<P> The super cyclone in Orissa in October, 1999 and the Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat in January, 2001 underscored the need to adopt a multi-dimensional endeavour involving diverse scientific, engineering, financial and social processes; the need to adopt multi disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach and incorporation of risk reduction in the developmental plans and strategies . </P> <P> Over the past 2 years, the Government of India have brought about a paradigm shift in the approach to disaster management . The new approach proceeds from the conviction that development cannot be sustainable unless disaster mitigation is built into the development process . Another corner stone of the approach is that mitigation has to be multi-disciplinary spanning across all sectors of development . The new policy also emanates from the belief that investments in mitigation are much more cost effective than expenditure on relief and rehabilitation . </P> <P> Disaster management occupies an important place in this country's policy framework as it is the poor and the under - privileged who are worst affected on account of calamities / disasters . </P> <P> The steps being taken by the Government emanate from the approach outlined above . The approach has been translated into a National Disaster Framework (a roadmap) covering institutional mechanisms, disaster prevention strategy, early warning system, disaster mitigation, preparedness and response and human resource development . The expected inputs, areas of intervention and agencies to be involved at the National, State and district levels have been identified and listed in the roadmap . This roadmap has been shared with all the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations . Ministries and Departments of Government of India, and the State Governments / UT Administrations have been advised to develop their respective roadmaps taking the national roadmap as a broad guideline . There is, therefore, now a common strategy underpinning the action being taken by all the participating organisations / stakeholders . </P>

An article on the importance of disaster management in india