Institutional framework for preparedness and response of disaster management institutions from national to local level in India with focus on Delhi

Delhi has experienced six major floods in the past with the most recent one being in June 2013. Flood related risks are compounded by increasing vulnerability due to rapid urbanisation and growing population. This increase is an indication of the need for enhancing the preparedness and response of institutions dealing with floods. The study is based on personal interviews and discussions with officials engaged in managing disasters from national to local level. Study attempts to identify the key issues and challenges faced by institutions engaged in disaster management in Delhi in order to reduce the potential impact from future disasters. Results reflect that a number of factors such as awareness and perception, financial resources, technical resources, policy, institutional arrangements, leadership and human resources prevent effective and timely institutional preparedness and response to disasters. Wide variations exist in awareness and perception of disasters among the officials engaged in managing disasters from national to local level. Thus, local institutions and the community being at the forefront, need to develop direct linkages with institutions at different levels by following a participatory approach for preparedness.