To strengthen the emergency response system, Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to establish State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM) in city, the second capital of the State. The Institute will come-up on 10 acre land to be provided by Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC) in MIHAN, sated the cabinet note. Also, the cabinet approved provision of Rs 187.73 crore for construction of building for the Institute. The Institute will act as training for personnel to handle in aftermath of any disaster. Additionally, it is tasked with co-ordinating and planning for modules to be set-up for handing emergencies in any part of the State. The Institute at MIHAN will be at part with National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).

 

Given the increasing natural disasters due to climate change, the SIDM will be involved in drafting response to prevent disasters, shaping response in aftermath of any disaster, anticipating threats, preparing blue print for rolling out help and thereafter rehabilitation of the affected population. A committee under chairmanship of State’s Chief Secretary is also appointed to draft rules for functioning of the SIDM. Besides construction of building, cabinet also approved creation of new posts, including recruitment of technical persons for the Institute that would be filled-up on contract basis. The decision of Maharashtra Government as to establishment of SIDM is quite important. Once the Institute starts functioning, the draft prepared by it for shaping response from Government machinery in aftermath of any disaster would form an important step in shaping response.

 

Natural disasters tend to occur without any warning and hence a definite policy, mechanism on how to utilise the resources that of manpower and finance, and most importantly post disaster response as to rescue and rehabilitation is quite important. The Institute’s task will be prepare blue print that will act as doctrine for all Government institutions in Maharashtra.

 

 

 It may be mentioned that State Government has already set-up base of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in Nagpur Rural area. Around 130 acres of land was provided to SDRF in Kamptee tehsil. Similarly, the city also houses a unit of NDRF at Civil Defence College. Now the setting-up of SIDM will further strengthen the presence of disaster response system in the city.