Santosh Kumar, Ph.D in Economics is currently working with National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) as Professor- Policy, Planning and Community issues since December 2003. He has been actively contributing to prepare the vision document for the Institute, National HR Plan, training modules and national strategies, framework and policy on disaster management. Number of research studies and publications can be added to his credit.

With an experience of more than 17 years now, Prof. Kumar was actively working with the World Bank as a Disaster Management Specialist in its South Asia Energy and Infrastructure Group. He was instrumental in the development of policy, framework and strategies for interventions for disaster prevention and mitigation in various states. Till date, he has worked in various profiles as Head of the Disaster Management Centres at the Institute of Public Administration, Jaipur and at U.P Academy of Administration, Nainital. His participation in the study team on Disaster Risk management Financing and Insurance at Washington D.C is one of the major contributions in this field. Prof. Kumar took charge of strategies for three major national reconstruction projects - the Gujarat earthquake, the Orissa super cyclone and the Andhra Pradesh Cyclone Emergency project - funded by the World Bank.

In conversation with the Editor of AecworldXP, Sarita Vijayan, Prof. Kumar discusses his past observations and the role that had been and will be played by NIDM in the development of the nation, in terms of awareness and infrastructure.

AEC: With the scale and number of disasters mounting, what potential does NIDM offer India and is it a part of a greater global initiative? If yes, please elaborate on the same.

 SK: The National Disaster Management Act, 2005 has mandated NIDM, for capacity building, research, documentation training and policy input to the government. Improving disaster management capacities in the country and the region will require participation from experts and non-experts alike. This ordains that individuals with actual or potential disaster management responsibilities have the requisite knowledge and expertise to perform their expected roles. The spotlight here is not just on specialists with highly developed skills but also on the general citizen who needs a certain basic awareness about disaster management related information and concepts. The High Powered Committee on disaster management in India, constituted by the Government of India, reiterates the same in its report published in 2002. The report recommended establishment of a national level institution as a center of excellence in the area of creation of knowledge and its dissemination including training and capacity building. This institution is expected to develop linkages with various other national level institutions.

The existing National Centre for Disaster Management has been designated as the National Institute for Disaster Management (NIDM) nation wide as per an order no 35/8/2003-NDM. II dated October 16, 2003 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This Institute is expected to facilitate the efforts of various agencies in addressing the key sectoral issues for disaster management at all levels. As this institute is still in its recent phase, we are in the process working out partnerships with the national and international organizations. The institute is working closely with the National Disaster Management Authority and the State Governments very closely.

AEC: With multiplicity of NGOs working on a disaster site, there are a lot of pros but also cons to the situation. As besides well wishes, some expertise is also required. We have received cases where the relief housing is more of the relief workers desire than a solution. Is there anyway to combat such situations?

SK: Yes, we were told of the about mentioned situation and accordingly initiatives have been taken in order to avoid any future inconvenience. It was realised due to the lack directions and systematic approach to the situation lead to the confusion. As of now the measure taken involve that NGOs are being coordinated with the intention of developing synergy between the governments and the NGO partners. For instances, in Tamil Nadu and Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the post Tsunami recovery, there is a NGO coordination cell working in that region in absolute coordination for the implementation of the relief programme. Government is organising elaborate training programs for the NGOs, which emphasises on the basics of reconstruction work involved post disaster situation. Similar example has also been seen in Gujarat , Orissa and Andhra Pradesh and it worked out well above our expectations.

AEC: What potential of involvement do you see for architects and designers in this situation?

SK: Designer and architects can be first informed and briefed about the vulnerability profile and trend of disasters in India and also in the South Asia region and then their capability can be capitalised in the capacity development. We say that earthquakes do not kill people but the buildings do. Here, the role of architects and planners are very critical. They can provide structural solution in the mitigation of disaster risks. This may be in the form of developing safe multi hazard resistant structures.  At NIDM, we plan and promote education, research, training and awareness in the area of disaster management including documentation and development of national and international level information systems for providing inputs in policy formulation and implementation leading to sustainable development and act as a nodal agency for government and intergovernmental organisations. Thus after providing them training, they can help in educating policy planners with the development authorities and educating clients. Also they can be a big support to the government in designing safe habitats. NIDM has recently launched a web based training programme on comprehensive Disaster management in collaboration with the World Bank Institute to provide opportunities to large section of the society to get as much as information on the subject and also get an opportunity to develop as a professional.

AEC: There are many young professionals who could see career possibilities in this sector from the AEC (architecture, engineering & construction sector). What future can you project for them?

 SK: The disaster management sector is working directly with and under the government. So the first opening could be with the National and State level governments. At both the levels, many structural mitigation projects are being planned there could be the possible openings. With the introduction of this new disaster management law, many similar career opportunities will be offered in the private sector as well. In addition to this, in the recovery projects initiated by the government, there are wide possibilities for more requirements of the people who are linked with the industries to be the part of the development activity. With the awareness spreading across the globe, we can expect that the options for the individuals who wish to pursue career in the AEC industry, are likely to be picked up even at the international level.

AEC: Please comment on any other area of importance that you see in relation to the industry via patronage, professional inputs and otherwise for disaster situations.

SK: Disaster management is a cross sectoral issue. So there are number of stakeholders for disaster risk reduction and management. Under the institutional framework for disaster management, public private partnership is one of the important ingredients. In addition to this, the role of the industries and the corporate must be seen in complete totality. The contribution of the corporate clients can be categorised under the corporate social responsibility.   But it is important to look beyond it. The disaster management policy should provide adequate space to it so that they can participate in it more proactively which ultimately be the part of development. Construction companies – infrastructure as well as housing- should start integrating disaster reduction measures, according to the guidelines specified for hazards like earthquakes, cyclones floods, Tsunami etc. The best way is to the disaster risk auditing of the projects. .  They make sure that the disaster risk is not getting added with an increase of infrastructure rather they should ensure, how it is helping in risk reduction of it and this implies for both the new and old structures.