Disaster Management
Rajasthan is most disaster sensitive State of India. Because of large geographical area and varied climatic conditions, people of the State have faced several such tragedies which have got transformed into disasters. The State is known for human sufferings and adverse effect on hundreds of thousands of people.
During the past 20 years or so, earthquakes, floods, cyclones, drought and other events have claimed lives of about 3 million humans and rendered almost 10 million people injured, shelterless and sick. Disasters have damaged human labour and capital and raised the demand of rehabilitation.
The average rainfall in Rajasthan is 500 mm, which is very less as compared to other States of the country. In the operational area rainfall is even low at 150 mm. The rainy days in eastern part average 34 and in western part they average just 17 in a year. Cattle outnumber humans and because of overgrazing already thin vegetation cover is further shrinking.
People in Rajasthan are mainly dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood. Both these activities in turn are dependent on monsoon and its variation. Irrigation facilities in the State cover less than one-fourth of agriculture land. The summer crop mainly depends on rain and land resource is the principal asset of the State.
Barmer, Jaisalmer and Jalore districts of Western Rajasthan are largest districts as far as area is concerned. People are almost entirely dependent on agriculture and allied activities. When it does not rain, agriculture and allied means of livelihood are adversely affected, forcing vast rural population to migrate. Cattle heads in large numbers perish or move to other places where fodder and water are available. Famine like conditions prevail in seven out of 10 years.
The organisation feels that the main issue of work in the area is disaster management. Famine is the main disaster, but other disasters are not uncommon. In view of this the following interventions are underway:
- Training on role of community organisations on disaster management
- Formation and meetings of Famine Struggle Committees
- Awareness generation on disaster management
- Environment awareness activities