Imlisanen Jamir
If there’s anything to learn from the summer of 2017, it was how underprepared we were as a state to deal with the forces of nature, which owing to climate change on a global scale, have become increasingly violent and unpredictable.
We are only over a month away from that time of the year when the blistering heat of the summer gives way to the welcome spell of rain for many, bringing along with it a sort of wistful romanticism. This pensive thought notwithstanding, the rains also bring along with it a sense of apprehension.
In 2017, disaster struck on a continuous basis during the summer, leading to massive loss of lives, property and infrastructure on an unprecedented scale across the state.
While the disaster management agencies, along with the administrative wings of the government cannot be faulted for their efforts during this trying period, the tragic episode did expose the constraints and unpreparedness under which these agencies operate. It also showed how truly exposed the public are to these dangers.
Last week, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) convened a pre-monsoon meeting, under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
The meeting was reportedly convened by the CM to take stock of the status of infrastructure and public utilities before the onset of monsoon. According to an official press release, the meeting, besides several issues, held deliberations on the provisioning of funds to be used by the District Disaster Management Authorities, land zoning regulations, insurance schemes, flood prevention and recovery, drainage maintenance, emergency routes for disaster management personnel, assessment of current infrastructure etc.
Further outcomes of the meeting included the statewide mass social work to be conducted on April 21 to clear out blocked drains and other public utilities; and the PWD on a deadline to complete construction of a Bailey bridge over the Chathe River before the onset of monsoon. This was followed by the announcement that the NSDMA would conduct a state-wide mega mock drill on emergency preparedness on April 26.
The first impressions, on paper at least, seem to be that the government recognizes the urgent need to address pertinent factors towards making the state prepared for the present volatile environment.
It is indeed a major challenge to address the extreme consequences of climate change in their completeness; however the government needs to go beyond mere policy and exercise announcements, and make clear public disclosures on real on-the-ground efforts made. This is deemed essential because if there is one issue that truly requires the collective effort of the state and the people, it is climate related disaster management.
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