First session of the National Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR).

 

BACKGROUND
Highly fragile eco-system coupled with physical, social and economic vulnerabilities grade India as one of the most multi-disaster prone countries of the world. Scenario necessitates to actively taking a holistic approach which encompasses all facets of disaster management in the country. We have made a humble beginning in strengthening the institutional mechanism, response capacities and institutionalization of financial arrangement. Moving progressively forward, we have to continue with our new commitment and endeavor towards higher levels of understanding, preparedness, measures of mitigation and response mechanisms amongst multi stakeholders to achieve consolidated action to face the challenges of Natural Hazards and Unnatural Disasters.
In this process of moving forward, Ministry of Home Affairs along with the National Disaster Management Authority and the National Institute of Disaster Management, has envisaged to organize the First session of the National Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR).
The NPDRR is considered as the national forum to bring together policy makers, disaster managers as well as academics for a thoughtful reflection, exchange the views, project the research findings along with explore windows for mutual cooperation in the field of Disaster Management and aligning with the provisions of Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) to acts as coordination mechanism for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction measures into development planning, policies and programmes covering all issues and sectors including agriculture, education, energy, environment, housing, infrastructure, science and technology etc. so as to contribute in formulation of future plan. The first National Platform is dedicated to the theme of "Mainstreaming DRR in Development: From Risk to Resilience".
In the past, National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India organized India Disaster Management Congress (IDMC) with an objective to promulgate best practices on disaster management through knowledge sharing with various stakeholders of disaster management. Dignitaries like Hon'ble Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, Hon'ble Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, and UPA Chairperson Ms. Sonia Gandhi had graced the occasion. It has been envisaged that IDMC and NPDRR be amalgamate into a single event to enhance participation, deliberate on the subject, exchange the views for taking disaster risk reduction in a coordinated manner. Therefore, all those who have been participating in IDMC earlier, are welcome to participate in the NPDRR.
OBJECTIVES OF NATIONAL PLATFORM

• To anchor the knowledge and research in the domain of specific disciplines to provide greater interaction and interface amongst various the disciplines of disaster management.
• To enlarge the perspectives of research in particular disciplines and provide a holistic framework.
• To create a pool of resources of scientists, practitioners on DRR.
• To bring together organizations and individuals of diverse disciplines and sectors and in assembling, synthesizing, managing and further disseminating knowledge on disaster management in diverse sectors.
• To provide a platform where researchers and practitioners shall meet periodically, present their research papers, debate on the issues, lessons learnt-challenges encountered, shortcomings and opportunities and discuss the areas of mutual cooperation and road maps.

PARTNERS
The National Platform is being hosted by Ministry of Home Affairs along with National Disaster Management Authority and National Institute of Disaster Management in collaboration with other national and international organizations. The Secretariat of the Platform is located at National Institute of Disaster Management.
PROGRAMME
The programme will include plenary, thematic sessions and exhibition on various aspects of disaster risk reduction.

• Plenary Sessions
  

  Plenary Sessions	Themes
  1	Economics of Natural and Un-natural Disasters - Vulnerability and Its Impacts.
  2	Governance and Public Policy - Developing and Strengthening The Institutional Mechanism.
  3	Addressing Disaster Risk - Prevention and Mitigation Efforts, Issues in Planning and Development and Evolving New Strategies
  4	Knowledge Management and Capacity Building - Taking Them Forward.
  5	Implementation issues - Views from States and Union Territories

• Thematic Sessions
  

  Cluster	Thematic Sessions
  1	Awareness Campaign - Community and Safe Schools.
  2	Mainstreaming Indigenous Knowledge in DRR.
  3	Urban Risk Reduction-Safe Cities.
  4	Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) & Long Term Recovery
  5	Mass Casualty Management - Safe Hospitals and Psycho-social Care.
  6	Risk Transfer Mechanism in Disaster Management.
  7	Application of Weather Forecasting, Early Warning, Hazard Zonation, Space Technology and other Researches
  8	Role of Media in Disaster Management.
  9	Corporate Social Responsibility and Role of NGOs in Disaster Management.
  10	Emerging Issues in Disaster Management.

INAUGURATION & VALEDICTORY SESSION

• The Hon'ble President of India and the Hon'ble Prime Minister are being requested to inaugurate the occasion and to address the Valedictory Function respectively.
• Hon'ble Home Minister, Vice Chairperson-NDMA and Ministers of State (Home) and other dignitaries are also being requested to be the Guest of Honour and would be further requested to preside over/address the session during the proceeding of events.

EXHIBITION
An exhibition of display of innovative ideas, projects, products and services in the field of disaster risk reduction shall also be organized. Organizations/institutions interested in displaying their activities/products may contact the Secretariat. 

NATIONAL PLATFORM ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION SECRETARIAT
National Institute of Disaster Management,
5-B, I. P. Estate, Ring Road,
New Delhi 110002, INDIA.
Tele-Fax: +91-11-23724308
Email: npdrr.india@gmail.com
Website: http://nidm.gov.in/npdrr