Date:28/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/28/stories/2008082858720300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Better late than never

GHMC asked to prepare draft disaster management plan in a fortnight

PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

Concerned: M. Sashidhar Reddy, member, National Disaster Management Authority addressing a meeting on Wednesday. Minister for Power Mohd. Ali Shabbir and GHMC Commissioner C.V.S.K Sarma are also seen. -

HYDERABAD: Minister for Power and in-charge for city Mohd. Ali Shabbir directed GHMC Commissioner and Special Officer C.V.S.K. Sarma to prepare a draft disaster management plan in consultation with other civic departments within a fortnight.

He announced the decision following persistent demands from MPs, MLAs and MLCs on coming out with a comprehensive plan which not only takes into consideration urban flooding but also man-made disasters like industrial accidents, bomb blasts, building collapses, etc.

They gathered for a presentation on the ‘Urban flood disaster management and mitigation’ plan by Prof. Kapil Gupta, Dept. of Civil Engineering, IIT Mumbai, at the GHMC office on Wednesday, organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NMDA) Member M. Sashidhar Reddy.

“Look at the other disaster management plan models and come out with the perspective plan. We will put it before the elected representatives to take their suggestions before submitting to the government for approval,” said Mr. Shabbir Ali.

Earlier, elected representatives including Girish Sanghi (MP), Akbaruddin Owaisi (MLA), K. Nageshwar (MLC), P.V. Ranga Rao (MLC), G. Kishan Reddy (MLA) and others called for a proper disaster management plan be prepared from the scratch considering that the available civic infrastructure was woefully inadequate.

Mr. Sanghi suggested emphasis on “preventive measures” rather than contingency steps after a disaster strikes like not allowing constructions on lake beds, shore areas, low lying regions and so on. Mr. Kishan Reddy pointed out that there was no proper equipment with the municipal corporation and there was a total collapse of storm water as well as sewage system. Mr. Owaisi said Government hospitals should be better prepared to tackle emergencies especially during blasts. Revenue and planning departments should be involved in preparing a disaster plan. Earlier, Mr. Sashidhar Reddy said high intensity rain in a short period of time causing floods has become common in urban areas around the world.

Save for Mumbai, no other city had a disaster plan and it was about time the city had one, he said.