National disaster management information and communication system - Guidelines by National Disaster Management Authority (2012)

This document by National Disaster Management Authority, sheds light on the guidelines that have been prepared with a view to provide the necessary guiding principles to the central ministries/departments and the state governments for establishing a communication network to meet the requirements of dedicated disaster communication. It provides services of audio, video, and data augmented with GIS-based value added information to various stakeholders. Further it would facilitate proactive and holistic management of disasters.

The document is divided into 12 chapters, which are as follows:

Chapter 1, introduces the subject of disaster management by highlighting the prevailing global scenario as well as the scenario in India. It highlights the need for proactive and holistic approach to deal with disaster. Formation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and brief description of the four most crucial facets of natural hazards in disaster viz floods, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides with their respective profile with country and the special features of ICT required for management of these hazards are focus of the chapter.

Chapter 2, is on “Requirement of ICT network during various phases of Disaster Continuum”. It analyses the requirement of ICT network during various phases of disaster continuum, which are different for each phase of disaster management viz mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. By elaborating on these issues the document sheds light on the need for an optimal mix of communication technologies to respond to diverse requirements.

Chapter 3, is on “Existing Communication Support and Situation Analysis”. It primarily covers thebrief details of existing telecommunication infrastructure of various service providers, hazard forecasting and warning networks along with certain limitations in the existing network vis a vis the DM requirement.

Chapter 4, is on “Need for GIS-based NDMIS (National Disaster Management Information System). It spells out the rationale for the establishment of NDMIS.

Chapter 5, is on “Establishment of National Disaster Communication Network (NDCN)”. It elaborates on the characteristic features of the network that would be created by utilising the existing national, state and district level communication infrastructure the maximum possible extent.

Chapter 6, is on “Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs): Connectivity, Database &Applications Development”. It describes the EOCs at National, State and District level and the Mobile Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) for NDRF.

Chapter 7, is on “Facilities Provided at EOCs”. It deals with various provisions made at various levels of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) to facilitate efficient communication during disaster.

Chapter 8, is on “Technological Challenges for Implementation of NDCN”. It brings out the technological challenges involved in establishment of an effective, responsive and integrated National Disaster Communication Network in India.

Chapter 9, is on “Technology, Emerging Trends and R&D Requirements”. It deals with the basictelecommunication principles and describes briefly the various telecommunication Network technologies.

Chapter 10, is on “Last Mile Connectivity”. It describes in detail the communication support envisaged to be provided for establishing graded communication at the disaster site.

Chapter 11, is on “Implementation of NDCN”. The aspects of carrying out the activities of NDCN, the management of its staff and the role of other institutions involved are elaborated in this chapter.

Chapter 12, is on “Summary of Action Points”. The action points, which need to be initiatedat various levels, have been summarized in this chapter.

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