While Amphan hits eastern cost of India another cyclone is emerging in western oceans. It is cyclone named Nisarga. Cyclones in eastern coast of India were common. But on west it’s rare. That’s why Mumbai faces its biggest cyclone in last 129 years.
While Amphan hits eastern cost of India another cyclone is emerging in western oceans. It is cyclone named Nisarga. Cyclones in eastern coast of India were common. But on west it’s rare. That’s why Mumbai faces its biggest cyclone in last 129 years.
Maharashtra with about 80k cases of corona virus is going to overtake China soon. It is one of the first Indian hotspots. However, the cyclone created another issue for the government and people. It’s the law of nature which is not predictable.
The cyclone gets its name from the list released by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in April 2020.
In 2000, a group of tropical countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Thailand etc. start naming cyclones of this region. Every year World Meteorological Organization/ Economic Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Panel on Tropical Cyclone (PTC) create a list.
The name ‘Nisarga’ was suggested by Bangladesh.
The state is badly hit by corona that’s why this cyclone is much bigger for Maharashtra’s people.
The regional Specialized Meteorological Centers (RSMC) has the responsibility to disseminate information about warning of cyclone, and advisory.
In Mumbai all beaches were closed for public. 10,000 people were evacuated including 150 corona patients. Also 109 fishermen were saved from 18 boats. Government advice people to prepare emergency kits keep important documents in water proof bags and stay home.
Even with such precautions when cyclone hit with 100km/h speed of wind, many people died and injured. Images showed that strong winds roof off buildings.
In India Disaster Management Act, 2005 is applicable on both natural and manmade disasters.
As per this Act many organization and committee were formed to regulate all work relating to disaster.
Institutional Framework under this Act-
It is the apex body headed by the prime minister. It lays down policy, plan and guidelines.
This committee coordinates with others. Prepare National plan for disaster management.
It acts as a planning committee. It works for implementation, prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response.
Authorities like Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), Municipal, district and Cantonment Board and Town planning committee are part of it.
It ensures training, rescue, documentation and development of national level information base.
It contains highly skilled man who works for rescue. They practices throughout the year for this.
It placed at disposal of NDRF for enhancing emergency responsibilities for assisting the state government deserving disaster.
This committee manages all aspects relating to management of natural calamities.
It provides assistance to affected states based on recommendations of IMG.
As per the Act central government can take any action which seems necessary at the time of disaster.
The nodal ministers and department of GoI will work as per the guidelines of central or state government.
It deals with major crises which have serious National ramifications.
The Act mandates State government an inter alia to take measures for preparations of Disaster management.
It works on guidelines laid down by NDMA & SDMA
Some other organizations also work during disaster management like Armed forces, central paramilitary forces (CPMF), State police service and fire service, civil defense, home guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) etc.
It is all due to these bodies and institutional framework of Disaster Management Act that we are able to fight such disasters. We have laws that make us strong in such danger times. To save the life of people is the duty of State. For this such committee and Acts were made.
However, in the law of land and nature, the law of nature prevails. And it cannot be denied that we exist in nature and it is our duty to abide by its rules. Humanity has pushed Nature’s buttons for far too long and it is important that we show some respect to it. But this does not negate the fact that these consequent disasters are putting a toll on human life and living.
I hope this piece reached the law fraternity and has shared some light on how these disasters are touching boundaries of our legal world.
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