the response
and recovery operation. This includes the detailed identification of vulnerable groups
with special needs within the local context (single parents, orphans, and landless
tenants for example). Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments, Participatory Rapid
Appraisals, and other forms of social analysis to be used to determine those that are
the poorest and most vulnerable within disaster-affected communities with whom they
are currently working or plan to work.

As with emergency assessments, ensuring gender balance on the team conducting

the assessments is essential to achieving a reliable result.

Housing, human settlements, and water and sanitation: It is vital that women
and men from all social and economic groupings in disaster-affected communities
actively participate in the design and location of new housing and communal
infrastructure, such as water and sanitation facilities and community halls, as well
as the repair of existing structures. Many reconstruction programs have resulted in
near-empty settlements or the re-creation of unsafe living conditions, because of a
lack of understanding of the livelihoods and social needs of the inhabitants. This
includes cases of homes that were designed to be safer when the so-called improved
features were unacceptable to the beneficiaries due to cultural or practical
reasons. Congested kitchen causes smoke hazards to women. Local participation
in physical reconstruction should be encouraged. Women should be co-owner of the
houses.

Page 136 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Re-establishing livelihoods: The roles women play in contributing to a

household’s food security or income, whether as family members or heads of the
household, need to be understood, and livelihood recovery activities should be
designed that meet their needs, in addition to those of the men in the household. This
is especially the case when households were already poor, were particularly
affected by the disaster, or had their coping mechanisms badly eroded. Women’s
means-producing activities can include cultivating home vegetable gardens, playing
key roles in crop and fish production and marketing, raising livestock, running small
businesses such as selling snacks or making cakes and day labor.

9.3. Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Measures

Disaster preparedness and risk reduction activities: Recovery processes can
include disaster preparedness and risk reduction activities that assist in building
community resilience towards future disasters. Undertaking these activities during
a recovery process is highly favorable, as people currently affected by a disaster are
usually highly motivated to learn new ways of protecting themselves.

Community-based disaster risk reduction and preparedness starts by working

with communities to map the most significant locally prevalent natural and human-
made hazards and to understand their patterns of vulnerability. It is also important
to have a strong understanding of community demographics and existing social
capital. Much of this information can be collected by undertaking community
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments. From these, communities can devise local
ways to manage hazards and reduce their exposure and vulnerability.

9.3.1. Ensuring Gender-Sensitive Disaster Risk Reduction

Physical mitigation works: The gender-related issues involved in the development

of physical mitigation works - be it the building of check dams or health clinics, the
planting of mangroves, the improvement of the safety of housing and public
buildings or other such activities - are like those outlined in the recovery sub-section
on “Housing, human settlements and water and sanitation”. Women are often not
adequately consulted or involved in the selection, design, and implementation of
these mitigation activities. Opportunities can also be created for women to be trained
in non-traditional areas, such as cyclone-resistant roof construction, which would
contribute to both their personal income and community safety.

Early warning systems: Ensuring that vital information reaches all segments of
the community is of paramount importance when designing community-based early
warning systems. In the past, there have been examples of assumptions that
communicating the danger to one part of the community would ensure the passage
of the information to all concerned, when this was not the case. Additionally, in some
situations where women and other groups had restricted mobility, they were

Page 137 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

overlooked. Community-based early warning systems should specifically address

this concern.

Information, education, and communication: Taking gender into account

when planning the content of disaster preparedness training and designing the
training in accordance with the risk profiles of gender groups can be beneficial. For
example, the high-risk nature of some courses of action, and the existence of
alternate, safer rescue methods may need to be emphasized with men. The
methods chosen for information dissemination should also consider gender
differences in literacy, mobility, and access to public venues (some women may
need home visits by other women), labor schedules (day fishermen or factory
workers may only be available in the evening), and general preferences for the
means of participation.

Advocacy: Convincing local government officials and community leaders to fully

involve both women and men from communities in disaster management activities
and decision-making can be challenging. Local government must undertake an
advocacy role regarding the needs of these disadvantaged women and men. This
diplomatic role can be adopted during DRR, relief and recovery phases. There is a
window of opportunity following disasters when there is great humanitarian care and
a willingness to eliminate potential barriers so that beneficiaries can have equity in
relief and recovery processes. This period can be well utilized to bring about positive
change within legislation, community attitudes and values. Finally, identifying a
group of advocates for gender inclusiveness among respected local leaders, as
well as through groups representing these interests, women’s groups, and NGOs
for example, can be highly effective. These advocates should be encouraged to
educate and motivate their peers on gender issues. The establishment of an
advisory committee or working group comprised of these individuals can also
help. However, it should be noted that sometimes support is initially required to
strengthen the capacity of the interest groups.

9.3.2. Risk Reduction Measures for Disabled Persons

Governments of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(ESCAP) region gathered in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from 29 October to 2
November 2012 to chart the course of the new Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons
with Disabilities for the period 2013 to 2022. They were joined by representatives of
civil society organizations, including organizations of and for persons with
disabilities. Also in attendance were representatives of intergovernmental
organizations, development cooperation agencies and the United Nations system.
The High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Final Review of the
Implementation of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003–2012,
was organized by ESCAP and hosted by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
The Meeting marked the conclusion of the second Asian and Pacific Decade of
Disabled Persons, 2003–2012, and launched the new Decade.

Page 138 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The Governments at the High-level Intergovernmental Meeting adopted the

Ministerial Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities,
2013–2022, and the Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with
Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. The Incheon Strategy provides the Asian and
Pacific region, and the world, with the first set of regionally agreed disability-
inclusive development goals. Developed over more than two years of consultations
with governments and civil society stakeholders, the Incheon Strategy comprises 10
goals, 27 targets and 62 indicators. The Incheon Strategy builds on the Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Biwako Millennium Framework for
Action and Biwako Plus Five towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based
Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific.

The Incheon Strategy will enable the Asian and Pacific region to track progress
towards improving the quality of life, and the fulfilment of the rights, of the region’s
650 million persons with disabilities, most of whom live in poverty. The ESCAP
secretariat is mandated to report every three years until the end of the Decade in
2022, on progress in the implementation of the Ministerial Declaration and the
Incheon Strategy.

Out of 10 major goals the disaster risk reduction and management for disabled
persons is one.

Goal 7: Ensure disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and management.

The Asia-Pacific region is the region that is most adversely affected by

disasters, including those caused by climate change. Persons with disabilities and
other vulnerable groups are at higher risk of death, injury, and added impairments,
because of exclusion from disaster risk reduction policies, plans and programs.
Public service announcements are often issued in formats and language that are
not accessible by persons with disabilities. In addition, emergency exits, shelters
and facilities tend not to be barrier-free. Regular participation of persons with
disabilities in emergency preparedness drills and other disaster risk reduction
measures at the local and district levels could prevent or minimize risk and damage
when disasters occur. Physical and information infrastructure that incorporates
universal design principles would improve the chances of safety and survival.

Target 1 - Strengthen disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction planning.

Target 2 - Strengthen implementation of measures on providing prompt and right

support to persons with disabilities in responding to disasters.

Page 139 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

9.4. Indicators for tracking progress Core indicators

1. Availability of disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction plans.

Task Activities Responsibility

Provisions for • Identification of disabled persons Education Dept.
disabled persons in society, schools, and offices Revenue Department
in DM Plans • Identify and include issues for Zilla Parisad
their safety with regard to any Municipal
disasters in DM plans in school, Corporation
village, takuka, district and state
level

2. Availability of disability-inclusive training for all relevant service personnel

Task Activities Responsibility

Capacity Building • Organize capacity building Education Dept.
Trainings trainings on fire rescue, Revenue Department
emergency exit in case of fire and Social Welfare Dept.
earthquake to disabled school Zilla Parisad
children, community people and Municipal
office staff. Corporation
• Organize training on safe
evacuation for disabled persons
during disasters

3. Proportion of accessible emergency shelters and disaster relief sites Supplementary

indicators.

Task Activities Responsibility

Safe shelters • Identify temporary safe shelters Education Dept.
management at before disasters. Revenue Department
disaster affected • Ensure basic facilities with water, Social Welfare Dept.
site for disabled food, light, toilets, and sanitation. Zilla Parisad
persons • Ensure special provision for Municipal
disabled persons at toilets, walking Corporation
place, sleeping halls etc.

4. Number of persons with disabilities who died or were seriously injured in disasters

Task Activities Responsibility

Page 140 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Set up disabled • List out the died and injured disabled Health
help desk persons. Police
• Circulate the list to concerned
Revenue Department
government departments.
• Confirm their identity from relatives
• Dispose the dead bodies in
consultation with relatives/kins and
confirm all formalities that to be
maintained

5. Availability of psychosocial support service personnel that have the capacity to assist
persons with disabilities affected by disasters

Task Activities Responsibility

Trauma • Identification of trauma Health Dept.
Counselling for victims. Social Welfare Dept.
disaster victims • Counselling the disaster
victims, especially disabled
persons
• Ensure their regular
participation in trauma
Centres
• Provide all supports to
make their lives normal
9.5. Disaster Mitigation for Persons with Disabilities
Some key principles should guide disaster relief:

1. Accessible Disaster Facilities and Services

Communications technology is vital for people with disabilities during a disaster to

help assess damage, collect information, and deploy supplies. Access to appropriate
facilities -- housing, beds, toilets, and other necessities -- must be monitored and
made available to individuals with disabilities before, during, and after a disaster.
This access also must be ensured for those who incur a disability as a result of a
disaster. Appropriate planning and management of information related to
architectural accessibility improves the provision of disaster services for persons with
disabilities.

2. Accessible Communications and Assistance

As communications technology and policy become more integral to disaster relief

and mitigation, providing accessibility to the technology for people with disabilities
becomes more essential. For example, people with hearing impairments require
interpreters, Time-division duplexing (TDD) communications, and signaling
devices. In addition, written materials must be produced on cassette tape, on CD-

Page 141 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

ROM, or in large print for people with visual impairments. People with cognitive
impairments, such as those with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease,
or brain injury, require assistance to cope with new surroundings and to minimize
confusion factors. It is crucial that people with disabilities help develop accessible
communications and reliable assistance technologies.

3. Accessible and Reliable Rescue Communications

Accessible and reliable communications technology is critical to ensuring fast,

effective, and competent field treatment of people with disabilities. Current satellite
and cellular technology as well as personal communication networks permit
communication in areas with a damaged or destroyed communication
infrastructure. Communications technologies can assist field personnel in rescue
coordination and tracking and can be combined with databases that house
information on optimal treatment for disabilities or that track the allocation of post-
disaster resources.

4. Partnerships with the Disability Community

Disability organizations must join with relief and rescue organizations and the
media to educate and inform their constituents of disaster contingency and self-
help plans. A nationwide awareness effort should be devised and implemented to
inform people with disabilities about necessary precautions for imminent disaster. In
the event of a sudden natural disaster, such a program would minimize injury and
facilitate rescue efforts. In addition, more young people with disabilities should be
encouraged to study technology, medicine, science, and engineering as a way of
gaining power over future technological advances in disaster relief and mitigation.

5. Disaster Preparations, Education, and Training

Communications technologies are crucial for educating the public about

disaster preparedness and warning the people most likely to be affected. Relief
and rescue operations must have the appropriate medical equipment, supplies,
and training to address the immediate needs of people with disabilities. Affected
individuals may require bladder bags, insulin pumps, walkers, or wheelchairs. Relief
personnel must be equipped and trained in the use of such equipment. In addition,
relief personnel should provide training, particularly for personnel and volunteers in
the field, on how to support the independence and dignity of persons with disabilities
in the aftermath of a disaster.

6. Partnerships with the Media

Many natural disasters can be predicted in advance. Disaster preparedness for

people with disabilities is critical in minimizing the impact of a disaster. The media -- in
partnership with disability and governmental organizations -- should incorporate
advisories into emergency broadcasts in formats accessible to people with

Page 142 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

disabilities. Such advisories alert the public, provide a mechanism for informing
rescue personnel of individual medical conditions and impairments and identify
accessible emergency shelters. The creation and repetition of accessible media
messages is critical for empowering people with disabilities to protect themselves
from disasters.

9.6. Use of ICT in Disaster Management

Communication plays a significant role in Disaster Management in providing

information to all stakeholders which would help in SAR, relief, and rehabilitation
on activities. Natural Disasters cannot be prevented but their impact can be
minimized by using appropriate science and technology tools in managing
disasters in a proactive way. It has now been recognized that disaster prevention,
mitigation, preparedness, and relief along with environmental protection are
closely interrelated with sustainable development. Therefore, mainstreaming
disaster management activities in the developmental plans and their effective
implementation at all the levels of administration is the key. Information and
communication technology would play a key role in bringing all the stakeholders on
a common platform to ensure sustainable development.

As per the NDMA guidelines, the State would undertake activities to establish an
all-encompassing, integrated, multilateral, reliable, responsive and dedicated state of
the art Digital Information and Communication Support Infrastructure on the lines of
the National Disaster Management Information and Communication System
(NDMICS).Steps would be taken use ICT in HRVA, knowledge management,
resource management, early warning system and last mile connectivity creation of
relevant database and development of the Decision Support System and also for
creating Public Awareness.

Page 143 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 10: BUILDING DISASTER RESILIENCE AND

GOVERNANCE

10.1. Introduction
Building disaster resilience and strengthening risk governance are interconnected
processes that contribute to resilient development. An informed understanding of
existing and emerging risks is the crucial first step. As disaster is both a development
and governance issue, assessing and understanding risks have significant
implications for both these domains. Maharashtra, being one of the multi-hazard-prone
states, needs to carry out a state-wide risk assessment considering all relevant
hazards and vulnerabilities, both in terms of their direct and indirect impacts. Important
would be, embedding disaster risk assessment and integrating it into the very culture
of governance, policy design, planning and investment.

10.2. Thematic Areas of Disaster Risk Management

The NDMP 2019 is right in its observation that disaster risk reduction and resilience
building are not just one agency’s responsibility. Divisions/Departments across
different levels of Government are required to share these responsibilities for
sustainable reduction of disaster risks and protecting the gains of development in the
long run. As indicated by the NDMP 2019, the State Disaster Management Plan
incorporates the following six thematic areas into its resilience framework.

• Understanding Disaster Risk

• Inter-Agency Coordination
• Investing in DRR – Structural measures
• Investing in DRR – Non-Structural measures
• Capacity Development
• Climate Change Risk Management

Understanding Disaster Risks

Hazards are often given; the nature of our exposure to them and what we do about
them convert them into disasters. For instance, if most of the state of Maharashtra is
in seismic zone III and IV, this hazard cannot be changed; but what can certainly be
done is to plan development or other actions in a way that this hazard does not get
converted into a disaster. Like we make decisions about where to build schools,
factories, dams, and dykes and how much to invest in disease surveillance and we
make decisions about how our societies organize and care for vulnerable people and
assets. All such decisions can potentially contain elements of disaster risk reduction
and resilience building. Hence, understanding and assessment of disaster risk are in
fact the first step for building disaster resilience of institutions and stakeholders. A
detailed risk assessment helps in identifying risk reduction measures, prioritizing

Page 144 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

response functions, updating preparedness plan and informing strategic and policy
decision making at all administration levels (Local/District/State). A detailed Multi-
Hazard Risk & Vulnerability Assessment (MHRVA) study can direct strategic
investment plan for risk reduction.

Disaster Risk Assessment

Vulnerability and risk can be assessed for infrastructure and population through socio-
economic survey using the samples of buildings derived from high resolution data
along with physical survey of population characteristics and their pattern and temporal
distribution. The use of space technology, especially the high-resolution satellite data
of Worldview coupled with Cartosat 1, could help in identifying building types in the
study area. Maharashtra SDMA will use all the resources available with MRSAC,
NRSC, CWC and other technical resource institutions and carry out proper risk
assessment across the state by adopting a comprehensive risk reduction strategy.

Inter-Agency Coordination

Inter-agency coordination is a key component of strengthening disaster risk

governance. The major themes for action required for improving the top-level inter-
agency coordination are a) Overall disaster governance b) Response c) Providing
warnings, information, and data and d) Non-structural measures. The State ministries
and agencies mentioned are those vested with hazard-specific responsibilities by the
Government of Maharashtra or those expected to play major roles.

Nodal agencies/Scientific institutions in Maharashtra document/catalogue disaster

events and these databases are maintained and updated on regular basis. Every
event feed into better understanding and building of the hazard profile. Information
such as population vulnerability due to socio-economic factors, physical vulnerability,
accounts of damage and loss are maintained by a range of agencies mandated to
deliver sector specific functions. By putting all this information together, the state can
develop/undertake risk analysis or risk assessment exercise. The output/information
will enable disaster management professionals and communities to undertake
prevention/mitigation and preparedness actions.

Investing in DRR – Structural Measures

Undertaking necessary structural measures is one of the thematic areas for DRM and
enhancing resilience. The National Disaster Management guidelines mandate
integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation into developmental
plans and projects including mitigation projects and to facilitate provision of adequate
funds for DM. Plans may be shown in three broad categories, viz. short, medium, and
long term. These consist of various physical infrastructure and facilities required to
help communities cope with disasters. The NDMP further reemphasizes
implementation of these measures to enhance disaster preparedness, a component

Page 145 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

of Priority-4 of the Sendai Framework. It is also an important component of investing

in disaster risk reduction for resilience, which is Priority-3 of Sendai Framework as
indicated in NDMP 2019.

Investing in DRR – Non-Structural Measures

Sets of appropriate laws, mechanisms, and techno-legal regimes are crucial

components in strengthening the disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk.
While the National DM Policy 2009 and Maharashtra State DM Policy put lot of
emphasis on this, the Priority-2 of the Sendai Framework and NDMP 2019 also
underscore the significance of investing in non-structural DRR measures. These non-
structural measures comprising of laws, norms, rules, guidelines, and techno- legal
regime (e.g., building codes) provide the legal regime which empowers the authorities
to mainstream disaster risk reduction and disaster resilience into development
activities.

Capacity Development

Capacity development is a recurring theme in all DRM efforts. National Disaster

management Policy, 2009 emphasizes building DM capacities of the institutions and
stakeholders. The Sendai Priority-2 (Strengthening DRR governance to manage DR)
and Priority-3 (Investing in DRR for resilience) are central to capacity development.
The capacity development process comprises awareness generation, education,
training, Research and Development (R&D), etc. It further addresses putting in place
appropriate institutional framework, management systems and allocation of resources
for efficient prevention and handling of disasters. The capabilities to implement,
enforce, and monitor various disaster mitigation measures must be improved at all
levels from the local to the higher levels of governance. It is also strengthening the
DRR governance at all levels to better manage risk and to make the governance
systems more responsive.

Climate Risk Management

Maharashtra is extremely vulnerable to climate change. There are definite indications

that climate change would increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters
like cyclones, floods, heat waves, and droughts in the coming years affecting the lives
and livelihood of people of Maharashtra. To meet these challenges in a sustained and
effective manner, synergies in approach and strategies for climate change adaptation
and disaster risk reduction shall be encouraged and promoted.

Investments in DRR can play an important role in supporting communities to adapt to

climate change. As the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt, more financial
and technical resources will be needed to support vulnerable people to adapt to the
negative impacts. Planning for DRR must be informed by the likely climate change
impacts and scenarios. The state government has recognized that climate change is

Page 146 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

a deterrent for the state's development aspirations and undertaken several initiatives
to address the issues of change by introducing climate resilient agricultural systems,
promoting sustainable farming practices, and providing support to affected
communities, promoting energy sufficiency and efficiency, and improving coastal
resilience, among other issues. However, there are major knowledge and data gaps
concerning climate change impacts, impact scenarios and its effects on various hydro-
metrological hazards, which still need to be addressed.

10.3. Disaster Risk Governance

Disaster risk governance refers to the system of policies, institutions, mechanisms,
and processes put in place to manage and reduce disaster risks within a society. It
encompasses the coordination, planning, decision-making, implementation, and
monitoring of activities related to disaster risk reduction and management. Effective
disaster risk governance strengthens resilience, reduces vulnerabilities, and
minimizes the impacts of disasters.

Strengthening disaster risk governance is considered a cornerstone of the efforts to

understand, reduce and manage risks in global practices in DM (UNDP 2015). Good
governance also entails improving accountability, transparency and meaningful
participation throughout all disaster management procedures, protocols, and
practices. Negotiating, building consensus, and reaching agreements comprise both
formal and explicit mechanisms (legislation, policies, standards, and administrative
procedures) and informal and implicit agreements that mediate social, economic, and
political relations. In places where there is a proactive, responsive, and accountable
local government that works with local actors, the possibilities of resilience are much
higher.

Local Government Leading the Process

Ownership of the DRR and resilience strategy by the local government is essential for
its effective implementation on the ground. Hence, special efforts will be made to build
the capacities of the local governments (PRIs & ULBs) to help them lead the process
from the local level.

Community Engagement

This plan is based on this implicit recognition that communities, being the first
responders, their active engagement is critical to having robust DRR strategies and
their effective implementation on the ground. It is well established that governments
alone cannot address DRR effectively.

Larger ownership of the agenda with vulnerable communities being the primary
stakeholders in the process of DRR planning and implementation is the key to the
effectiveness of DRR efforts. Several DRR success stories involve planning and

Page 147 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

implementation that give central importance to community or civil society involvement.

With the support of local PRIs/ULBs, NGOs, academia and/or the private sector,
engaged communities would enable priorities to be better defined and actions
planned, responding to real (mostly local) needs and concerns and bringing about
long-term change.

10.4. NDMP 2019, Sendai Framework and Strengthening Disaster

Risk Governance
The NDMP 2019 emphasizes the importance of governance at different levels for an
effective and efficient management of disaster risk. Effective risk governance requires
clear vision, plans, competence, guidance, and coordination within and across
sectors, as well as participation of relevant stakeholders. Strengthening disaster risk
governance is necessary to foster collaboration and partnerships for the
implementation of disaster risk reduction and sustainable development at the state
and local level.

Accordingly, the MSDMP 2023 will strengthen disaster risk governance in the state of
Maharashtra through the following measures:

• Mainstream and integrate DRR within and across all sectors and promote the
coherence and development of relevant laws, regulations, and public policies.
• It will guide both the public and private sectors through the legal framework that
clearly spells out the roles and responsibilities to address disaster risk in
publicly owned, managed, or regulated services and infrastructures.
• It must encourage actions by persons, households, communities, and
businesses.
• It must enhance relevant mechanisms and initiatives for disaster risk
transparency.
• It must put in place coordination and organizational structures.
• Adopt and implement DRR strategies and plans, across different levels (state,
district to community) and time scales, aimed at preventing the creation of risk,
the reduction of existing risk and the strengthening resilience – economic,
social, health and environmental.
• Decentralize and ensure devolution of functions both horizontally (line
departments) and vertically (Districts/Talukas/PRIs/ULBs).
• Promote engagement and participation of community in planning,
implementation, and monitoring of DRR initiatives to foster community
ownership.
• Carry out assessment of the technical, financial, and administrative disaster risk
management capacity to deal with the identified risks at different levels.
• Promote necessary mechanisms and incentives to ensure high levels of
compliance with the safety-enhancing provisions of laws and regulations,
including those addressing land use, urban planning, building codes,

Page 148 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

environment, resource management, health, and safety standards, and update

them, where needed, for better disaster risk management.
• Develop and strengthen mechanisms to periodically review and assess the
progress on various DM plans as well as encourage institutional debates,
including by Policy Makers and relevant officials, on DRR plans. Assign clear
roles and tasks to community representatives within disaster risk.

The Department of Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation and MSDMA have
already developed the Disaster Management Manual which clearly delineates the
departmental responsibility chart for managing different phases of disaster
management covering preparedness, recovery and rehabilitation and mitigation.
However, inter-agency coordination remains an issue and needs to be strengthened.

Page 149 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 11: PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER

STAKEHOLDERS
11.1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Government of India has set up the NDMA at national level to deal with all
policy and planning issues of disasters. Being an apex body, it has prime
responsibility for developing policies, plans and guidelines for disaster
management and ensuring their timely enforcement and implementation. The
NDMA lays out the guidelines to develop the DM plans at various levels. It
approves the National Disaster Management Plan prepared by the National
Executive Committee (NEC) and plans of the central ministries and departments. At
the national level, any policy related to disaster management comes under the
NDMA. Its involvement in every phase of disaster management is important. It takes
such other measures as it may consider necessary, for the prevention of disasters,
or mitigation, or preparedness and ability building, for dealing with a threatening
disaster situation or disaster.

It also oversees the provision and application of funds for mitigation and
preparedness measures. It has the power to authorize the departments or authorities
concerned to make emergency procurement of provisions or materials for rescue
and relief in a threatening disaster situation or disaster. It also supplies such support
to other countries in times of disasters as may be figured out by the central
government. The State stays connected with the NDMA for implementing various
projects / schemes which are being funded through the Central Government. The
State also appraises the NDMA about the action taken by the State Government
about preparation of DM plans and implementation of guidelines issued by the
NDMA for various hazards.

11.2. National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

The NIDM, in partnership with other research institutions, has capacity

development as one of its major responsibilities, along with training, research,
documentation and development of a national level information base. It networks
with other knowledge-based institutions and functions within the broad policies and
guidelines laid down by the NDMA. It organizes training of trainers, DM officials,
and other stakeholders as per the training calendar finalized in consultation with
the respective State Governments.

11.3. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

For a specialized response to a threatening disaster situation or disasters/

emergencies both natural and human-induced such as those of Chemical,

Page 150 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) origin, the National Disaster

Management Act has mandated the constitution of a NDRF.

The general superintendence, direction and control of this force is vested in

and exercised by the NDMA, and the command and supervision of the Force is
vested in an officer appointed by the Central Government as the Director General
of Civil Defense and National Disaster Response Force. Presently, the NDRF
comprises eight battalions and further expansion may be considered at the right
time. These battalions are positioned at various locations across the State.

NDRF units maintain close liaison with the designated State Governments and are
available to them in case of serious-threatening disasters. While the handling of
natural disasters rests with all the NDRF battalions, four battalions are equipped and
trained to respond to situations arising out of CBRN emergencies.

Training centres are also set up by respective paramilitary forces to train personnel
from NDRF battalions of respective forces and meet the training requirements of
State/UT Disaster Response Forces. The NDRF units also impart basic training to all
the stakeholders identified by the State Governments in their respective locations. In
addition, the State Government also utilizes the services of the NDRF whenever
required during emergency search, rescue, and response.

11.4. Armed Forces (AF)

Conceptually, the Armed Forces are called upon to assist the civil administration
only when the situation is beyond the coping capability of the State Government. In
practice, however, the Armed Forces form an important part of the Government’s
response capacity and are immediate responders in all serious disaster situations.
Army, Navy, and Air force have played very vital role in the disastrous situations of
Odisha Super Cyclone, Uttarakhand Storm, and Jammu-Kashmir Flood. Army and
Air Force of India closely also experienced the search and rescue operation, relief
and reconstruction works of severe disasters in the country.

Because of their vast potential to meet any adverse challenge, speed of operational
response and the resources and capabilities at their disposal, the Armed Forces
have historically played a key role in emergency support functions. These include
communication, search and rescue operations, health and medical facilities,
and transportation, especially in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Airlift, heli-
lift and movement of assistance to neighboring countries primarily fall within the
expertise and domain of the Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces also participates in imparting training to trainers and DM

managers, especially in CBRN aspects, high-altitude rescue, watermanship,
and training of paramedics. At the State and District levels, the local
representatives of the Armed Forces have been included in their executive

Page 151 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

committees to ensure closer coordination and cohesion in all aspects related to

Disaster Management.

11.5. National Remote Sensing Center

National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) at Hyderabad is responsible for remote

sensing satellite data acquisition and processing, data dissemination, aerial remote
sensing, and decision support for disaster management. NRSC has a data reception
station at Shadnagar near Hyderabad for acquiring data from Indian remote sensing
satellites as well as others.

NRSC Ground station at Shadnagar acquires Earth Observation data from Indian
remote-sensing satellites as well as from different foreign satellites. NRSC is also
engaged in executing remote sensing application projects in collaboration with the
users. The Aerial Services and Digital Mapping (ASDM) Area provides end-to-end
Aerial Remote Sensing services and value-added solutions for various large-scale
applications like aerial photography and digital mapping, infrastructure planning,
scanner surveys, aeromagnetic surveys, large scale base map, topographic and
cadastral level mapping, etc.

National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) at Hyderabad is responsible for remote

sensing satellite data acquisition and processing, data dissemination, aerial remote
sensing, and decision support for disaster management. NRSC has a data reception
station at Shadnagar near Hyderabad for acquiring data from Indian remote sensing
satellites as well as others.

NRSC Ground station at Shadnagar acquires Earth Observation data from Indian
remote-sensing satellites as well as from different foreign satellites. NRSC is also
engaged in executing remote sensing application projects in collaboration with the
users. The Aerial Services and Digital Mapping (ASDM) Area provides end-to-end
Aerial Remote Sensing services and value-added solutions for various large-scale
applications like aerial photography and digital mapping, infrastructure planning,
scanner surveys, aeromagnetic surveys, large scale base map, topographic and
cadastral level mapping, etc.

The National Database for Emergency Management is a unique initiative of NRSC

which is been used for entering resource inventories and report disasters. This is new
initiate and will be operational within few months at the district levels.

11.6. Airport Authority of India (AAI)

When disaster strikes, the airports are quickly overwhelmed with tons of relief
materials (like food, bottled water, medical supplies, clothes, tents, etc.) arriving
from all over the world. This material is urgently needed to be in the field. In such
cases, AAI should appoint a senior officer at the airport for proper handling and

Page 152 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

distribution (which includes precise unloading, inventory, temporary storage,

security, and distribution of relief material) of relief material during a disaster
situation.

The AAI shall prepare and provide a list of equipment required for handling the
material to either MSDMA or t h e Secretary of Relief and Rehabilitation and the
equipment will be procured and maintained through SDMA.

11.7. Indian Railways (IR)

Indian Railways is spread over a vast geographical area over 63000 route
kilometers. Unlike in other countries where the role of Railways, in the event of a
disaster, is restricted to clearing and restoring the traffic, in our country Indian
Railways handles the rescue and relief operations. Railways are a preferred mode of
transport both for the movement of people and relief material in bulk, if accessible.

Railways should have a provision for transportation of mass community and

proper handling and distribution of relief material (through special trains, if required)
in their disaster management plan.

11.8. India Meteorological Department (IMD)

The role of IMD has already been discussed in previous chapters.

The meteorological department undertakes observations, communications,

forecasting and weather services. IMD was also the first organization in India to
have a message switching computer for supporting its global data exchange.

In collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization, the IMD also uses the
Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) for weather monitoring of the Indian
subcontinent, being the first weather bureau of a developing country to develop and
maintain its own geostationary satellite system.

During the cyclone and flood seasons, the State Government keeps close contact
with the IMD – Mumbai office for weather- related forecasts. Earthquakes occurring
in the State which are of magnitude 3.0 and above on Richter Scale are also reported
by the IMD to the State Government immediately.

11.9. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

(INCOIS)

INCOIS is a national agency of the Government of India, under Ministry of Earth

Sciences. It provides the coastal and ocean information services, supporting
developmental and operational sectors like ports, fisheries, shipping, meteorology,
environment, offshore and coastal zone management in addition to promoting
advanced oceanographic research in the country.

Page 153 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

INCOIS generates and disseminates near real time information on Sea Surface
Temperature (SST), chlorophyll, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) advisories, tracking of
oil spills, forecast economical shipping routes, and upwelling zones along the Indian
coast, utilizing both remotely sensed and conventionally observed data.

The parameters envisaged for dissemination include wind, wave, current, mixed
layer depth, heat budget and maps on coral reef, mangroves, shoreline change and
land use pattern. INCOIS thus plays a key role in supporting the nation for
sustainable development of the coastal and ocean sectors through ocean information
services.

INCOIS has already put in place an early warning system for Tsunami through which
it alerts the coastal States whenever an undersea earthquake of higher magnitude
capable of triggering a Tsunami is reported.

11.10. State Fire and Emergency Services (SFES)

The State Fire & emergency Services are crucial immediate responders during
any disaster. They are the first responders (during Golden Hour after a disaster)
and hence play a vital role in saving lives and property immediately after a disaster.

There are 10 Regional Disaster Management Centres (RDMCs) in the state

working for city administrations. For purchasing of search and rescue materials there
is budget provision with every RDMC. Along with SAR materials various capacity-
building training courses are also provided for different target groups. Training on
fire safety and disaster management is imparted to all fire stations staff by RDMCs.

11.11. Institute of Seismological Research (ISR)

ISR is the only institute in India fully dedicated to seismological research and is on
course on being transformed into a premier international institute in a few years' time.
ISR also does seismic micro zonation of areas prone to earthquakes. They help the
State Government in keeping track of the seismic activities going on in highly seismic
areas of the State through their state-of-the-art monitoring network. They also provide
consultancy services to various private companies in feasibility studies related to the
seismicity of the area prior to establishing a major project.

11.12. Bhabha Atomic Research Center

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is a premier multi-disciplinary Nuclear

Research Centre of India having excellent infrastructure for advanced Research and
Development with expertise covering the entire spectrum of Nuclear Science and
Engineering and related areas.

Today India is self-sufficient in building nuclear power stations and has gained
mastery over the entire nuclear fuel cycle. During operation t h e of the various

Page 154 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

nuclear facilities, the primary safety objective is to protect the plant personnel, the
people at large and the environment from radiation. Regular environmental
assessment is necessary to ensure this. Measurement of radiation levels and other
pollutants constitute the most important constituent of environmental assessment.
For this purpose, Environmental Survey Laboratories (ESLs) have been established
at each nuclear site to maintain a constant vigil on the environment in and around
these facilities.

11.13. Mutual Aid Response Group (MARG)

MARG is an initiative promoted by DISH which is the regulatory agency in Maharashtra

under the Factories Act 1948. It is a voluntary initiative on developing ‘mutual
aid arrangement’ for effective emergency response. It is a forum to mutually help each
other by sharing available resources to tackle emergencies in industrial pockets. It
plays a pro-active role in risk reduction, awareness, and education. There are 15
operational groups in the State. A Group comprises -

• Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health

• Representatives of Large, Medium and Small-Scale Industries
• Technical Experts from Industries
• Safety Professionals
• Fire Brigade
• Local Police Personnel
• Medical Experts from Industries and Local Hospitals

There are two Emergency Response Centers in the State

• Rasayani
• Mahad- started functioning from March 2007

11.14. Media

Mass communications technology has already significantly affected how the public
learns of and perceives disasters. Thus, the role of media, both print and electronic,
is important in disaster management. During preparedness it may tremendously help
people in awareness education, warning dissemination and evacuation, alerts
government officials, and develops coordination among various stakeholders.
During disasters, the media helps people to know updated information on rescue, relief
operations and other arrangements. Certainly, it also controls the panic and helps
people to understand the ground reality and cooperate with the government. Thus,
media roles are overly sensitive and significant in preparedness, mitigation, response,
and recovery works.

Page 155 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

11.15. International Agencies

11.15.1. United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF)

The department of Relief and Rehabilitation has signed a joint agreement with UNICEF
in order to support Main streaming of Disaster Management in the district level. For
this purpose, a team from UNICEF and RedR (UNICEF local Partner) are working
under the guidance of the District Collector, Osmanabad. This team has created
development plans with prime focus on Disaster Risk Reduction of 3-line departments
with the district level HODs (Heads of Departments) and is integrating it into the
mainstream activities. In addition, the team has created a Ready Reckoner for “Review
of the District Disaster Management Plans” which can be used by any districts. The
Ready Reckoner is a document drafted as per the guideline of the National Disaster
Management Authority and the High-Power Committee Report, 2001 and is
contextualized for use across all districts in Maharashtra. (Annexure 1). UNICEF is
currently implementing a state level pilot project on Drought mitigation and prepared
with 10,000 farmers across Osmanabad and Latur, where Water sanitation and
hygiene (WASH), nutrition and health of the farmers and their families are looked after,
and the impact of drought is reduced. This will act as a model framework for drought
mitigation, especially for farming communities.

In addition, UNICEF has also provided a technical support staff to the State
Government for Leasing with various departments and UNICEF partners in order to
Mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction practices across the most vulnerable sectors. In
addition to this UNICEF and UNDP will jointly work on the state level Departmental
Disaster Management Plans.

11.15.2. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is supporting the State Government of Maharashtra to draft the Departmental

that Plans for 26-line departments in the first phase. Working groups of all the state
level departments will be formulated and the UNDP will assist the departments to draft
and implement the Departmental Disaster Management Plan. The list of line
departments will be completed in consultation with the Relief and Rehabilitation
department and as per the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority.

UNDP and UNICEF will also be jointly working for building the abilities of District
Disaster Management Officers, implementing the components of the Sendai
Framework, and supporting the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai for Capacity
Building. The Joint Action Plan is annexed in the Annexure 2

11.15.3. Programme Management Unit (PMU)

The Department of Disaster Management, Relief & Rehabilitation has appointed

Palladium Consulting India Private Limited as the Technical Support Program
Management Unit (PMU) since 23 March 2023 to support the department in

Page 156 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Response over a period of 4

years. The PMU is expected to provide technical assistance to the department in
disaster management policy, planning, capacity building, technology integration,
knowledge management and strengthening risk mitigation and governance across
the notified disasters.

With a focus on preparedness and mitigation, the PMU will be working closely with
the District Administrations/DDMAs in disaster management planning, strengthening
DDMAs, training and capacity building, upgradation of District EOCs, mainstreaming
disaster risk into development planning and ongoing development programmes, and
enhancing engagement of PRIs and ULBs keeping the community at the centre state.

Scope of Work

The following scope of work has been envisaged for the Project Management Unit:

• Support the Department for planning a comprehensive disaster management

strategy for the state of Maharashtra. Mitigation, preparedness, response,
recovery, and relief shall be enhanced at the end of the assignment.

• Focus on developing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), Manuals, and

guidelines for management of all notified disasters in the state.

• Facilitate the implementation of State Disaster Management Plan and District

Disaster

• Management Plans and draft policies for its implementation to the last mile.

• Build institutional capacity at state and district level, assessment of

preparation, and regular update of SOPs.

• Draft strategy to recommend, drive, and monitor initiatives for Disaster

Prevention and Mitigation.

• End to end Disaster Preparedness activities for the State including DDMAs.

• Managing the operations of Disaster Management and Humanitarian

Response team at the State and District levels

• Setting up of District Level Disaster Management and Humanitarian response

teams

• Planning and Implementation of Training and capacity building including

preparation of

• Training Modules, Capacity Building Framework etc.

Page 157 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

• Providing Training and Capacity Building of all ecosystem stakeholders

• Risk Information and Community Engagement (RCCE) planning and content

creation, supervision support Assistance to department in planning, design,
defining protocols, data integration etc. of Emergency Operations Centers
(EOCs) at state, districts, and regional levels. It would include assistance in
selection of agency to implement the EOCs.

• Technical Support to the department to create a conducive environment for

partnerships and collaborations with other Government Departments, UN
(United Nations) and multilateral agencies, Private Agencies and Non-
Government originations for preparedness, mitigation, capacity building and
emergency response.

Page 158 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

CHAPTER 12: FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

The Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides the legal framework for disaster
management and all related matters, including the financial aspects. As per the DM
Act, financial assistance in the wake of disasters is provided through the State Disaster
Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). These funds
have been created under the legal framework of Section 46 and 48 (1) (a) of the
Disaster Management Act, 2005. The allocations to SDRF and NDRF are made by
the Ministry of Finance as per Finance Commission recommendations.

12.1. 15th Finance Commission

Summary of Recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission relating to Disaster
Risk Management

(I) The ratio of contribution by Union and States to the State-level allocations for
disaster management recommended by FC-XIII should be maintained. Thus,
States are to contribute 25 per cent of funds of SDRF and SDMF except the
Northeastern and Himalayan (NEH) States, including Maharashtra, which shall
contribute 10 per cent, and the rest is to be provided by the Union Government.

(ii) Mitigation Funds would be set up at both the national and State levels, in line
with the provisions of the Disaster Management Act. The Mitigation Fund
should be used for those local level and community-based interventions which
reduce risks and promote environmentally friendly settlements and livelihood
practices.

(II) Allocation of disaster management funds to SDRMFs should be based on

factors of past expenditure, area, population, and disaster risk index (which
reflect States' institutional capacity, risk exposure, and hazard and vulnerability
respectively). Assuming an annual increase of 5 per cent, the Finance
Commission has arrived at the total corpus of Rs.1,60,153 crore for States for
disaster management for the duration of 2021-26, of which the Union share is
Rs. 1,22,601 crore and the States share is Rs. 37,552 crores.

(III) Total States allocation for SDRMF should be subdivided into funding windows
that encompass the full disaster management cycle. Thus, the SDRF would get
80 per cent of the total allocation and the SDMF 20 per cent. The SDRF
allocation of 80 per cent may be further distributed as follows: Response and
Relief – 40 per cent; Recovery and Reconstruction – 30 per cent; and
Preparedness and Capacity-building – 10 per cent. While the funding windows
of the SDRF and SDMF are not interchangeable, there could be flexibility for
re-allocation within the three sub-windows of SDRF.

Page 159 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

(IV) The allocation for the NDRMF would be based on expenditure in previous
years. Assuming an annual increase of 5 per cent, the total national allocation
for disaster management is estimated to be Rs. 68,463 crores for the duration
of 2021-26.

(V) The allocation for the NDRMF should also be subdivided into funding windows
like that of States' allocation for disaster management. Hence, the NDRF would
get 80 per cent of the total allocation for the NDRMF, with further division into
40 per cent for Response and Relief, 30 per cent for Recovery and
Reconstruction and 10 per cent for Preparedness and Capacity-building. The
NDMF would be allotted 20 per cent of the total allocation for the NDRMF. While
the funding window of NDRF and NDMF shall be maintained, there could be
flexibility for re-allocation within these sub-windows.

(VI) To discourage excessive and unsubstantiated demands from States, all Central
assistance through the NDRF and NDMF may be provided on a graded cost-
sharing basis. States should contribute 10 per cent for assistance up to Rs. 250
crores, 20 per cent for assistance up to Rs. 500 crore and 25 per cent for all
assistance exceeding Rs. 500 crores.

(VII)A Recovery and Reconstruction Facility may be set up within the NDRF and
SDRF. Assistance for recovery and reconstruction is generally a multi-year
program, and the assistance, shared between the Union and States, needs to
be released annually against expenditures and only as a percentage of total
cost.

(VIII)State Governments need to have essential disaster preparedness to respond

effectively to disasters. Their institutions and facilities must be equipped and
well-functioning to meet the exigencies of a situation. The preparedness and
capacity-building grants could be used to support the SDMAs, SIDMs, training
and capacity-building activities and emergency response facilities. A similar
window of preparedness and capacity-building would be made available within
the NDRF, which could be used to support national agencies.

(IX) Major capital works required for proper upstream river basin management (to
mitigate annual flood disasters caused by river erosion) with gestation periods
of ten to fifteen years cannot be accommodated through Finance Commission
award. Therefore, the Finance Commission has recommended that such
projects should be considered as national priority projects. Only such holistic
projects can help address flood mitigation properly. A piecemeal approach will
simply result in yearly washing away of river embankments.

(X) There should be six earmarked allocations for a total amount of Rs. 11,950
crores for certain priority areas, namely, two under the NDRF (Expansion and
Modernization of Fire Services and Resettlement of Displaced People affected

Page 160 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

by erosion) and four under the NDMF (Catalytic Assistance to Twelve Most
Drought-prone States, Managing Seismic and Landslide Risks in Ten Hill
States (this would include Maharashtra), Reducing the Risk of Urban Flooding
in Seven Most Populous Cities and Mitigation Measures to Prevent Erosion).

(XI) In order to strengthen institutional capacities, a dedicated capacity should be

set up to supervise the NDRMF and SDRMF and augment disaster funding
through other sources. In addition, a disaster database should be developed to
help assess the impact of expenditures on different aspects of disaster
management.

Allocation of funds to Maharashtra Government for Disaster Risk Management

under 15th Finance Commission

The 15th Finance Commission has made a departure from response to include
mitigation aspects also and recommended setting up of National and State Disaster
Risk Management Fund (SDRMF). The share of Central and State Government in
North-Eastern States and the two Himalayan States of Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand is 90:10, whereas for all other States it is 75:25.

The total allocation for Disaster Risk Management Fund for 2021-26 is Rs 28033 Crore
for Maharashtra. The Disaster Risk Management Fund has been recommended as a
comprehensive fund, both for response and mitigation activities. The break-down of
the Fund is Response and Relief (40%), Recovery and Reconstruction (30%),
Capacity Building (10%) and Mitigation (20%). While the funding windows of SDRF
and SDMF are not inter-changeable, there could be flexibility for re-allocation within
the three sub-windows of SDRF.

12.2. State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

The State Disaster Response Fund in Maharashtra shall be used only for meeting the
expenditure for providing immediate relief to the victims of flood, drought, earthquake,
fire, cyclone, hailstorm, landslides, cloudburst, heat wave etc. While the state can draw
from State Disaster Response Fund for the emergency response and relief, there are
provisions to adjust a portion of the expenditure from funds released from National
Disaster Response Fund between the fiscal year in which National Disaster Response
Fund is released and the expenses incurred by state in the previous fiscal year under
State Disaster Response Fund.

In case the State faces another severe disaster during the same year, no reduction
will be made while releasing assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund.
State-specific disasters, which are not included in the notified list of disasters eligible
for assistance from State Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Response
Fund, can be met from State Disaster Response Fund within the limit of 10 percent of
the annual fund allocation of the State Disaster Response Fund.

Page 161 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The two response funds at national and state level have provisions for the following:

• Gratuitous Relief
• Search and Rescue operations, as per actual cost incurred
• Relief measures
• Air dropping of essential supplies
• Emergency supply of drinking water
• Clearance of affected area, including management of debris
• Agriculture, Animal husbandry, fishery, handicraft, artisans
• Repair/ Restoration (of immediate nature) of damaged Infrastructure
• Capacity development

The default period of assistance is as per norms prescribed. However, based on

assessment of the ground situation, the State Executive Committee (SEC) may extend
it beyond the prescribed time limit subject to the condition that expenditure on this
account should not exceed 25 percent of State Disaster Response Fund allocation for
the year. The SEC will organize contributions from the relevant State Government,
administer the State Disaster Response Fund and invest the accretions to the State
Disaster Response Fund in accordance with the norms approved by GOI from time to
time.

The state will meet the capacity development expenses from the State Disaster
Response Fund and not National Disaster Response Fund, subject to a limit of 10
percent of the State Disaster Response Fund. Capacity Development covers the
following:

• Setting up/strengthening of Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) in the

State
• Training/Capacity Building of stakeholders and functionaries in the State
• Supporting disaster management centres in the state
• Preparation of Disaster Management Plans based on Hazards, Risks, and
Vulnerability Analysis
• Strengthening of SDMA and DDMAs

12.3. State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF)

Of the total State Disaster Risk Management Fund, 80% is to be utilized for response,
relief, recovery, and reconstruction. However, 10% of the Response Fund may be
utilized for capacity development. Risk Management Fund may be considered as
State Disaster Mitigation Fund, to be spent on the items indicated above to the extent
of 20% of the State Disaster Risk Management Fund. It shall be considered as the
State Disaster Mitigation Fund in terms of section 48(1) (c) of the Disaster
Management Act, 2005.

Page 162 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission for the Mitigation Funds are
as follows:

• Mitigation funds shall be set up at both national and state levels in the form of
a National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and State Disaster Mitigation
Funds (SDMF), in accordance with the Disaster Management Act.

• These mitigation funds shall be used for those local level and community-based
interventions which reduce the risks and promote environment-friendly
settlements and livelihood practices. However, large-scale mitigation
interventions such as construction of coastal walls, flood embankments,
support for drought resilience etc. should be pursued through regular
development schemes and not from the mitigation fund.

• The detailed guidelines for the constitution and utilization of these funds shall
be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in consultation with the National
Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). These funds should be supervised by
the NDMA at the national level and State Disaster Management Authorities
(SDMAs) at the state level as per the Act.

• NDMA has come out with an indicative list of items (Annexure I, NDMF
Guidelines) of work on which the Mitigation Funds may be utilized.

Schemes that may be undertaken under State Disaster Mitigation Fund by the
State Government

As stated above, mitigation projects may be undertaken from Mitigation Fund at local
and community level and large-scale interventions should be undertaken only through
regular development schemes.

The local and community level interventions have been included in the list of 64 items
in Annexure 8.2 of the report of the XV Finance Commissioni. However this is only an
indicative list of mitigation activities It may also include conduct of mock drills,
procurement of essential inexpensive equipment for first aid or search and rescue
equipment needed at rural and community level, community based disaster risk
management training programs, measures to promote environment-friendly
settlements, mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction in the development plans at local
and community level, interventions needed for social inclusion of marginalized
communities at grass root level, empowerment of women through their active
participation in various training programs, medical first response and search and
rescue teams, involvement of self-help groups and civil society organizations in
promoting disaster risk reduction and environment-friendly measures at local and
community level, development of village level disaster management plans etc.

Page 163 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

However, since the State Disaster Mitigation Fund is at the disposal of the State
Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), if any additional activities are to be taken up
which are not included in the indicative list at Annexure I, the approval of the SDMA to
the activities proposed to be undertaken with the outlay needed for undertaking such
activities may invariably be obtained from SDMA.

It would be seen from at Annexure I, NDMF/SDMF Guidelines of NDMA 2 that the

activities shown therein are disaster specific. Besides, there are activities which are
common to several disasters. So far, such activities are taken up at local or community
level, the SDMF could be utilized for that purpose. Similarly, Annexure 8.2 does not
specify all disasters. Disasters like COVID 19 Pandemic, which has affected
Maharashtra also, are not covered in the indicative list. Similarly, there may be state-
specific disasters which are not included in the Indicative List. Activities to mitigate the
impact of such disasters can also be undertaken from SDMF provided these
interventions are at local or community levels that help reduce risks and promote
environment-friendly settlements and livelihood practices.

Konkan Disaster Mitigation Project

The Konkan Mitigation Project was envisioned by the Government of Maharashtra for
a 4-year duration. The project will cover five districts of Konkan region and address
the risk and vulnerability of the people of the region against cyclone, floods, landslides,
etc. The sanctioned package of the project is Rs.3200 Crore. Of the money
sanctioned, Rs 2,000 crore will be given from the SDRMF, and rest will be given in the
next four years from 2022 to 2025 through the State Budget. The project will undertake
following mitigation measures to address the aforesaid hazards and vulnerabilities of
these districts:

i. Erosion Prevention Embankments

ii. Underground Cabling of electrical Wires
iii. Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters
iv. Lightning Arrester System
v. Early Warning System
vi. Preventive measures in Landslide prone areas

12.4. Alternate Sources of Funding

While NDRMF and SDRMF primarily are the main sources to meet the expenditure on
response, relief, recovery and reconstruction and a key source to meet expenditure
on mitigation at local and community level, it has to be conceded that it cannot meet
the entire requirement of funds during various phases of disaster management and
additional funds have to be provided to meet the requirement, particularly after the
introduction of Goods and Services Tax, which has subsumed several components of

2 NDMF/SDMF Guidelines, NDMA,

Page 164 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

National Calamity and Contingency Duty (NCCD). These options are discussed
below.

12.4.1. Public Funded Schemes

The primary mechanism for funding DRR related schemes and projects in
Maharashtra is through Public Funded Schemes at Central and State level. Various
nodal Ministries play a key role in disaster management as far as specific disasters
are concerned. These nodal Ministries as well as other Ministries and Departments
have dedicated schemes aimed at disaster prevention, mitigation, capacity building,
etc. within their domain. Existing examples include the scheme of MHA for
Strengthening of Fire and Emergency Services, Financial assistance to ATIs and other
Training institutions for disaster management, flood management and flood
forecasting programs of Ministry of Jal Shakti (MOJS). The Department of Space
(DOS) has a Disaster Management Support Program, and the Ministry of Earth
Sciences (MOES) has a project on Early Warning System.

Apart from this, many of the schemes, which are implemented by various ministries/
departments, have embedded DRR components, for example, those implemented by
the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC). There are many
other programs that improve societal resilience, which is a critical component of DRR,
such as the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Mahatma Gandhi National
Employment Guarantee Scheme, and the Housing and Urban Affairs department’s
Urban Renewal Mission.

12.4.2. Flexi Funds as a part of Centrally Sponsored Schemes

As per Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, the NITI Aayog has issued
instructions for rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), vide OM No.
O — 11013/02/2015-CSS & CMC dated August 17, 2016. As per para 6 of the said
OM, flexi-funds available in each CSS has been revised to 25% for States, and 30%
for UTs, of the overall annual allocation of each scheme. The flexi -fund component
within the CSS would be used to achieve the following objectives:

• To provide flexibility to States to meet local needs and requirements within the
overall objective of any given Scheme at the sub-head level.

• To pilot innovation to improve efficiency within the overall objective of any given
Scheme at the sub-head level.

• To undertake mitigation/restoration activities in case of natural calamities, or to

satisfy local requirements in areas affected by internal security disturbances.

Page 165 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

12.4.3. Externally Aided Projects

Besides the funds which are available through public funded schemes, efforts have
also been made by the centre to mobilize the resources from external funding
agencies for vulnerabilities assessment, capacity development, institutional
strengthening of response mechanism and mitigation measures etc. The Central
Government would continue to support states for reconstruction and rehabilitation in
the aftermath of major disasters through aid from the World Bank and other such
external funding agencies.

12.5. DM concerns to be mainstreamed in Development Plans/

Projects
The Ministry of Finance, at the instance of NDMA, had issued instructions dated
19.06.09, 12.04.10 and 26.05.10 introducing a system of self-audit that when any
development plan or project is formulated, it may be examined whether it would add
to vulnerabilities or create new vulnerabilities. In that case the mitigation measures to
reduce such vulnerabilities will be added to the project and the expenditure involved
in the implementation of such measures will constitute a part of the total cost of the
project.

12.5.1. Insurance and Risk Transfer

In the past, Finance Commissions have considered and rejected the involvement of
Insurance Companies for providing disaster relief to affected people on the plea that
it would be cheaper for the state government to directly provide relief to the disaster-
affected people. However, the 15th Finance Commission has felt that there is a strong
case for introducing insurance and risk pooling in niche areas, where essential
conditions for market-based risk management instruments exist.

The use of insurance instruments is most efficient for natural perils, which occur
infrequently but have high potential impact. The cost of response and recovery for
frequently occurring natural hazards (occurring once every five to ten years,
depending on the peril) are best absorbed by public funds such as the SDRF and
NDRF.

However, severe natural hazards occurring every ten to hundred years are best suited
to be covered by an insurance policy or catastrophe bond. However, these insurance
mechanisms need to be introduced with due diligence in partnership with insurance
companies. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the government
sponsored crop insurance and Weather Based Insurance, provides risk cover to
farmers. This and similar initiatives will be explored further and localized in the context
of Maharashtra, to address the risk of local farmers.

Page 166 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

12.5.2. Reconstruction Bonds

As brought out by XV Finance Commission, in a post-disaster situation, State

Governments can issue reconstruction bonds, with a maturity of three to five years,
with the approval of the Union Government. People would like to contribute to recovery
and reconstruction efforts, and they would prefer to invest in bonds, for reasons other
than just financial returns. So, the State Governments could issue these bonds with a
lower yield. However, the resources raised by these bonds should largely be spent on
the construction of productive and social assets.

12.5.3. Crowd Funding Platform for Disasters

Crowd funding has emerged as a key funding platform to mobilize resources for
disaster relief and recovery. Both the Union and State Governments need to
recognize the role of crowd funding and use it when disasters occur. While several
crowd funding platforms come up following a disaster event, a platform set up by the
government with specified objectives and an assurance of transparency can attract
public contributions on a more significant scale. Setting up a crowd funding platform
would require skills and expertise, which the Governments could consider outsourcing.
Identifying the right time for crowd funding, setting up secure payment gateways and
ensuring accountability and transparency are the most important considerations for
the success of such an initiative. It is an area where both the Union and State
Governments should prepare operational guidelines together.

With the advent of social media and the increased popularity of digital payments,
people are now increasingly switching to the faster, more convenient way to meet
urgent, pressing needs where a larger sum of money is needed. In fact, in
Maharashtra, the crowd funding platform has seen an increase of almost four times in
the number of fundraisers set up from the state compared to the previous year.
Another interesting observation is that Maharashtra is a pioneering state in driving
online fundraisers through closely knit online groups and communities. Almost 92% of
all the fundraisers from the state are funded by individuals and groups using word of
mouth on social media.

Fundraisers from Maharashtra have collected nearly INR 1 Crore so far, for various
causes: cancer care, treatment for rare medical conditions, kidney transplants or even
to address local community concerns in rural areas, or in the aftermath of a disaster.
During the floods of 2017, a group of volunteers raised over Rs 10 Lakh through their
online fundraiser with the help of over 600 people from across the world. The funds
were used to provide immediate relief, dry ration, and set up medical camps in flood
affected areas. Hundreds of families received instant help from supporters around the
globe within a click. Similarly, doctors too, are now resorting to trustworthy online
platforms to ensure more patients can avail quality healthcare and specialized medical
facilities, undeterred by financial limitations.

Page 167 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The significant advantage of a crowd funding platform is that donors know for which
purpose and for whose benefit they are contributing. There are several non-
governmental organizations which might come forward to help the State Government
to mobilize funds for disaster relief, recovery, and reconstruction. For instance, during
Maharashtra floods in 2016, crowd funding was undertaken by Ketto. A new
Maharashtra party, the Maharashtra Jatiya Parishad had resorted to crowd funding
before the elections. A crowd funding campaign has been undertaken to help keep
‘free vaccine’ pledge and raise at least Rs.100 crore, of the needed Rs. 800 crores for
vaccination of population in 18-45 age group in Maharashtra. The Milaap Foundation
in Maharashtra has also played a key role in crowd fund raising in Maharashtra for
various social causes. ASDMA can initiate crowd funding as per their need.

12.5.4. Other Financing Options

The options for restoration of infrastructure / livelihoods, like utilization of the funds
within State Sponsored Scheme (if any) for mitigation/restoration activities in the event
of natural calamities, or contingency funding for any untoward occurrence may also
be explored.

Opportunities of CSR investments may also be explored and elaborated for increasing
State level resilience. As these days the corporate sector is adopting the States/
Districts for the specific interventions, the CSR investments may be covered under the
umbrella of the Companies Act, 2013.

Page 168 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Ready Reckoner for District Disaster Management Plan Review

Page 169 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Introduction

Maintaining and implementing updated District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) in

each district of India is the constitutional mandate as per the section 31 of Disaster
Management Act-2005 of GoI. The Act mandates all the District Disaster Management
Authorities (DDMA) that is headed by District Magistrate to prepare a comprehensive
and holistic DDMP and update it annually. Under the DM Act’2005, DDMA must adopt
a continuous and integrated process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and
implementing measures which are necessary and expedient for prevention and
mitigation of disasters. These processes are to be incorporated in the developmental
plans of the different departments and preparedness to meet the disaster and relief,
rescue, and rehabilitation thereafter, to minimize the loss to be suffered by the
communities and are to be documented so that it is handy and accessible to the public.

The importance of DDMP can hardly be overstated. In fact, DDMP acts as a key
constitutional modality to address disaster risks by providing a clear pathway for
effective risk governance, seeking disaster resilient communities and service delivery
systems. The effective implementation of the plan will protect the hard-earned
developmental gains by minimizing loss of life, property and livelihood even in times
of crisis situation and enable early recovery of communities and service delivery
system. This could be achieved only when the DDMP informs both the actual and
futuristic risks and has robust risk governance mechanisms in place.

The DDMA oversees the implementation of DDMP through the line departments which
are close to ground realities on nature and understand the diversity of impacts
resulting from different disasters and extremes events on land, lives, property,
ecosystem, and resources of the people. In addition, the DDMP has established a
mechanism for inter-department/interagency coordination – to not only do disaster
response and preparedness but to move beyond by reducing disaster risks through
structural and non-structural mitigation and prevention measures. It also informs on
climate induced disasters and identifies the exposure and susceptibility of socio-
economic assets to climate variability. Experience from various states suggests that
DDMP formulation and review process and updating of risk analysis etc. also becomes
an opportunity for capacity development of the key stakeholders, particularly the line-
departments.

Purpose of DDMP Review

The purpose of the DDMP review is to analyses the exiting DDMP document with
special reference to Disaster Management Act, Sendia Framework for the
identification of appropriateness and adequacy of planning actions segregated in 12
chapters of the NDMA model Framework and arrive at key recommendations for
revision.

Page 170 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Guiding Framework Used for DDMP Review

“The substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health
and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons,
businesses, communities and countries” is the expected outcome and goal of the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 which was adopted at the
Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held in March
2015, at Sendai, Japan. The realization of this outcome requires a strong commitment
in every country at all levels in the implementation and follow-up of the SFDRR for the
creation of a conducive and enabling environment.

This first Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) after
the advent of the Sendai Framework was hosted by the Government of India in
November 2016 at New Delhi. In this conference Heads of Government, Ministers,
and Heads of Delegation of countries in Asia and the Pacific endorsed “The New Delhi
declaration on disaster risk reduction in Asia and the Pacific 2016”. Out of 12 articles
in this declaration, the sixth article is to “Improve preparedness for disaster recovery
by strengthening institutional frameworks, establishing standards, and enhancing
capacities to ensure that disaster recovery integrates risk reduction measures to build
back better.”

Thus, District Disaster Management Plans (DDMP), become an important planning,

implementation, and monitoring process to ensure realization of above stated goal of
SFDRR and the sixth article of Delhi Declaration 2016 in practice.

The DDMP needs to be done in a comprehensive, practical, participatory, bottom–up

and action-oriented approach so that the plan becomes a useful ‘handbook’ / ‘guide’
for strategic implementation by district and local authorities both, at time of a disaster,
as well as during the normal time when risk reduction measures such as mitigation,
prevention, preparedness, and capacity building actions are taken. The plan shall
create scenarios based on the disaster and climatological history and pertaining
vulnerabilities to evolve emerging and futuristic risks. Risks pertaining to increasing
climate variability shall also be considered as to ensure that enough and appropriate
measures are taken mitigating those risks in future and be prepared for emergency
response. The DDMP review entails all the components of Disaster Management
cycle as shown in the figure below:

Page 171 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Disaster Management Cycle

Disaster management can be defined as the body of policy and administrative

decisions and operational activities which pertain to the various stages of a disaster at
all levels. Broadly disaster management can be divided into pre-disaster and post-
disaster contexts. There are three key stages of activity that are taken up within
disaster management. They are:

1. Before a disaster strikes (pre-disaster). Activities taken to reduce human and

property losses caused by the hazard and ensure that these losses are also
minimized when the disaster strikes. Risk reduction activities are taken under this
stage, and they are termed as mitigation and preparedness activities.
2. During a disaster (disaster occurrence). Activities taken to ensure that the needs
and provisions of victims are met, and suffering is minimized. Activities taken under
this stage are called emergency response activities.
3. After a disaster (post-disaster) Activities taken to achieve early recovery and do
not expose the earlier vulnerable conditions. Activities taken under this stage are
called response and recovery activities.

To enable a uniform framework for preparation of DDMPs in accordance with the

mandated provision of DM Act, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has
prepared “Model Framework for preparation of DDMP.”

National Model Framework for DDMP, NDMA – 2014

According to the DDMP framework issued by National Disaster Management Authority

(2014), DDMPs must cover all the phases of disaster management cycle though
different chapters, which includes mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery,
rehabilitation, and reconstruction plans. It must also help the District Administration to
timely and effective response during the disasters to reduce the adverse impact of

Page 172 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

hazards on human life, economy, environment, critical services, and livelihood of the
local communities.

NDMA has issued a framework for DDMP (NDMA 2014) to guide DDMA to carry out
risk-informed planning and decision making to help planners examine hazards or
threats and produce integrated, coordinated, and synchronized plans. When
accomplished properly, planning provides a methodical way to engage all
stakeholders in thinking through the life cycle of a potential crisis, determining required
capabilities, and establishing a framework for roles and responsibilities, taking end
objectives into consideration.

This model framework recommends that every DDMP should have 12 chapters with
21 annexures and 11 types of maps. All the chapters are equally important to prepare
a comprehensive and holistic DDMP. Besides the national framework, the other
frameworks, policies to be considered are Sendai Framework of Action for Disaster
Risk Reduction (SFDRR), National Disaster Management Policy (2009) and Hazard
specific, GO-NGO Coordination, IRS guidelines drafted by NDMA, and the State
Disaster Management Plan also should be considered.

This ready reckoner is designed to help district planners navigate the planning process
through a mix of ―instructions describing the content chapter wise as defined in
DDMP framework (NDMA 2014). The DDMP ready reckoner is useful to District
Administration, all center and state offices in the district, local other authorities,
Government training institutions, other key stakeholders such as IAGs, academic
institutions and SDMA/ NDMA specifically for replication to other districts.

Steps for DDMP review

DDMP Planning team should establish a process for reviewing and revising the plan.
Reviews should be a recurring activity. Annual review is considered minimum. It
should be mandatory to consider reviewing and updating the plan after the following
events:
i. A major incident.
ii. A change in operational resources (e.g., policy, personnel, organizational
structures, Management processes, facilities, equipment).
iii. A formal update of planning guidance or standards.
iv. After each activation of EOC, IRS, etc.
v. After carrying out major exercises such as Mock drills, simulation exercises,
etc.
vi. A change in the district ‘s demographics or hazard or threat profile.
vii. The enactment of new or amended laws or ordinances. The responsibility
for the coordination of the development and revision of the basic plan,
annexes, appendices and implementing instructions must be assigned to
the appropriate person(s).

It is recommended that DDMP be internally reviewed on a yearly basis, and either be

updated or reaffirmed. The updates or reaffirmed document may also be used to
summarize the accomplishments of the past year and help the administration to
prioritize mitigation goals for the next year. However, in the initial years it is sometimes

Page 173 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

not possible for yearly updating as it could take 3-5 years to see the results of the plan.
However, the district planners should make provisions for making timely updates by
keeping records of any amendments, publishing periodic best practices, etc.

Reviewing a DDMP is a process and is done in steps. The following are the key steps
for DDMP review –

Step 1: Review Initiation

A review team/ committee is formed internally to review the DDMP. The team could
comprise of members from Government offices such as RDC, DDMO, key department
HoDs (Heads of Departments), NGOs, academicians, research persons, etc. A third-
party review process could also be initiated in cases where there is lack of
understanding of the subject. The team should have a sound understanding of
Disaster Risk Management and its components. The team should jointly agree on a
point of inquiry or checklist for reviewing the document. This process is crucial, and it
defines how the review will be executed.

A DDMP review inception report should be prepared which details the scope of work,
point of inquiry, framework of analysis, review process, role and responsibilities of the
review team and period of review. The inception report should be approved by the
DDMA before the start of the review process. A copy of the inception report could also
be shared with the State offices concerned.

Stage 2: Desktop review

Upon the approval of the inception report, the review team should thoroughly read the
current DDMP in accordance with the point of inquiry. Besides the DDMP, the team
should also update themselves on the national/ state policies, state level plans,
national guidelines and current department plans of various government offices in the
district. The team should ensure that all the required plans and documents are
received based on which the desktop review is done.

Stage 3: Consultation with key officials

Based on the findings of the desktop review, the review team could decide upon to
consult with key government officials and other stakeholders who were involved in the
formation of the current DDMP. This would help the team understand the process in
which current DDMP was prepared and ascertain the gaps too.

Stage 4: Field/ Observation Study

The review team could also visit a few works and activities done as per the plan. They
could also meet members of the communities especially for understanding activities
such as community preparedness, schools, and colleges to understand the awareness

Page 174 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

levels on DM education among children, women, and youth. Wherever possible, the
review team could visit a few training or mock drills taking place at the time of review.

Step 5: Guidance for DDMP Review

After the desktop review, field observation and consultation with officials, the next step
is the actual review of the DDMP. The DDMP is reviewed in content with the point of
enquiry along with the national framework for DDMP review, NDMA – 2014.

This model framework recommends that every DDMP should have 12 chapters with
21 annexures and 11 types of maps. Each chapter is analyzed then documented.

Step 6: Sharing the report for feedback and finalization.

The DDMP review report drafted should be circulated with all key stakeholders who
are primarily responsible for the direct implementation of the DDMP at the district level.
The report should also be shared with SDMA, DMU for feedback.

Based on the availability of time and resources, the review team can organize a one-
day workshop to share the findings and recommendations with the key stakeholders.
Such a workshop could help the review team in receiving direct feedback and
consensus on the report.

The Final copy of the DDMP review report should be approved by the DDMA and
shared with all Government offices in the district. A copy of the document should also
be shared with other stakeholders and concerned state offices.

Page 175 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

DDMP Review Process – Chapter Wise Review Through Point of Inquiry

Chapter 1: Introduction

The chapter is important in terms of explaining the paradigm shift from relief centric
approach to response to a proactive prevention, mitigation, and preparedness-driven
approach for conserving developmental gains and to minimize loss of life, livelihood,
and property.

Point of Inquiry

1. As per the guidance provided in NDMA model framework the aims and goals of
DDMP should cater to entire disaster management cycle including HRVCA,
Preparedness, mitigation, prevention, coordination ability building, MDRR, relief,
response rehabilitation, reconstruction, recovery. While reviewing aims and goals,
it is important to assess if this section caters to all actions as mentioned. It is also
important to analyze if aims and objectives also cater to resource mobilization
mechanisms.
2. The Chapter should have a list of stakeholders involved with well-defined duties
and responsibilities of each stakeholder.
3. Include and cite the legal and administrative basis for evolution of the plan;
mention references that form the legal basis for actions outlined.
4. The collaborative planning process should have details such as team formation,
understanding DM context of the district, DM measures to be taken plan
development and resource mobilization. Also details of plan preparation (write,
review, approve mechanism and issue), plan implementation and maintenance
(exercise, review, revise and support) should be well articulated.

Chapter 2: Hazard Vulnerability Capacity Risk Analysis (HVCRA)

The DDMP is context specific and visualizes various situations based on hazard
history. Hazards, vulnerabilities, coping capacities and possible exposure levels are
adequately analyzed where possible to identify and understand risks. Risk
identification considers futuristic risks induced by various contributing elements to
climate change. Section 30 (2) iii of the DM Act 2005 ensures that the DDMA identifies
areas in the district that are vulnerable to disasters and appropriate measures are
undertaken by the departments at the district levels as well as by local authorities.

Point of Inquiry

1. According to Section 30 (2) iii of the DM Act 2005 ensures that the DDMA should
identify areas in the district that are vulnerable to disasters and appropriate
measures are undertaken by the departments at the district levels as well as by
local authorities.

Page 176 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

2. The DDMP is context specific and should visualize various situations based on
hazard history. Hazards, vulnerabilities, coping capacities and possible exposure
levels are adequately analyzed where possible to identify and understand risks.
3. Risk identification should consider futuristic risks induced by various contributing
elements to climate change.
4. The section should provide an analysis on key issues and challenges in
sustainable development of the district with special reference to hazard,
vulnerabilities, and capacities.
5. Analysis should consider the severity of the hazard and its impact on the
communities, potential risk possessed and the sectoral issues (health, food,
drinking water, nutrition, education, livelihood, psychosocial effects, migration,
etc.).
6. Hazard specific scenarios should be developed based on the context and the
history of disaster occurrences.

Chapter 3: Institutional Arrangements for Disaster Management (DM)

The Disaster Management Act 2005 provides for an effective institutional mechanism
for drawing up and monitoring implementation of disaster management plan for
prevention and mitigating effects of disasters and for taking a holistic, coordinated
and prompt response to any disaster situation.

Point of Inquiry

• Section 25 of DM Act 2005 mandates for establishment of DDMA at district and

provides its composition. Ensure whether the DDMA coordinates and monitors
sector specific DRR activities that are planned and implemented by Government
departments, local authorities, and other stakeholders in the district.
• The institutional mechanism for disaster management at the district level, as
envisaged in the national plan and other national guidelines should be active and
functional. There should be clear mentions of their roles and responsibilities.
• The chapter should provide scope for public private partnership and avenues for
strategic partnership in reducing disaster risks in the district.

Chapter 4: Prevention Measures

The adverse impacts of hazards, in particular natural hazards, often cannot be

prevented fully, but their scale or severity can be substantially lessened by various
strategies and actions. Mitigation measures include engineering techniques and
hazard-resistant construction as well as improved environmental and social policies
and public awareness. Whereas Prevention expresses the concept and intention to
completely avoid potential adverse impacts of hazardous events. While certain
disaster risks cannot be eliminated, prevention aims at reducing vulnerability and
exposure in such contexts where, as a result, the risk of disaster is removed.

Page 177 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Point of Inquiry

• Based on risk analysis there should be adequate measures taken for prevention
and mitigation measures by various national and state government offices of the
district, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Departments should be able to mobilize resources and budgetary provisions for
effective implementation of prevention and mitigation measures.

Chapter 5: Preparedness Measures

A preparedness plan establishes arrangements in advance to enable timely, effective,

and appropriate responses to specific potential hazardous events or emerging disaster
situations that might threaten society or the environment. Preparedness is based on a
sound analysis of disaster risks and good linkages with early warning systems, and
includes such activities as contingency planning, the stockpiling of equipment and
supplies, the development of arrangements for coordination, evacuation and public
information, and associated training and field exercises. These must be supported by
formal institutional, legal, and budgetary capacities.

Point of Inquiry

1. The chapter should have details of the following components along with
implementation action points and responsibilities –
i. Early Warning Institutions and their responsibilities and early warning
dissemination strategy (last mile connectivity)
ii. District Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) along with SOP for EOC.
iii. Incident Response Team (IRT) with including procedures for activation of
IRS.
iv. Emergency Support Function (ESF)
v. Emergency Response Team – Quick Response Team (QRT)
vi. Task force Teams – First Aid, Search & Rescue, Evacuation and Damage
and Loss Assessment Team
2. There should be protocols for (i) resource mobilization, seeking help from Army,
NDRF, PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) (ii) Procurement of equipment & SOP
for rate contract (iii) Logistics, (iv) stock piling and (v) arrangements of VIP visits
during disasters should be detailed in the plan.
3. There should be details on media management and information dissemination
strategies.
4. The chapter should have details on community preparedness with specific
mentions on community warning system, action points on community awareness
and education on hazards, vulnerability capacities and risks, preparedness
measures by community along with responsibility.
5. The chapter should also mention knowledge management strategy, networking
and sharing of information on resources through IDRN/ SDRN, etc.

Page 178 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Chapter 6: Capacity Building and Training Measures

Developing a DDMP without building capacity or raising awareness amongst stake-

holders can be detrimental to the development of a successful and sustainable plan.
Stakeholders and communities are critical components to a successful, long-term,
sustainable disaster management plan. Capacity Building develops and strengthens
skills, competencies, and abilities of both Government and non–government officials
and communities to achieve their desired results during and after disasters, as well as
preventing hazardous events from becoming disasters.

Point of Inquiry

1. The chapter should have mention of learning needs assessment or capacity gap
analysis to quantify the surge needs, based on which capacities can be identified
/ mapped / linked.
2. The institutional capacity building strategy should cover all aspects of capacity
building starting from identification of needs, to designing training, organizing,
implementing to monitoring and evaluation.
3. The detailed training programme should cover training/ workshops for policy
makers, government officials, Engineers, Architects, Masons, Doctors, Nurses,
Teachers, NGOs and other professionals, Police, Fire Services, SDRF, other
stakeholders.
4. There should be details along with a training calendar for Training of Trainers for
civil defense/ volunteers. The master trainers should include people with
vulnerabilities too such as people with disabilities, etc.
5. There should be capacity building strategy for disaster management education in
schools including residential one and colleges.
6. There should be an inventory of trained professionals, engineers, architects,
masons, medical professionals, rescue specialists etc.
7. There should specifically be mentions of refresher, follow up training at all levels.
8. There is a calendar for emergency exercises/ mock drills in communities,
education institutions, crowded places/ events, industrial areas.

Chapter 7: Response & Relief Measures

Prompt and effective response minimizes loss of life and property. A caring approach
for the special needs of vulnerable sections is imperative. Section 30(2) xv – xix of DM
Act 2005 envisage powers to DDMA to prepare, review, update district level response
plan and guidelines and ensure that all government departments in the district and
local authorities prepare their response plan in accordance with the district response
plan. It also gives power to DDMA to coordinate response to any threatening disaster
situation and disaster and also advise, assist, and coordinate the activities of the

Page 179 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

departments of the government, statutory bodies, and other governmental and non-
governmental organizations in the district.

Point of Inquiry

1. There should be well defined procedures and processes for carrying out
emergency needs and damage assessment.
2. The plan should have hazard specific scenario based standard operating
procedures for each hazard with specific mentions of how the event unfolds,
timeline of actions, activation of ESF/ IRS, DEOC, activation till deactivation of
IRS, resource mobilization, horizontal and vertical coordination, actions and
responsibilities.
3. There should be details of crowd management for mass gathering/ events.
4. There should be action plans by Line-departments, particularly ICDS, schools,
health system and PHED with roles and responsibilities on service continuity
during disasters.
5. The plan should detail our targeted intervention especially during relief distribution
for addressing vulnerable sections and people with vulnerabilities.

Chapter 8: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery Measures

There should be a near-seamless transition from response activities to short-term

recovery operations including restoration of interrupted utility services, re-
establishment of transportation routes and the provision of food and shelter to
displaced persons. Incorporating disaster resilient features to ‘build back better’ will be
the guiding principle. This phase requires the most patient and painstaking effort of all
concerned. The administration, the stakeholders and the communities need to stay
focused on the needs of this phase, as, with the passage of time, the sense of urgency
gets diluted. Emphasis will be laid on plugging the gaps in the social and economic
infrastructure and infirmities in the backward and forward linkages. Efforts will be made
to support and enhance the viability of livelihood systems, education, health care
facilities, care of the elderly, women, and children, etc. Other aspects warranting
attention will be roads, housing, drinking water sources, provision for sanitary facilities,
availability of credit, supply of agricultural inputs, upgradation of technologies in the
on-farm and off-farm activities, storage, processing, marketing, etc.

Point of Inquiry

1. The chapter should have details of the Damage assessment mechanism and
scope for multi-sectoral joint needs assessment.
2. The chapter should mention restoration of basic infrastructure. This could be short
term such as restoration of basic infrastructure including roads, bridges/culverts,
drinking water supply schemes, electricity, communication network and roads/
paths leading to the villages; restoration/ repair of the lifelines/critical buildings –

Page 180 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

repair/reconstruct the lifeline buildings /critical buildings which are necessary for
treating the affected people or rehabilitation in these buildings as shelters.
3. There should be action points for reconstruction and repairs works and for short-
and long-term recovery program which could focus on sectors such as drinking
water supply, food, nutrition, health, education, housing construction and
structural assessment, psychosocial support, agriculture, livelihood, water
conservation, social forestry, and animal husbandry.
4. The chapter should aim to produce a road map for ensuring disaster resilient
features to ‘build back better’ and making communities resilient to disaster and
climate change.

Chapter 9: Financial Resource for implementation of DDMP

District Disaster Response Funds and District Disaster Mitigation Funds are proposed
to be created at the District Level as mandated by Section 48 of the DM Act. The
disaster response funds at the district level would be used by the DDMA towards
meeting expenses for emergency response, relief, rehabilitation in accordance with
the guidelines and norms laid down by the Government of India and the State
Government.

Point of Inquiry

1. The chapter should ensure that all State Government Departments, Boards,
Corporations, PRIs and ULBs of the district will prepare their DM plans, including
the financial projections to support these plans.
2. The chapter should provide scope to DDMA to also look at other options of new
financial tools like catastrophe risk financing, risk insurance, micro-insurance etc.
to compensate for massive losses on account of disasters.
3. The chapter should provide space and opportunities for CSR/ NGO, other external
stakeholder investments for increasing district resilience.

Chapter 10: Procedure and Methodology for Monitoring, evaluation, updating,

and Maintenance of DDMP

Regular maintenance is critical to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the DM

plans. Plan maintenance is a dynamic process. The plan must be periodically updated
to make it consistent with the changes in Government policies, initiatives, and priorities
and to incorporate technological changes and global experiences. Evaluating the
effectiveness of plans involves a combination of training events, exercises, and real-
world incidents to determine whether the goals, objectives, decisions, actions, and
timing outlined in the plan led to a successful response. In this way, the emergency
preparedness exercises become an integral part of the planning process. The DM
planners must be aware of lessons and practices from various parts of the district and
elsewhere. The training, mock drills and exercises are crucial to evaluating the
operational aspects of the plan, rectify gaps, and improving the efficiency of the plan.

Page 181 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The likelihoods of emergencies and actual occurrences are also occasions for
evaluating the plan, making innovations, and for updating the plan, SOPs, and
guidelines. At times, operations experience setbacks due to outdated information,
ineffective procedures, incorrect role assignments, and outdated norms.

Point of Inquiry

1. The indicative guidelines for monitoring and evaluation, updating, maintenance,

review of the DDMP are as follows –
i. Regularly review the implementation of the plan.
ii. Check the efficacy of the plan after any major disaster/emergency in the
district and see what did work and what did not work and make amendments
to the plan accordingly.
iii. As per Sub Section (4) of Section 31 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005,
the plan should be reviewed and updated annually and the year in which the
plan has been reviewed should be clearly mentioned in shape of header in
each page of the plan.
iv. Keep District, State and National Disaster Resource Inventory updated
(SDRN / IDRN) and connected with the plan.
v. Update coordinates of responsible personnel and their roles / responsibility
every six months or whenever a change happens. Names and contact details
of the officers/officials who are the nodal officers or the in-charge of
resources to be updated on regular basis.
vi. Plan should be web enabled with access on intra and internet.
vii. Plan should be circulated to all stakeholder departments, agencies, and
organisations so that they know their role and responsibilities and prepare
their own plans.
viii. Regular Drills / exercises should be conducted to test the efficacy of the plan
and check the level of preparedness of various departments and other
stakeholders. It would ensure that all parties understand their roles and
responsibilities clearly and understand the population size and needs of
vulnerable groups.
ix. Regular training and orientation of the officers/officials responsible to
implement the plan should be done so that it becomes useful document to
the district administration.
x. Army, NDRF, SDRF and other agencies should be integrated into the plan
exercise regularly.
xi. DDMA should hold Regular interaction and meetings with the Army or any
other central government agencies for strengthening coordination during
disasters.
xii. The DEOC should be made responsible for keeping the plan in updated form
and collecting, collating, and processing the information.

Page 182 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Chapter 11: Coordination Mechanism for implementing DDMP.

Section 30 (2) of the DM Act 2005 envisages powers and functions to the DDMA to
coordinate and monitor disaster management undertaken in the district by every office
of the government of India and of the state government at the district level and local
authorities. Inter departmental coordination amongst departments is a key for
harmonious and effective working together of departments and other key relevant
stakeholders towards a common goal. The inter-departmental coordination should
focus on providing maximum impact for a given level of resources; elimination of gaps
and overlaps in services; appropriate division of responsibilities, information
management and uniformity in communication.

Point of Inquiry

1. This chapter is crucial as coordination encompasses all chapters of DDMP.

Therefore, the following chapter should ensure –
i. Intra and inter-Department coordination mechanism with horizontal linkages
ii. Coordination mechanism for working with UN Agencies, NGOs, CSRs,
CBOs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Industries, private schools, and hospitals
with horizontal and vertical linkages.
iii. Coordination with block/ village level Task Force(s) with vertical linkages as
also inter-block and inter-village coordination with horizontal linkages
iv. Coordination systems with state departments and training institutes at state
and district level
v. Intra-block and intra-village coordination
vi. Coordination with local self-government (Panchayat Raj - Zilla Parishad,
intermediate level, if any, and Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies) as
per direction from DDMA
vii. Coordination and linkage with DDMPs of neighboring districts & with SDMP

Chapter 12: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are a common method of implementing

instructions. SOPs supply response protocols for carrying out specific responsibilities.
They describe who, what, when and how SOPs are proper for complex tasks requiring
step-by-step instructions for performing a task. It is necessary to prepare and annex -
SOPs for all relevant hazards to one ‘s district – like – Earthquake, Flood, Cyclone,
Landslide, Tsunami, Manmade disasters (CBRN, Stampede etc.). All respective
departments have a lion’s share in making the SOPs themselves as per the context.

Point of Inquiry

1. SOPs and checklists should be prepared for various stakeholders for an effective
response. These can be made based on the functioning of Emergency Support

Page 183 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Function (ESF) groups or IRS. Depending on the hazard profile and level of
exposure the district should decide in a participatory way the number of ESF
covering all the above.
2. The SOPs should clearly define the disaster situation.
3. There should be step by step action on receipt of warning and warning
dissemination.
4. The details of how to activate/ deactivate IRS or ESF, DEOC and the aspects of
resource mobilization and access to financial resources should be methodically
articulated and mentioned.
5. All actions starting from crisis management situation, relief, responses until
situation comes to normal should be listed sequentially along with responsible
officer’s designation.
6. The SOP should have an information dissemination and communication strategy.
7. There should be a clear procedure for VIP movement along with media
management processes.
8. The SOP also should mention the procedures and process for seeking assistance
from State/ NDRF/ Army/ Centre, etc.
9. The SOP should also mention the coordination with other stakeholders at various
levels and time periods (relief, response, etc.).

Annexures

There are 21 annexures and 11 types of maps which are as follows. There could be
more annexures added if required.

Sr. Details Annexures

No
1 Terms i. Definitions of commonly used terms
2 District i. Climate (temperature, rainfall, and weather patterns),
Profile vegetation, geological features (fault lines, mountain
areas) topography (rivers, deserts)
ii. Forests, agriculture, land use pattern, irrigation system
and dams
iii. Demography (size, growth trends, literacy rate, poverty
level (BPL), income per capita, main occupations,
gender, and vulnerable groups),
iv. Society (religious, ethnic groups, social structure,
situation of cohesion/conflict),
v. Economy (key sectors, percentage of their share in
economy, growth, and development trends),
vi. Infrastructure and services (roads,
telecommunications, hospitals, educational institutions,
water sanitation etc),
vii. Shelter, if any (number, types, and estimated ability)-
Flood/Cyclone Shelters or Earthquake resilient
Bunkers

Page 184 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

viii. Political system and social systems (local government

system, councils, etc) ix. Administrative system
(administrative units, number of blocks, Gram
Panchayat, villages) in the district.
3 Lists i. List of vulnerable talukas and villages with risk ranking
(hazard-wise)
ii. List of resources available in district (public and private)
iii. List of infrastructure in the district (public and private)
such as police stations, shelters etc
iv. List of NGOs, CBOs List of public Volunteers – their
areas of specialty and capabilities
v. List of Trained Personnel, machinery & equipment
available in the district with different stakeholders
vi. List of emergency supplies needed along with contacts
for emergency suppliers.
vii. List of Radio & TV stations contacts
viii. Distribution List (the agencies/individuals to whom the
plan will be distributed)
ix. List of Acronyms
4 Plans, i. Laws and policies related to DRR
Policies ii. Shelter Management Plan
iii. Evacuation plan
iv. Media Management Plan
v. Medical and Hospital Management Plan
vi. Mitigation Plan
5 Directory i. Directory of departmental focal points for emergency
response
6 Formats i. Formats for post disaster damage, loss, needs and
capacity assessment.
ii. IRS Formats
7 Maps i. District maps political and physical (e.g.: if the district is
prone to floods or landslides the physical map may
indicate the area affected in previous floods)
ii. District Administrative map showing division and its
area.
iii. District Map showing distribution of population, houses,
crops etc
iv. District Hazard Map with hazard zonation on GIS base
v. District map showing vulnerability profile.
vi. District map showing Capacity and resource profile.
vii. District map showing Risk profile.
viii. District Map showing critical infrastructure and
installation in the district such as roads, rail network,
airports and seaports, nuclear installations.
ix. District Map showing important administrative
buildings, hospitals, schools, monuments.
x. District map showing forest and agriculture areas.
xi. Add more if necessary

Page 185 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

DDMP Review Matrix

The documentation of the review can be summarized using a matrix with chapter wise
findings, observations and Gaps are analyzed through points of inquiry. Based on the
findings, recommendations are made.

The Matrix could be one of the tools for presentation. It is recommended that any other
tools could also be used for documentation, provided the findings and
recommendations are well articulated and presented in an effortless way for the reader
to understand.

Observations/
Chapter
Title Findings/ Recommendations
No
Gaps
Chapter 1 Introduction
Hazard Vulnerability Capacity
Chapter 2
Risk Analysis (HVCRA)
Institutional Arrangements for
Chapter 3
Disaster Management (DM)
Prevention and Mitigation
Chapter 4
Measures
Chapter 5 Preparedness Measures
Capacity Building and
Chapter 6
Training Measures
Response and Relief
Chapter 7
Measures
Reconstruction,
Chapter 8 Rehabilitation and Recovery
Measures
Financial Resources for
Chapter 9
implementation of DDMP
Procedure and methodology
Chapter for monitoring, evaluation,
10 updating and maintenance of
DDMP
Chapter Coordination mechanism for
11 implementation of DDMP
Chapter Standard Operating
12 Procedures and Checklist
Terms, District Profile, Lists,
Annexures Plans, Polices, Formats,
Directories, Maps

Page 186 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Example Of Matrix Used for Osmanabad District DDMP Review

Chapter 1: Introduction

Observations/ Findings/ Gaps Recommendations

• The objectives indicate relief • The objectives should be Specific
centric response and Measurable Achievable Realistic & Time
preparedness driven. bound (SMART) covering all the stages of
• Basic background of the disaster management cycle.
district, administrative set up, • The objective also can refer to SFDRR goal
methodology, Potential of substantial reduction of disaster risk and
stakeholders and their roles,
losses in lives, livelihoods, and health and in
usage, and periodicity of
the economic, physical, social, cultural, and
DDMP is absent in the DDMP.
• As standard practice the environmental assets of persons,
DDMP has to be developed in businesses, communities, and countries.
a consultative process of • The objectives shall include Hazard
DDMA. This chapter does not Vulnerability Capacity and Risk
have mention of the team Assessment (HVCRA), prevention,
members. mitigation, preparedness measures,
• Capacity development response plan.
components missing in the • It is also important to refer to four priority
DDMP objectives. action of SENDAI Framework of actions
• The description on which provide value additions for enhanced
communication methodology, DRR actions at district level.
institutional setup and pre- • Capacity building and resource mobilization
during-post action is not are essential for enabling risk reduction
expected to be part of this actions. An objective about capacity
chapter development should be incorporated
explaining capacity development plan from
community to district level. This capacity
development plan may consider learning
needs of community leaders, PRIs, ULBs,
Block and District officials and NGOs.
• The DDMP shall be formulated in
consultation with the stakeholders. An
objective on the involvement and
coordination of multiple stakeholders should
be incorporated.
• The DDMP should have executive summary
on generic profile of the district (physical
boundaries, administrative setup, census
details, etc), methodology, potentials
stakeholder’s list and their roles, usage of
district plan, approval mechanisms and
periodicity of DDMP.
• ……………

Page 187 of 193

 Annexure 2:

UNICEF-UNDP Joint Action Plan for Risk Informed Programing to provide

technical assistance to the Government of Maharashtra

Background

United Nations’ agencies have been extending support to the Government of

Maharashtra since over 60 years now. United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have been supporting the
department of Relief and Rehabilitation Department for designing various schemes
related to DRR and assisting in their its implementation. As per the mandate of the
Sendai Framework as well as its predecessor, the Hyogo framework, there is an
urgent need to have Risk Informed Programming into the mainstream developmental
Planning and Policy of the Government of Maharashtra. According to the UN’s Sendai
Framework of Action (SDG (Sustainable Development Goals)) it is critical to have Risk
informed policies and planning to achieve the 17 goals to end poverty, protect the
planet and ensure that people enjoy peace and prosperity. To ensure the implement
the SDGs in the realm of Risk Reduction, the Sendai Framework of Action (SFA) was
signed off by all the UN member countries. The SFDRR has 4 priorities viz.

Priority 1. Understanding disaster risk

Disaster risk management should be based on an understanding of disaster risk in all

its dimensions of vulnerability, capacity, exposure of persons and assets, hazard
characteristics and the environment. Such knowledge can be used for risk
assessment, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response.

Priority 2. Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk

Disaster risk governance at the national, regional, and global levels is particularly
important for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and
rehabilitation. It fosters collaboration and partnership.

Priority 3. Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience

Public and private investment in disaster risk prevention and reduction through
structural and non-structural measures is essential to enhance the economic, social,
health, and cultural resilience of persons, communities, countries, and their assets, as
well as the environment.

Priority 4. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build

Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

Page 188 of 204

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

The growth of disaster risk means there is a need to strengthen disaster preparedness
for response, act in anticipation of events, and ensure capacities are in place for
effective response and recovery at all levels. The recovery, rehabilitation and
reconstruction phase are a critical opportunity to build back better, including through
integrating disaster risk reduction into development measures.

The National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs of India is a

signatory to the to SFDRR and it is instrumental in the implementation of various
schemes and programs to achieve the priorities. The National Disaster Management
Act, of 2005 also contains provisions to meet the priorities of the Sendai Framework
of Action. According to the National Disaster Management Act, of 2005, “disaster
management” means a continuous and integrated process of planning, organizing,
coordinating, and implementing measures, which are necessary or expedient for—

i. Prevention of danger or threat of any disaster;

ii. Mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or
consequences;
iii. capacity-building;
iv. Preparedness to deal with any disaster;
v. Prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
vi. Assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster.
vii. Evacuation, rescue, and relief.
viii. Rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Section 40 of the DM Act mandates all the state-level departments to have Disaster
Management Plan for the line departments and review and update the plan annually.
Currently, only the Department of Agriculture has a Disaster Management Plan, and
the state is in the process of preparing Disaster Management Plans for other state-
level departments. In this regard, UNDP has been appointed to support the State
Government to assist the State in preparing the Disaster Management Plans of the
Departments.

In retrospect the State Government has a joint agreement with UNICEF to enhance
the Risk Governance in the State, under which a pilot project was carried out in
Osmanabad and Beed districts and a Participatory Risk Analysis of 7 Social sectors
was carried out. The stakeholders involved in this process were right from grass root
workforce to the district-level HODs. The seven social sectors were Agriculture, Public
Health, Civil Supply, Child Protection, Integrated Child Development Scheme, Rural
Water Supply, and Sanitation. The risk analysis was done in a participatory manner
was done by forming working groups at the departmental level which included
representation from frontline workers, block-level officers/staff, and district-level
officers/staff including the Resident Deputy Magistrate and Head of Departments. This
was a successful model where in the officers who have the best understanding of the
subject matter identified Risks. Furthermore, after a detailed orientation and training

Page 189 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

of the officers, the officers also identified the possible mitigation process. This was a
three-day process spread across 3 to 4 months and the officers had to go back to work
find data think through concepts and come back and then make a plan for risk
mitigation. As an outcome of this process, it the risk analysis and the departments
owned the proposed mitigation measures, which enables a higher chance of it getting
implemented.

Objective

The overall objective of this Partnership is to strengthen Disaster Risk Governance in

Urban and Rural contexts at State and Divisional/ward level in Maharashtra through
technical and capacity-building support to the Relief and Rehabilitation Department,
Government of Maharashtra.

Key Action Points

In the current scenario where in UNDP and UNICEF will be supporting the
Government of Maharashtra in drafting the Departmental Disaster Management
Plans, a similar work activity can be carried out for few departments where the
involvement of departments is necessary. Various level officers from the state level
Departments of Government and the process of making the Departmental Disaster
Management Plan can be carried out. The further detailing of working group members
can be decided in consultation with the Head of the Departments respective
departments. In order to link the working plan to the field and scale up the pilot project
carried out by the Government of Maharashtra and UNICEF on the Departmental
Disaster Management Plan at Osmanabad. Coordinated with the state-level
departmental plans working groups of 3-line departments will also be formed at the
division level. Working at one division (Aurangabad) will enable the Departmental
Planning Process to be linked at the local and the state level. A commissioner or a JS-
level officer will be appointed as a nodal officer and the nodal officer shall be
responsible to be instrumental in setting up the link of the plan. UNICEF and UNDP
will be assisting the Government in making the plans; however, the ownership shall
stay with the respective line department.

At the district level, the nodal person for Disaster Management for the District Disaster
Management Authority (DDMA) is the District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO).
The DDMOs’ work was coordinated with the Hyogo framework of action which is now
updated to the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals. In order
to handhold the DDMOs to work in line with newer strategies that are coordinated with
the policies of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a series of
training shall be carried out for the DDMOs. Four annual trainings will be carried out
as per the convenience of the Government, which will have training activities involving
group work, crosspieces of training learning, situation analysis, and other interactive
learning tools. A DDMO workshop was held by UNICEF in March 2019, to assess the

Page 190 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

training needs of the DDMOs, these trainings will be coordinated with the gaps
identified in the national frameworks and the understanding of the DDMOs, which were
highlighted in the Training Need Assessment workshop. In addition to the physical
training session, 4 refresher training will be held through the online portal available
with the Government. A workshop of Resident Deputy Collectors (RDC) will have to
be conducted for their sensitization as the CEO of the DDMA and guide the DDMOs
in implementing the National Policies.

The State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is now fully equipped and is well
connected with the District EOC. However, the state is yet to establish a mechanism
to connect to the last mile effectively. With information inputs available from IMD, Maha
Vedh, INCOIS, IITM – Pune, and other such Government Institutions & nodal
agencies, a plan can be made for last mile connectivity for disseminating the Early
warnings for various emergencies. UNICEF and UNDP will provide technical
assistance to the Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Government of Maharashtra
to plan for the last mile connectivity.

Designing and developing programmes for engaging volunteer commitment from

various level professionals for Disaster Risk Reduction - In accordance with the
volunteer commitment made under the Sendai Framework of action, designing a plan
of action and engaging partners for the promotion, and incentivising of volunteerism
which will support the SDMAs and DDMAs. Various activities need to be formulated
to develop a mechanism to enable volunteerism at field, local administration, and
policy level.

The Disaster Management Department (DMD) of Municipal Corporation of Greater

Mumbai (MCGM) is the nodal agency for implementation of the NDMA guidelines and
the Sendai Framework for the two districts of Mumbai. Due to the dynamic and vast
nature of the jurisdiction the DMD also holds capacity to extend support in the Mumbai
Metropolitan Region (MMR) at the time of any emergency. The DMD, MCGM has
established a City Disaster Management Institute (CIDM) which is one of its kind in
Asia. As a part of Urban Risk Informed programming, UNICEF conducted a 4-day
workshop on Urban Resilience and effects of Climate Change, a module for the same
has been made. Further to this support to the MCGM, it has a been requested by
MCGM that UNICEF extends support for technical support for conducting workshops
for MCGM officers from various departments, all the training infrastructure including
accommodation of trainers will be taken care by MCGM and the subject experts will
be invited by UNICEF. UNICEF and UNDP will be jointly arranging for these resource
persons who are technically skilled and will be able to impart the trainings as per the
demands of the MCGM. The CIDM has drafted 10 training modules, these modules
will be tested and updated through the trainings which will be held in MCGM.

Page 191 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Deliverables

A. Technical support to Disaster Management Unit (DMU), Government of

Maharashtra to make Departmental Disaster Management Plans for selected
Departments.
This includes.
i. Consultation with Relief and Rehabilitation Department for
identification of departments and working group composition.
ii. Capacity building of Working group to facilitate State level
Departmental Disaster Management Plans for selected state
departments.
iii. To work with the working groups formed within the respective
departments and conduct risk analysis.
iv. Drafting the Departmental Disaster Management Plans with financial
implementation on the Department of Government.
v. Draft plan of action for professional volunteerism
vi. Establishing the link between the state level Disaster Management
Plans and the Division level plans for the Aurangabad division.
B. Training and capacity building of the District Disaster Management Officers
(DDMO)according to the requirements of the Sendai Framework of Action and
the sustainable development Goals.
i. Orientation programme of for all the Resident Deputy Collectors
ii. Four quarterly training workshops for the division level with DDMOs.
C. Preparing Action plan for establishing the state of art Early Warning System for
effective last mile connectivity
D. Series of training with various line departments within the Municipal Corporation
of Greater Mumbai at the City Institute of Disaster Management.
i. Updating the training manuals for selected MCGM departments
ii. Conducting trainings for selected officers of the selected department
offices

Major Tasks and Deliverables

Sr. Deliverables Activities Timeline Responsible
No. agency
1. 3 Departmental GR for State 31st June GoM
Disaster Level working 2019
Management Plans groups
at the state level Holding meetings 31st GoM, UNDP and
of the working December UNICEF
groups for 2019
formation drafting
the Departmental
Disaster
Management
Plan

Page 192 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

Drafting the 31st GoM, UNDP and

Disaster December UNICEF
Management 2019
Plan of the line
department and
submitting for
review of the
R&R department

2. Capacity building of 1 workshop for all 31 October GoM, UNICEF and

District Disaster RDCs 2019 UNDP
Management 4 workshops for 31 June Government of
Authorities and the all DDMOs. 2020 Maharashtra,
relevant officers UNICEF, and
UNDP
3. Plan for Last mile A work plan for 30 GoM, UNDP and
connectivity during ensuring last mile September UNICEF
emergency connectivity 2019
management during the
Emergency
situation

4. Promoting citizen Drafting a plan of 31st January UNICEF, UNDP,

volunteering action for 2020 GoM
volunteerism at
state, local and
grass root level.

5. Based on the Identifying line 30 June MCGM, CIDM,

training needs of departments in 2020 UNICEF and
the various consultation with UNDP
departments of MCGM and
MCGM impart reviewing the
trainings and existing modules.
strengthen the
existing modules at
the City Disaster
Management
Institute, Mumbai
and impart trainings
Conduct five 4 to 30 June MCGM, CIDM,
5 days of training 2020 UNICEF and
based on the UNDP
requirement of
the module

Page 193 of 193

Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan, 2023

BIBLIOGRAPHY

This ready reckoner for DDMP review is prepared by the referring and extracting
information from the below documents and references.
1. National Disaster Management Act, 2005
2. National Disaster Management Policy, NDMA 2009
3. National Disaster Management Plan, 2016
4. National Model Framework for DDMP, NDMA – 2014
5. Explanatory notes for preparation of DDMP
6. NDMA National Disaster Management Guidelines
7. Sendai Framework of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), 2015
8. Maharashtra State Disaster Management Plan 2016
9. Osmanabad District Disaster Management Plan, 2016
10. DDMP Review report 2017 prepared under the Government of Maharashtra –
UNICEF supported Pilot Project on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in
Osmanabad
11. http://www.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/hazaras_disasters_and_your_com
munity_a_primer_for_parliamentarians.pdf
12. http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/policies/v.php?id=50918
13. Local Contingency Plan for Mass Rescue Operation ..\..\CORRECTED MRO
DHQ-2_ 151700 hrs (1).docx

i XV Finance Commission Report

Page 194 of 193