6.DISASTER MITIGATION
6.1 Introduction
Mitigation is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. In
order for mitigation to be effective we need to take action now—before the next disaster—to
reduce human and financial consequences later (analyzing risk, reducing risk, and insuring against
risk). It is important to know that disasters can happen at any time and any place and if we are not
prepared, consequences can be fatal.
Disaster mitigation measures are those that eliminate or reduce the impacts and risks of hazards
through proactive measures taken before an emergency or disaster occurs.
One of the best known examples of investment in disaster mitigation is the Red River Floodway.
The building of the Floodway was a joint provincial/federal undertaking to protect the City of
Winnipeg and reduce the impact of flooding in the Red River Basin. It cost $60 million to build in
the 1960s. Since then, the floodway has been used over 20 times. Its use during the 1997 Red
River Flood alone saved an estimated $6 billion. The Floodway was expanded in 2006 as a joint
provincial/federal initiative.
6.1.2 All-hazards approach
An all-hazards emergency management approach looks at all potential risks and impacts, natural
and human-induced (intentional and non-intentional) to ensure that decisions made to mitigate
against one type of risk do not increase our vulnerability to other risks.
6.1.3 Types of disaster mitigation
Disaster mitigation measures may be structural (e.g. flood dikes) or non-structural (e.g. land use
zoning). Mitigation activities should incorporate the measurement and assessment of the evolving
risk environment. Activities may include the creation of comprehensive, pro-active tools that help
decide where to focus funding and efforts in risk reduction.
Other examples of mitigation measures include:
• Hazard mapping
• Adoption and enforcement of land use and zoning practices
• Implementing and enforcing building codes
• Flood plain mapping
• Reinforced tornado safe rooms
• Burying of electrical cables to prevent ice build-up
• Raising of homes in flood-prone areas
• Disaster mitigation public awareness programs
• Insurance programs
6.2.1 CONCEPTS OF DISASTER MITIGATION AND PREPAREDNESS
Disaster mitigation embraces actions taken in advance of a disaster to reduce its effects
on a community. When used in this sense, mitigation includes those actions, which are
often categorised as being preparedness measures, which means, preparedness is a
part of mitigation. However, a distinction is often made between mitigation and
preparedness whereby:
Mitigation refers to long-term risk reduction measures, which are intended to minimise
the effects of a hazard; for example, dam construction is considered an activity that
mitigates the effects of droughts. Hence, “Mitigation involves not only saving lives and
injury and reducing property losses, but also reducing the adverse consequences of
natural hazards to economic activities and social institutions.”
Preparedness is concerned with measures taken immediately before and after a hazard
event, for example, relating to evacuation plans, health and safety, search and rescue
etc. Hence the crucial issue would be logistics for which advanced preparations are
necessary. Preparedness assumes that certain groups of people or property will remain
vulnerable and that preparedness would be necessary to address the consequences of a
hazardous event’s occurrence.
This distinction between the two terms provides a useful division of actions because it
helps to highlight mitigation as a long-term process, aimed at addressing the explanatory
factors, which convert hazards to disasters. In comparison, preparedness does not aim
to correct the causes of vulnerability, which place communities at risk in the first place,
rather to tackle them through speedy and effective response; hence the emphasis on
readiness in this regard.
According to Coburn Sspence, Pomonis (1994 in the DMTP, UNDP), however, not much
should be read into the distinction. Mitigation is defined as “a collective term used to
encompass all activities undertaken in anticipation of the occurrence of a potentially
disastrous event, including long term preparedness and risk reduction measures…. It has
occasionally been defined to include post-disaster response, which makes it equivalent to
disaster management.”
Significance of Mitigation
Effective measures for mitigation involve understanding of hazards and the likely damages
in the event of a disaster. For example, in earthquakes most fatalities (almost 75 per
cent) are caused due to building collapses, hence prevention would demand earthquake
proofing of structures and retrofitting (engineering modifications) of existing ones. In
floods, most deaths reportedly occur due to drowning in turbulent currents; hence,
prevention strategy would require keeping people out of the track of potential water
flows or by preventing the flows from occurring. Mitigation saves the economy from
losses. Industry and agriculture suffer heavily from earthquakes (damaged
infrastructure) and droughts, respectively. Besides, these are interdependent sectors,
which means agro-based industries suffer if agricultural produce goes down and
industries in general, if communications, power, labour supply et al get affected
(Sharma, 1998).
Mitigation is usually not given the same level of priority as preparedness or recovery. This
is because there is a tendency on the part of both economists and politicians to
view
disasters and development in terms of “trade-offs,” with needed resources being diverted
from development towards disaster mitigation. The attitude can be expressed as, “we are
too concerned with day to day activities to worry about disaster problems that may not
occur during our lifetime.” This is reinforced when the problems with mitigation elements
are examined; when will the disaster occur? Do we know where it will be? What
percentage of resources shall we spend? Therefore mitigation of disasters is often not
perceived as important to the public or individual domain as other issues such as
economic development, social advancement, health care systems, etc., are.
Yet, disasters undermine development efforts and waste resources, which have been
allocated to different sectors. They interrupt ongoing programmes and divert resources
from their intended use and beneficiaries. Hence, “When disaster-proneness is well
known, failure to factor it into planning represents a serious mismanagement of
resources” (Alceira Kremer, Managing Natural Disasters and the Environment, World
Bank, 1991). Hence dovetailing of disaster mitigation into development planning saves
adhoc measures, which only results in less gain and much waste. Not only can mitigation
protect these other important sectors, but also, if correctly carried out, can often be
justified as being cost-effective in protecting other development gains.
Mitigation is therefore, a process justified and necessary for the protection it offers to a
society’s development as a result of avoidance of damage and losses. It requires
systematic and logical planning processes to ensure that resources allocated adequately
reduce risk, and protect development. To do so, an understanding has to be reached
with regard to what the effects of a disaster are likely to be and what level of protection
is required. From an economic standpoint it appears logical that the amount of
mitigation, which is warranted, is that amount that can be bought for less than the
expected costs of the losses.
However, it is important to note that acceptance of this principle depends on properly
identifying all the costs, direct (death, injuries, capital stock and inventories), indirect (lost
income, employment and services from lost production) and secondary (decreases in
economic growth, balance of trade deficits, etc.) and those associated with
preparedness and emergency relief. Equally important but harder to assess are the
immeasurable costs associated with the political, social and psychological effects of
traumatic events and their conversion into real losses.
Although the initiation of mitigation should be before a disaster occurs, the major
opportunity to develop and implement mitigation measures occurs as the “window of
opportunity” after a major disaster has taken place as politicians and public officials, in
light of public displeasure and the exigency of the situation are ready to allocate
resources for the task. This is usually a short-lived period before interest and attention
lessen. Therefore the opportunity should be rapidly taken up and optimised. For that,
dovetailing of disaster planning with mainstream development planning is imperative.
The Need for Systematic Planning
This establishes the significance of disaster planning. (It has been briefly referred to in Unit
5). Disaster Planning, in the words of T.N. Dhar (2002), “ is an important area of disaster
management that involves technical social, financial, organisational and administrative
arrangements that need to be made in order to be well prepared for disasters…It
involves timely execution of mitigation and prevention (as far as possible) measures. To
an extent, mitigation can be achieved through measures like soil and water
conservation, water
storages, protection structures, land use planning and regulation, introduction of
building codes, hazard zoning, risk analysis, advance zoning and relief preparation,
creation of public awareness and enlisting the participation of people. For social
preparedness, there is need for training and motivation and mobilisation of NGOs,
Voluntary Organisations and peoples’ own institutions and sensitising the media…”
Planning for mitigation involves identifying the ‘elements’ at risk, or the physical infrastructure
and people likely to suffer harm in the event of a disaster. If there were no habitations
or buildings, an earthquake would be a harmless event. Hence, coincidence/simultaneity
of a hazard in situations of vulnerability, physical and/or socio economic, result in
disasters. Identification of vulnerable elements is a research exercise, which is
undertaken as part of vulnerability analysis and risk assessment, wherein specialists from
both physical and social sciences are involved, which can be vividly, depicted on/through a
map. (Identification of elements at risk along with recommended mitigation measures
has been attempted subsequently in table 1).
Under the initiative of the Ministry of Urban Development, a Vulnerability Atlas of India
has been prepared for the period 1994-1997, in which earthquake, cyclone and flood
hazard maps for every State and Union Territory (25 states and 7 Union territories) have
been prepared on a scale of 1:2.5 million. In these maps the boundaries of the districts
are clearly shown so that the areas of the districts prone to the various intensities of the
hazards are clearly visible. Also, the vulnerability of the buildings, as per the census of
housing 1991, had been brought out in a tabular form on separate sheets for each
district. This information clearly highlights the risk to the buildings of various types in every
district when subjected to different intensities of the three hazards, particularly. On a
larger scale, state wise vulnerability atlases have also been prepared including an action
plan that the state may adopt for achieving disaster reduction. State-of-the art
technologies, such as Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System (GIS), Global
Positioning System (GPS), Computer Modeling and Expert Systems, and Electronic
Information Management Systems (collection, storage, retrieval and dissemination of
information) are being emphasised. Efforts are on consistently to modernise disaster
management control rooms in states. Database is also being prepared to keep track of
past events for retrospective preparedness analysis, specific areas for mitigation
planning, and estimation of the probability of future occurrence/repeat events (Sinha,
2002).
A High Powered Committee was set up in August 1999 by the Government of India to
prepare a disaster management plan for the country comprising national, state and
district level plans. It deliberated on thirty odd types of disasters including water and
climate related disasters; geologically related disasters, chemical, industrial and nuclear
related disasters, accident related disasters and biologically related disasters.
Significantly, the distinction between natural and man-made disasters was academic,
hence not in fact pertinent. It submitted its report in 2001. Some of the important
recommendations for disaster mitigation, as per the committee, are as follows:
⚫
Promoting and encouraging R&D through creating a network of national laboratories
that can provide support for early diagnosis of infections during/following disasters
and harness the expertise available. Networking of laboratories within the country,
with other countries on bilateral basis was recommended.
⚫
Upgrading of skills of professionals by providing state-of-the-art training and establishing a
public health laboratory training programme.
⚫
Dissemination of information to the general public and professionals was deemed
necessary and desirable.
⚫
Availability of safe drinking water was especially emphasised to control the situation in
the aftermath of a disaster. Enforcement of preventive measures to ensure
unadulterated and hygienic food was stressed. Establishment of a Control Room in
National Institute of Communicable Diseases for information collation in related
aspects was stressed.
⚫
For effective surveillance and rapid response activities, establishment of a national
high-level inter-sectoral committee, quick response medical teams, efficient functioning of
surveillance machinery, developing more effective international surveillance networks were
stressed.
6.2.2 MITIGATION STRATEGIES WITH REFERENCE TOSPECIFIC
DISASTERS
The increasing emphasis is being given to disaster mitigation to reduce the destructive and
disruptive effects of a hazard is malting several countries integrate these with the developmental
policies and programmes. While we have discussed the structural and non-structural mitigation
strategies, these vary with the type of disaster about which we shall be discussing now:
Cyclones
Cyclones, which generally affect the coastal areas have an effect on weak houses, light weight
structures, telecommunication infrastructure, etc. The mitigation strategies include:
•
Suitable engineered structures
•
Incorporating building codes
•
Better architectural design of buildings
•
Cyclone shelters.
Drought
Drought severely affects the livelihoods of people, as it has impact on land, livestock and physical
infrastructure. In extreme cases, it leads to migration of people to other areas. The drought mitigation
strategies as such include:
•
Water preservation
•
Watershed management
•
Alternate cropping and farming patterns
•
Reducing deforestation and fire wood cutting
•
Tackling soil erosion through check dams, leveling, planting, etc.
•
Promoting alternative livelihood practices
•
Repair and upkeep of existing water storage facilities
•
Cultivation, storage and distribution of fodder
•
Promoting rainwater harvesting, groundwater re-charge.
Floods
Floods cause inundation which is destructive and injurious. The following mitigation measures can
help in reducing the losses by floods:
•
Land-use planning and control .
•
Construction of dams, dykes, embankments, dukes, reservoirs
•
Diversion of flood water through a bypass
•
Prevention of construction in riverbeds and other waterways
•
Maintenance of drains and canals to ensure free flow of water.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes, as you all are aware, cause extensive damage to human lives, livestock and property. Its
intensity can be reduced through making provision for:
•
Seismic building codes
•
Retrofitting of existing buildings
•
Seismic zonation
•
Appropriate location planning and land-use regulations.
The mitigation strategies need to be not only structural but non-structural, involving people at various
levels. Training, education and incentives are to be built into this process. Also we need to make use of
certain traditional practices to mitigate the disaster effects. For example, in Rajasthan, earthen check
dams are being built. In Gujarat, step wells are in use Rainwater harvesting is also becoming popular.
Development programmes should aim at decreasing vulnerability by rejuvenating lifeline services.
Conservation and management of nature should become the top most priority of every development
programme. A precautionary and proactive approach to disasters need to be cultivated. Economic
goals have to be clubbed with the environmental goals. Sensitivity to environmental conservation
needs to be built so that a combination of humanism and scientific innovation finds its due place. The
objective should be to let the traditional and modern approaches coverage, in order to form a
humanistic paradigm of development(Dhameja, 2001).
6.3 EMERGING TRENDS
Disaster Mitigation, as we have already discussed in the earlier units refers to policies/
measures, taken from the short and long-term perspectives to prevent disasters or reduce
disaster impact through preparedness for speedy and efficient response. Ecological
management, planning, environmental impact assessment(EIA), and building disaster
resilient communities are the basics/components of disaster mitigation strategies. Disasters, are
both natural and man-made. However, even natural disasters have man-made causes, as
incessant destruction of
ecology and the environment in the name of development has
caused imbalances in nature. These disasters can be mitigated to a great extent provided
development is tempered with the concern for the ecology and the environment. Man-made
disasters can be controlled by dovetailing disaster mitigation measures/policies with
development planning.
Some of the emerging trends currently emphasised in disaster mitigation are:
•
Fostering a culture of prevention by creating awareness among people regarding
disaster prevention requirements such as water harvesting; earthquake-proof buildings,
incorporating conditionalities for the same in housing loans, insurance schemes.
•
Providing a long-term development perspective to vulnerability reduction matters like
managing risks in shanty settlements, controlling migration etc., to treat the causes of
problems over the long run rather than simply tackling the symptoms in the short run.
•
Committing resources to structural mitigation measures like earthquake and flood
proofing of buildings, especially critical facilities, such as hospitals, communication
infrastructure, government offices etc.
•
Tackling impending urban crises as an urgent measure to create resilient cities.
According to Gordon Mcbean(2005), greater resilience of cities can be ensured
through investments in technical, organisational, social and economic sectors. Technical or
structural investments can be achieved through robustness, redundancy and
adaptation of critical infrastructure. Robustness is incorporated in systems and
structures trough stricter standards and regulations regarding building codes, land-use
planning in risk-prone areas and unrelenting enforcement of the same. Redundancy,
(though used in a derogatory sense) implies conventional back up facilities/systems to
reduce vulnerability to stresses. Adaptations are necessary to change over to newer,
and safer techniques, as they are developed. Organisational innovations are necessary to
impart flexibility to administrative processes and reduce the reaction time to
emergencies. Social investments imply public education programmes targeting vulnerable
groups, such as children to stimulate public interest; economic investments are needed to
impart resilience to business in order to minimise economic losses from disasters.
•
Developing a disaster management perspective in development programmes in general
with regard to rural and urban development separately/concertedly, where/as
required. For example, risk management for shanty settlements has to address
the wider problem of rural to urban migration. This leads us to the concept of
sustainable development.
6.4 MITIGATION MEASURES
Once decisions have been made concerning priorities the resources to be allocated to mitigation
measures to protect vulnerable populations and infrastructure can be identified. Depending on their
purpose mitigation measures can be categorised as being either “structural” or “non-structural” in
nature
Non-Structural Mitigation
Non-structural mitigation measures relate to those activities and decision-making systems,
which provide the context within which disaster management and planning operates and is
organised. They include measures such as:
• Training and education
• Public education
• Evacuation planning
• Institution building
• Warning systems
Structural Mitigation
However, efficient non-structural mitigation measures may be, they need to be complemented
by structural measures for risk reduction to both engineered and non-engineered structures.
These include, constructing or retrofitting buildings and infrastructure to suitable safety
levels, using suitable materials and the incorporation of proper workmanship under correct
supervision. Non-engineered structures are those built by their owners or by builders
lacking formal training.
A typical structural measure is an earthquake resistant building whilst a typical non- structural
element is a seismic building code, training and education, building safety codes, physical measures, land
use planning, public awareness programmes, etc
Both structural and non-structural mitigation measures may be termed either “Passive” or
“Active”. “Active” measures are those, which rely on providing incentives for disaster
reduction. They are often more effective than “Passive” measures based in restrictive laws
and controls. For example, while codes and land use planning may provide a legal context for
mitigation these tend to be ineffective unless rigorously enforced. Instead, measures which
provide incentives such as government grants or subsidies, a lessening of insurance
premiums for safer construction, provision of technical advice provides a framework for
more sustainable mitigation
Examples of Mitigation Measures
Mitigation involves implementing long-term risk reduction measures. Measures range from
large-scale flood protection measures (for example, Bangladesh, China) to income generation
programmes, diversifying livelihoods, grain stores, etc., to tackle socio-economic vulnerabilities. For
the purpose of illustration, some simple examples of mitigation measures are as follows:
⚫
Strengthening buildings to render them more resistant against cyclones, floods or
earthquakes.
⚫
The incorporation of hazard resistance in structures or procedures to be followed in
new development projects.
⚫
Planning certain kinds or varieties of crops that are less affected by specific kinds of
disasters.
⚫
Changing crop cycles so that crops mature and are harvested before the onset of the
flood or cyclone season.
⚫
The adoption of land-use planning and controls to restrict activities in high-risk areas.
⚫
Economic diversification to allow losses in one sector to be offset by increased output in
other sectors
These approaches can be categorised as development projects, but can serve more than one
developmental aim if planned accordingly. Other intervention areas, which address disaster mitigation
include
⚫
Policy concerning land regulation, low income housing schemes, environmental
regulations, national food/grain security policies, etc.
⚫
Training involving policy makers, NGO staff, etc.
⚫
Identification of vulnerable groups.
⚫
Public awareness amongst community members, civic groups retailers, etc.
⚫
Information systems for monitoring, documentation, dissemination et al.
⚫
Education in disciplines in construction, architecture, urban planning, agriculture, etc.
⚫
Integrate local disaster management plan with technical and planning principles.
6.4.2 DISASTER MITIGATION APPROACHES
Mitigation, as we have discussed in the previous Unit, mainly focuses on
minimising the destruction and disruption by a hazard and offers long term
cost-effective methods of dealing with or managing natural disasters.
According to Carter(1991), there are two approaches to mitigation:
1. Structural Approach
2. Non Structural Approach
In fact, non-structural measures complemented by structural measures are the effective means towards
disaster mitigation
Structural Approach:
Structural approach for mitigation may refer to both:
a.) Engineered structures and
b.) Non engineered structures
Engineered structures involve architects and engineers during the planning, designing and construction
of structures, including buildings, dams, ernbanltments, roads, bridges etc. Many countries have rules
and laws providing codes for engineered construction. These codes provide guidelines for appropriate
design and construction techniques in disaster prone areas for specific disasters such as earthquakes
and cyclones. Such structures can be constructed after collecting data for hazard vulnerability and
related meteorological parameters (wind velocity, direction, rainfall, its duration etc.). Structural measures
include construction of cyclone shelters, coastal embanlcments that help protect coastal land from
inundation by tidal waves and storm surges, water harvesting facilities etc,.
Non-engineered structures are generally constructed by people with the help of local artisans like
masons, carpenters, etc., using locally available raw material. These structures can be made safer, if
people are trained and given improved designs. These structures are normally of low-cost but have
less strength/resistance for a disaster.
Non-structural Approach:
Non-structural approach encompasses those measures that attempt to bring about coordination of
efforts between all organisations and persons during all phases of disastermanagement, training and
public awareness, legislation, policy making, preparing of action plans etc.,Such approach to mitigation
consists of positive actions through legislation,incentives,educating people,creating community
awareness etc.Some of the non structural mitigation measures are
6.5
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA INITIATIVES
The Yokohama Strategy that emerged from the International Decade for Natural DisasterReduction
brought out the need for an emphatic shift in the strategy for disaster mitigation.It emphasised that
disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness are better than disasterresponse in achieving the goal of
vulnerability reduction. Accordingly, the Tenth Five YearPlan (2002-2007) made a case for integrating
mitigation into the developmental processto bring about sustainable development. Each state is
expected to prepare a disastermitigation plan scheme in accordance with the approach outlined in the
plan. As discussedearlier, the Twelfth Finance Commission has been given a memorandum by the
central government for creation of a disaster mitigation fund that will assist the states in taking
mitigation measures such as retrofitting of lifeline buildings, coastal shelter tree plantationetc.
The Government of lndia has also issued guidelines indicating that priority will be given to projects
addressing mitigation. We shall now discuss in brief the initiatives of Government of lndia in the area
of disaster mitigation. These shall be categorised into structural and non-structural strategies.
Structural Strategies:
a.)
MITIGATION
Flood mitigation measures have been in place since 1950s, in the form of embankments,
dams and barrages etc. In order to respond effectively to floods, the Ministry of Home
Affairs has initiated measures such as drawing up mitigation plans at the state, district
block, village levels, training of elected representatives and officials in flood management. etc.
b.) EARTHQUAKE RISK MITIGATION
A comprehensive programme for earthquake risk mitigation is being taken up This includes
incorporation of Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) codes in building regulations, town and country
planning Acts etc. Especially states in earthquake- prone zones have been requested to
incorporate BIS Seismic Codes for construction in the concerned zones. An Expert Committee
appointed by the National Core Group for Earthquake Risk Mitigation, has submitted its report
covering appropriate amendments to the existing Town and Country Planning Acts, Land-use Zoning
Regulation, Development Control Regulations and Building Byelaws. The Model Building Byelaws
also cover the aspect of ensuring technical implementation of the safety aspects in all new
constructions and upgrading the strength of existing structurally vulnerable constructions,
c.) CONSTITUTION OF HAZARD CELLS IN STATES
The states have been advised to constitute Hazard Safety Cells (HSC) headed by ChiefEngineer, State
Public Works Department with necessary engineering staff so as to establish mechanism for proper
implementation of the building codes in all futures government constructions and to ensure safety of
buildings and structures from various hazards.
d.) RETROFITTING OF LIFELINE BUILDINGS
The Ministries of Civil Aviation, Railways, Telecommunications, Power, Health and Family Welfare have
been advised to take appropriate action for detailed evaluation of retrofitting of lifeline buildings
located in seismically vulnerable zones to comply with BIS norms.
e.) MAINSTREAMING MITIGATION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES
Rural housing and community assets for vulnerable sections of the population are
created on a fairly large scale by the Ministry of Rural Development under the indira
awaas Yojana(IAY), Sampoora Grameena Rojgar Yojana(SGRY), This includes construction
of compact housing units, community assets such as community centres, recreation centres,
anganwadi centres etc. Efforts are being made to ensure that buildings constructed under
this scheme are disaster-resistant.
f.) NATIONAL CYCLONE MITIGATION PROJECT
This project drawn up in consultation with the cyclone-prone states envisages construction of cyclone
shelters, coastal shelter belt plantation, strengthening of warning systems etc.
g.) LANDSIDE HAZARD MITIGATION
A National Group has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Border
Management, with the collaboration of Department of Science and Technology, Road
Transport and Highways, Geological Survey of India, National Remote Sensing Agency, to
examine several aspects of landslide mitigation, including landslide hazard zonation, early
warning system etc.
Non-structural Strategies
a)
Human Resource Development
Human resource development at all levels is critical for institutionnalising disaster mitigation
strategy. The National Centre for Disaster Management(NCDM) at the national level has been
upgraded and designated as the National Institute of Disaster Management(NIDM) This is
entrusted with the task of developing training modules at different levels, undertaking
training of trainers, organizing training programmes, developing national level information base on
disaster management policies, prevention mechanism, mitigation measures etc. Disaster management
has been incorporated in the training curricula of All India Services with effect from 20042005. There is a separate faculty in the area of Disaster . management in 29 State level
training institutes.
b.) Capacity Building of Engineers and Architects in Earthquake Risk Mitigation
This activity is being initiated under two national programmes for Capacity Building for
Earthquake Risk mitigation Around 10,000 engineers and 10,000 architects in the states , will be
imparted training in seismically safe building designs and related techno-legal requirements.
Seven National Resource Institutions have been designated as National Resource Institutions
for imparting training to faculty of select State Engineering and Architecture colleges, and
also put in place a framework for mandatory registration and compulsory competency
assessment of the practicing architects.
Training of Rural Masons
A programme to assist the state/union territories in training and certification of rural masons has
been formulated in consultation with Housing and urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) and
the Ministry of Rural Development. Efforts are on to introduce the curriculum in vocational training
programme of Ministry of HumanResource Development.
Information,
and Communication (IEC)
The ministry of Home Affairs has compiled a set of resource materials developed by
various organisations covering several aspects such as construction toolkit, IEC tool kit, model
byelaws, training modules etc. The material and strategies used by various states and
international organisations have been incorporated. This voluminous material is being
translated into local languages