New Delhi: Shri Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology released National Disaster Management Guidelines for Information and Communications System (NDMICS) here yesterday. Shri M Shashidhar Reddy, Vice Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was also present on the occasion.

Commending the efforts of NDMA in bringing forward the guidelines, Shri Pilot said that these guidelines need to be implemented at all levels of government and these must reach the least connected people and settlements in the country in their local language. Referring to holistic and comprehensive nature of the process of disaster management, Shri Pilot emphasised that India needs to be more prepared in tackling the outcomes of both natural and man-made disasters. The Minister highlighted that the penetration of more than 900 million mobile phones and establishment of nation-wide optical fibre network, will definitely supplement the efforts of NDMA by providing last mile connectivity to even remotest parts of our country. Appreciating the efforts of NDMA in holding mock drills, he said that such exercises enhance preparedness and awareness. Mock Drills should be a part of routine and conducted in remotest parts of the country, he added.

The NDMA has prepared Guidelines on NDMICS which will provide necessary guiding principles to the Central Ministries, Departments and the State Governments for establishing much needed Disaster Management infrastructure. These Guidelines will pave the way for establishing National Disaster Management Information and Communications System at the central level which would be coupled to a dedicated fail-safe National Disaster Communication Network with a specific emphasis on last-mile connectivity.