INdia to Be future ready iN diSaSter maNagemeNt witH iot

According to a survey by the Digital India Action Group, set up by MAIT, the ICT industry in order to provide technological assistance to government agencies should target intended beneficiaries speedily and accurately through Aadhaar enablement

The National Disaster Management Act was passed in December 2005 and envisaged the setting-up of a national, state and district level multi-agency structure headed by the Prime Minister of India, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as the nodal ministry. The IoT white paper recommends a ‘Seven-Point Action Plan’ to shift from a ‘relief and recovery’ model to ‘risk and vulnerability assessment’ and address key issues and challenges related to management of natural and man-made disasters in India. In this increased- connected era, Internet of Things (IoT) plays an important role by interconnecting intelligent devices for the purpose of sharing information. It also provides early warnings through sensor based technologies, thereby creating innovative and effective systems for disaster management.

The survey also highlights the importance of real-time information management for effective preparation, planning, response and mitigation of disasters. It places emphasis on the IoT as a technology domain, which can pave the way for a radical and pioneering approach to minimize losses caused due to disasters.

Impact of Disasters: Some Salient Features

• 57% land area of India is vulnerable to earthquakes. Of these, 12% is vulnerable to severe earthquakes.