District Disaster Mitigation Plan

            During last one decade the Ganjam district has been experiencing natural calamities of various kind in regular intervals. Cyclonic storms, inundation of land by flood, severe tidal waves, continuous torrential rain coupled with thunderstorms from the Bay of Bengal etc are the common features of natural calamity striking in this district. There is constant worry at all levels i.e. starting from the general public to the administration for search of a strategy of how the situation can be managed in the most efficient and effective manner. The present document is an attempt with certain remedial measures, which may be used as the guideline for all concerned who are likely to face Natural Disasters. Every effort has been taken in this present document to highlight the calamity related issues in simple and clear way so that all the stake holders are geared up to face any crises arising out of flood, cyclone, drought etc, measures advocated in this document aims at ensuring safety of lives of people, domestic animals and safeguarding property during natural calamities.

The present form of District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) 2007-08 is prepared mainly on the basis of past practical experiences. While formulating this document instructions of Special Relief Commissioner, MD OSDMA, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), valuable suggestions of Members of the District Natural Calamity Committee who participated in the preparatory meeting held in May 2007 have been taken into consideration. The present document vividly deals with risk assessment and vulnerability analysis, identification of disaster prone areas, creation of response structures, inventory of resources, standard operating procedures, directory of institutions, key individuals, and their role in Disaster Management etc. Overall the present document is prepared not only for the use of District Administration but also for the common people. Thus the document essentially focuses on both preparedness and responses related to natural disasters in the district.

 I am hopeful that this document will act as an effective guide for all stakeholders in all situations arising before, during & after disaster in the district.                                                                                           

                                                                            (V.K. PANDIAN, IAS)

            Collector & District Magistrate,

Ganjam.

CONTENTS