In order to plug “loopholes” in the field of disaster management in the country, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)’s Special Centre for Disaster Research (SCDR) is developing a one-stop “dashboard” that will showcase the real-time data of Government initiatives in disaster risk reduction and would also help in tracking the money disbursed to States and districts for disaster management.
A senior faculty member said huge corpus of funds to State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA) and subsequently to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is not properly utilised by the authorities in disaster mitigation and preparedness.
Corruption, lack of planning and implementation are some of the hurdles that need to be addressed. Dashboard would eventually help in ensuring proper utilisation of funds by tracking it on real-time basis.
The expert said that developing “Dashdoard” is the “brainchild” of SCDR and they are hopeful that National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) would soon partner with the SCDR for utilising the Dashboard. The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) signed a MoU with JNU on August 6, 2015 while the centre was launched in October 2017.
“The real-time data on the dashboard would help track the money disbursed to SDMA and DDMA by NDMA and its utilisation. It is often seen that there is huge misappropriation and improper utilisation of funds meant for disaster management by States and districts. Keeping real-time data would keep them on their toes and they would act in a more fair, vigilant and active manner,” said the Professor, who wished to remain anonymous.
Further, the JNU is partnering with at least four major Public Sector Units (PSUs) giants working in the field of power, petroleum, mining etc. for involving them in engaging themselves with the local communities, habitation or populace near their establishment for creating resilience and preparedness regarding disaster mitigation. “The university will act as a bridge in-between these PSUs and local communities,” said the professor.
Also, the SCDR in its attempt towards inclusive approach in disaster management will include Assistant Professors teaching at the remote colleges spread all over the nation, and would train them to open disaster centre in their colleges. The JNU has communicated to the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of several universities and even Principals of colleges for the purpose.