New Delhi, Oct 22 The Union Cabinet today approved the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM). Which will provide the framework/roadmap for handling disasters in a holistic manner.

The National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) has been prepared in tune with and in pursuance of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 with a vision to build a safe and disaster resilient India by developing a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster oriented and technology driven strategy through a culture of prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response.

The Policy covers all aspects of disaster management covering institutional, legal and financial arrangements; disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness, techno-legal regime; response, relief and rehabilitation; reconstruction and recovery; capacity development; knowledge management and research and development.

It focuses on the areas where action is needed and the institutional mechanism through which such action can be channelized.

The NPDM addresses the concerns of all the sections of the society including differently abled persons, women, children and other disadvantaged groups. I

n terms of grant of relief and formulating measures for rehabilitation of the affected persons due to disasters, the issue of equity/inclusiveness has been accorded due consideration.

The NPDM aims to bring in transparency and accountability in all aspects of disaster management through involvement of community, community based organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), local bodies and civil society.

The enunciation of this Policy represents merely the first step in the new journey. It is an instrument that hopes to build the overarching framework within which specific actions need to be taken by various stakeholders at all levels. (ANI)