JAMSETJI TATA CENTRE FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

JAMSETJI TATA CENTREFOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCESA DEEMED UNIVERSITY

The logo for the Jamsetji Tata Center for Disaster Management symbolises knowledge and learning giving rise to new tomorrows. The Centre’s work is geared towards human security, vulnerability reduction, strengthening disaster response and preparedness through knowledge resources.

Annual Report May 2009 – April 2010

Jamsetji Tata Centre for Disaster ManagementTata Institute of Social SciencesMalati and Jal A. D. Naoroji (New) Campus Sion-Trombay Raod, P.O. Box 8318 Deonar, Mumbai - 400 088, India Tel. : +91-22-2552 5883 Fax : +91-22-2548 2048 Email : [email protected]

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India Printing Works India Priniting House, 42, G. D. Ambekar Marg Wadala, Mumbai - 400 031 Phone : 022-666 4969 Email : [email protected]

C O N T E N T S

I. Introduction 1. About the Centre .............................................................................................. 1 2. Summary of Achievements 2009-2010................................................................ 2

II. Teaching Programmes and Students 1. Masters’ in Disaster Management, Prizes and Placements ..................................... 3

2. Diploma in Disaster Preparedness and Response .................................................. 5 3. Ph.D Scholars ................................................................................................. 6

III. Research 1. Completed ..................................................................................................... 7

2. Ongoing Research ............................................................................................ 7 3. Areas of Student Research ................................................................................. 7

IV. Publications 1. Working Paper Series ...................................................................................... 9

2. Contribution to Books/Journals .......................................................................... 9 3. Other Reports ................................................................................................ 10

V. Disaster Response and Extension 1. Cyclone Aila in West Bengal, 2009 .................................................................. 11

2. Flood in Karnataka and in Andhra Pradesh, 2009 .............................................. 12 3. Post-tsunami Intervention in Andaman and Nicobar Islands ................................. 13 4. Project on Food Security .................................................................................. 14 5. Field Internships ............................................................................................ 16 6. Public Lectures ................................................................................................ 18 7. National Conference (GeoDM 2010) ............................................................... 20 8. Workshops and Training Programmes Organized ..............................................22 9. Faculty Development and Progression .................................................................27

VI. Specialist Contributions 1. Papers Presented at Conferences, Seminars etc. ...................................................29

2. Lectures and Specialist Inputs ............................................................................29

VI. International Visibility and Linkages 1. Faculty members, students, trainees ....................................................................32

2. International Roundtable Conference ..................................................................32

IX. Organisation and Management 1. List of Members, JTCDM Advisory Committee ......................................................33

2. JTCDM Faculty Members .................................................................................34 3. TISS Faculty Members with Secondary Affiliation to JTCDM ...................................34 4. Support Staff ..................................................................................................34 5. Programme Staff at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands ..................................34 6. Consultants, Visiting Faculty, Research and Programme Staff .................................35

X. Membership of Committee/Bodies 1. Within the Institute ...........................................................................................36

2. Outside the Institute ........................................................................................36

XI. Future Plans ................................................................................................................... 38

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ANNUAL REPORT 2009-2010

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INTRODUCTION

1. About the Centre The Jamsetji Tata Centre for Disaster Management consolidates over sixty years of

TISS’s work in disasters, and is established with a vision of enhancing disaster studies in India. It endeavors to work towards a holistic, accountable and participatory system of disaster response and mitigation. The Centre was inaugurated by honourable Prime Minister, Dr.Manmohan Singh on the 6th of May, 2006. The following year a Masters’ programme in Disaster Management was introduced and the Centre has intervened at the policy level, either to assist the government in its efforts and also as part of its independent research agenda. In April 2010, the Centre completes four years of its inception.

During this four-year period the Centre organised nearly 70 conferences, seminars, workshops, public lectures and consultations. Faculty members have presented and published about 130 articles, reports and papers. The year 2010 commenced with considerable momentum in terms of teaching, training, research and outreach. The Centre organized several conferences and workshops to discuss a range of issues in disasters including public health, logistics and the application of geographical information systems. The Centre continues to publish the working paper series and four more papers have been published. A new diploma in disaster preparedness and response has been introduced and new research projects were initiated while the existing ones have either been completed or expanded. A calendar of training programmes was also started during this year.

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JAMSETJI TATA CENTRE FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The students are engaged at both, the theoretical and empirical levels to develop an understanding of hazards, vulnerabilities and risks along with community-based strategies in all phases of disaster management. The courses and the concentrations offered in the Masters’ programme focus on building inter-linkages between disaster management and environment, technology, public health, media, governance, conflict, law, public policy and application of GIS-based tools. The newly developed GIS laboratory has proved to be an asset for the Centre helping in teaching, research and field action projects. Two new concentrations were offered in 2009-10, i.e. Public Health in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Logistics, taking the number of concentrations offered to the Masters’ students to five. Both these new concentrations received a very positive response from students.

2. Summary of Achievements: 2009-2010Graduation of the Second batch of Masters’ students in Disaster Management•

Increase in student intake from 15 in 2007 to 36 in 2010.•

Introduction of two new concentrations of 4 courses each: Logistics and Public • Health

Overseas Internships for Masters’ students•

EDUSAT Programme launched (with IIRS, ISRO, UGC)•

Introduction of an annual calendar of trainings in disaster related areas•

Response to Cyclone Aila in West Bengal and floods in Andhra Pradesh•

Expansion of Research Agenda and Publications•


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TEACHING PROGRAMMES AND STUDENTS

1. Masters’ in Disaster Management, Prizes and Placements The Centre continues to offer MA/MSc in Disaster Management with 25 Students in

2008-10 and 31 students in 2009-2011. The Masters’ students come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds such as life sciences, chemical engineering, journalism, medical-technology, business studies, architecture, psychology, geology and rural development. They include both fresh graduates and those with extensive work experience. Two international students from Ireland and Afghanistan joined the degree programme in 2009. There were four international exchange students from Austria, Germany and Mexico who spent a semester with the Centre. Involvement of international students was useful and added an intercultural perspective to the classroom teaching. The admission process for the fourth batch, that is 2010-12, commenced in August 2009 and about 600 students appeared for the written test, of which 224 were called for admission interviews and 38 students were selected. The overall feedback on the Masters’ course from students and agencies has been very positive and the steady rise in the number of applicants from 180 in 2007 to about 600 in 2010 is a good indication of its popularity.

Students Enrolled for M.Sc./M.A. in Disaster Management (2009-2011)

Sr. No. Name Of Students Sr. No. Name Of Students1 Ms. Aahna Srikanth 2 Ms. Aditi Madan

3 Mr. Aditya K. 4 Ms. Akanksha Pandey

5 Mr. Amit Prakash 6 Mr. Anil Kumar

7 Mr. Animesh Prakash 8 Mr. Ankit Jaiswal

9 Ms. Anubhuti Sharma 10 Mr. Dalthanglien Gangte

11 Mr. Deepak Yadav 12 Ms. Deepshikha Purwar

13 Ms. Dipty Nisha 14 Ms. Karishma Abhiman Makeswar

15 Ms. Ketaki Hate 16 Mr. Krantideep Gangaram Kamble

17 Ms. Lynette Phillips 18 Ms. Nipun Goyal

19 Mr. Nishant Buragohain 20 Mr. Paul George

21 Dr. Rakeshkumar Kusan Nagose 22 Mr. Saswata Sanyal

23 Ms. Shivani Gupta 24 Ms. Snehil Rathore

25 Ms. Soma Sinha 26 Ms. Suchismita Swain

27 Ms. Suguna Nair 28 Mr. Vikramjit Lama

29 Mr. Vishal Vasvani 30 Ms. Nasrin Faqiry (Afghanistan)

31 Mr. Ralph Connery (Ireland)

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The three students from Management Centre Innsbruck, Austria who joined the II Semester of the Masters’ course are: Ms. Isabella Willvonsder, Germany, Ms. Lucia Fuentes, Mexico, Ms. Maria Speckbacher, Austria.

Enhancing the Masters’ Curriculum in Disaster ManagementInitially the Centre was able to offer only two specializations. Later the concentration

on GIS was added. This year two additional specializations or concentrations (of four courses each) were offered in the Masters’ programme – Public Health and Disaster Logistics. Towards this, considerable effort was put in. Dr. Jacquleen Joseph was supported by the Centre to successfully complete a course on Public Health in Disasters, organized by the Asia Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bangkok. Similarly, Prof. Andharia interacted with CII Institute of Logistics, Chennai, with Drive India Solutions Enterprise Ltd. Mumbai and several specialists from the field of supply chain management. They contributed to the curriculum directly or indirectly. Prof. Andharia has put together a collection of over 100 journal articles on humanitarian logistics which are copied on to a CD and shared with students and logisticians so as to collectively work towards enhancing the field of humanitarian logistics in India. This extensive work has culminated in developing a new field of study and practice in India. An international roundtable on the theme of humanitarian logistics was conceived as an outcome of this effort.

With these two concentrations being offered, the Centre has fulfilled its commitment of offering five concentrations or specializations – 1) Governance 2) GIS 3) Conflict 4) Public Health 5) Disaster Logistics. There has been considerable demand from students for courses on ecology and climate change and the Centre would consider developing a full concentration on this theme.

In the 2008-10 batches, 15 students were actively engaged in research dissertation. They attended a conference on “Housing: Disaster Mitigation and Rehabilitation” organised by IIT, Rourkee. They also underwent a six week internship in various agencies working in disaster management. The first year Masters’ students had an interesting group lab workshop of three days arranged at Yussuf Meherally Centre, Tara. They also completed their four week internships in various agencies and are in the process of conceptualising research projects. Various organisations where second year students were placed for internships have offered them employment.

Students of 2009-2011 Batch


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Student Academic Prizes and AwardsOn the 70th convocation of the Institute, JTCDM students of the 2008-2010 batch

received academic prizes and shields for their performance. The Institute Gold Medal for the Best Student in Disaster Management was awarded to Ms.Yavnika Tanwar, while the Institute Silver Medal for the student ranked second was given to Mr. Shreedutt Kamat. While Ms. Riddhi Shah, Ms.Roshni Pramanik and Dr. Sheila Long Kumer were awarded the Certificate of Merit for the Best 2nd Year Internship, Ms.Yavnika Tanwar won the Prize and Shield for the Best Research Project.

Student Placements The country passed a Disaster Management Act at the National level in 2005

which mandates all the states to set up a State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA’s). In several states (Rajasthan, Delhi, Kerala, etc) alumni of the Centre have been appointed in key positions within the SDMA through a competitive process of selection. Gujarat (GSDMA) comes for campus interviews and actively seeks students from the Centre in various positions as it has seen their contributions during the 4 to 8 week internship period.

A Student Placement Cell was set up for the first time, in the year 2009 by the students of the second batch. The Placement Committee comprises student representatives and is facilitated by the Chairperson of the Centre. GOs, NGOs and other organisations were invited to deliver pre-placement talks, after which student resumes were circulated. Short-listed candidates were called for interviews. Students were selected through the Student Placement Cell this year, by - Knowledge Links, Delhi, Care India, Kolkata and Bank of India, Mumbai. The first two recruited one each and the State Bank of India recruited four students.

In addition the graduating students have secured employment opportunities at Grameen Development Services, UP, RedR, Pune and UNDP, Kolkata. Two students have secured admission abroad to pursue their doctoral studies with the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Students who graduated in 2009 are working with Kudumba Shree - Kerala, Svaraj, Doddaballapur, Knowledge links Pvt. Ltd., Ghazibad, Sahbhagi Sikshan Kendra, Lucknow, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), New Delhi, Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration, Association of Bengal Collaborators for Development, Government of Maharashtra, with the JTCDM and on projects with TISS.

Mr. Ralph Connery joined the Masters’ program in Disaster Management in 2009 and is choosing to exit with a Diploma. He has been hired by Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), World Bank to work on their South Cooperation Program.

2. Diploma in Disaster Preparedness and ResponseThe diploma programme in Disaster Preparedness and Response was offered for

the first time this academic year. It aims at providing a basic understanding of the various components of disaster management. This one-year full time diploma programme is divided into 2 semesters, involving both theory and research based courses as well

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as field practicum and skill workshops. The students engage at both, the theoretical and empirical levels, and begin to appreciate the importance of incorporating community-based strategies in mitigation, relief, rehabilitation and recovery. Moreover, the programme enables students to work at a level of complexity and equips them to become practitioners. The curriculum covers a basic understanding of disasters and the importance of the need for disaster management. It also introduces students to the various components of the disaster management cycle and the interface between technological innovation and disaster risk reduction; and enables students to understand two major themes underlying disaster management. One, the inter-linkages of disaster management with public health, media, governance, culture, law and public policy. Two, the programme equips students to undertake research and utilize GIS-based tools in disaster management.

3. Ph.D Scholars

The Doctoral programme in disaster management is receiving considerable interest. Currently the Centre supports five doctoral students working on themes related to disasters. Their names and areas of work are described below:

1. Mr. Pravin Srivastav : Forest, Floods and Disaster Management – A Social, Economic and Ecological Analysis

2. Ms.Qudsiya Contractor : Exploring Muslim Women’s Experiences of Ghettoization after Communal Violence

3. Ms. Shobha Raghavan : Community Led Gendered Analysis of Strategies and Approaches to Disaster Management and Risk Reduction

4. Ms. Ujwala Raj : Exploring Gender Concerns in Disaster Management in Post-tsunami Relief and Rehabilitation

5. Mr. Mohan Bera : Living with Floods in Sunderbans, West Bengal


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RESEARCH

1. CompletedChowra: A Post Tsunami Situational Analysis•

Katchal: A Post Tsunami Situational Analysis•

Car Nicobar: A Post Tsunami Situational Analysis•

Southern Group of Nicobar Islands: A Post Tsunami Situational Analysis•

Resilience Index for Climate Change and Urban Disaster Risk Reduction • (CCUDRR), Kyoto University, Japan

2. Ongoing Research

Hospital Preparedness for Disaster Response in Mumbai in collaboration with • CEHAT – Startup phase

Teressa: A Post Tsunami Situational Analysis – Draft Writing in progress•

Nancowry: A Post Tsunami Situational Analysis – Draft Writing in progress•

Post Tsunami Study of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala – Draft Writing • in progress

People’s report on Social Impact of Jaitapur Madban Nuclear Power • Plant – Draft Report ready

Post Aila Assessment: One Year on – Proposal development and start of • field work.

Spatial Patterns of Violence Using GIS: A Case Study of Protracted Conflict in • Manipur – Proposal approved

Sukhi Baliraja Initiative: Vidarbha Baseline Survey’s Psychosocial Care • Programme – Report writing

Carrying Capacity of Mumbai – Draft report ready •

3. Areas of Student Research Several Masters’ students undertake a research dissertation on diverse themes,

supervised and guided by faculty members from the Centre and the Institute. Pursuing a research study requires discipline, hard work and creativity and carries six credits. The following is a list of students with their research titles. Students who opt out of research are required to choose a third concentration/specialization of 3 courses which carry six credits.

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Name Of Students Research Title

Ms. Janvi J. Gandhi Religiosity, Identity And Deepening Of Communal Expressions In Godhra, Gujarat

Mr. Kanchan Kumar Primary Health Care Utilization Under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) And Floods: A Case Study Of Samastipur District, Bihar

Mr. Lalliensung Thlawngate Coping With Food Scarcity: A Case Of Bamboo Flowering (MAUTAM) In Patpuihmun Village, Churachandpur, Manipur

Ms. Rajita Gupta A Study Of The Impact Of Uranium Mining On The Livelihoods Of The Displaced Population, Jaduguda, Jharkhand

Mr. Ranit Chatterjee Landslide Hazard Zonation Mapping And Remedial Measures: A Case Study Of Landslides In Kalimpong, Darjeeling

Ms. Roshni Pramanik Implications Of Involving The Armed Forces In Disaster Management: The Case Of India

Dr. Sheila Longkumer Vulnerability Of The Rural People Of Meghalaya And The Public Health Response To The Outbreak Of Meningitis In Meghalaya

Mr. Shreedutt Santosh Kamat Disaster Financing – A Case Study Of Land Slide Affected Village In Maharashtra

Mr. Siddarth Daniels David Traditional Methods And Community Participation In Forest Conservation: A Case Study Of Bhimashankar, Maharashtra

Ms. Sneha Krishnan Flood Risk Mapping Of Kalyan-Dombivli Region, Mumbai Using GIS And Remote Sensing Techniques

Ms. Vidushi Kaushik Civil Society Mobilization In The Situation Of Armed Conflict: Manipur Case Study

Dr. Vikas Namdeo Kurne GIS Application In Post Flood Epidemic Management: A Case Study Of Mumbai

Ms. Yavnika Tanwar Armed Conflict In Jammu And Kashmir: A Study Of Factors Affecting Education Of Children.

Mr. Yeeshu Shukla Community Perception And Adaptation To Changing Weather Patterns In Pauri, Uttarakhand: A Case Study Of Village Tamlag


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PUBLICATIONS

1. Working Paper Series The Centre has, since 2007 published 12 working paper series on a range of issues in disaster management, encouraging students and research communities, both in and outside the Institute to contribute. Professor Janki Andharia is the editor of the series. The papers published in 2009-10 are:

WP 9, May 2009 : Comparative Research on Disaster: The Role of Social, not Physical, Infrastructure in Recovery, Dr. Daniel P. Aldrich.

WP 10, August 2009 : The Politics of Loss after the ‘Gujarat’ Earthquake from an Ethnographic Perspective, Dr. Edward Simpson.

WP 11, January 2010 : The Experience of Relocation Policy in Flood Zones of Maharashtra , Mr. Shreedutt Kamat and Ms. Ashwini Kamble

WP 12, February 2010 : Towards Disaster Resilience Index for Vulnerable Communities in Mumbai, Dr Janki Andharia and Mr. Vikas Lakhani

2. Contributions to Books/Journals 1. Andharia J and Lakhani V (2010) ‘Towards Disaster Resilience Index for Vulnerable

Communities in Mumbai’, JTCDM Working Paper Series (Issue No.12), February 2010, Mumbai.

2. Andharia, J (2009) ‘Critical Explorations of Community Organization in India’, Community Development Journal, 44 (3): 276-290, Oxford University Press, UK.

3. Prof. J. Andharia was guest editor of this special issue on India for the Community Development Journal published by Oxford University Press, UK.

4. Andharia, J (edi) (Forthcoming) ‘Disaster Studies: Implications for Research and Practice’ Routledge, Delhi.

5. Andharia, J & D Santha, S (2009) ‘Higher Education in Disaster Management: The TISS Experience’, Asian Journal of Environment and Disaster Management, 1(1): 79-91, Japan.

6. Andharia J (forthcoming) ‘Polemics of Disaster Management and Development: Post Tsunami Experiences of the Nicobari Islanders’, in an edited book, Routledge, Delhi.

7. Kamble, M (2009) ‘Implementation of TPDS and Antyodaya in Maharashtra’ in Sardeshpande, N; Shukla, A & Scott, K (2009) Nutritional Crisis in Maharahstra, Pune: Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiative.

8. Kamble, M (2009) ‘Implementation of Mid Day Meals Scheme in Maharashtra’ in Sardeshpande, N; Shukla, A & Scott, K (2009) Nutritional Crisis in Maharahstra, Pune: Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiative.

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9. Kamble, M (2009) ‘Implementation of ICDS in Maharashtra’ in Sardeshpande, N; Shukla, A & Scott, K (2009) Nutritional Crisis in Maharahstra, Pune: Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiative.

10. Guru, B (2009) ‘Surface temperature mapping using ETM-TIR images in parts of Precambrain terrain, India’ in Anbazhagan, S Exploration Geology and Geoinformatics’, New Delhi: MacMillan.

11. Guru, B (2009) ‘Spectral reflectance studies of lunar analog rocks’ in Anbazhagan, S et al Exploration Geology and Geoinformatics, New Delhi: MacMillan.

12. Guru, B (2009) ‘Horizontal Gliding and Nappe sheets in the Charnockite hills east of Salen, Tamil Nadu: A preliminary study’ in Anbazhagan, S et al Exploration Geology and Geoinformatics, New Delhi: MacMillan.

13. Guru, B (2009) ‘Remote Sensing and GIS application for delineating the Deep Fractured Aquifier zones in Hard Rock Terrain, Tamil Nadu, India’ in Anbazhagan, S et al Exploration Geology and Geoinformatics, New Delhi: MacMillan.

14. Guru, B; Anbazhagan,S; Merket, BJ & Biswal, TK (forthcoming) ‘Estimating the Fractured Auquifier Properties, using the Field and Geomatics Techniques, South India’, Ground Water Journal.

15. Guru, B; Merkel, BJ; Anbazhagan, S & Biswal, TK (forthcoming) ‘Fractured Aquifer and Sensitive Analysis of the Hard rock aquifer system in Precambrian Crystalline Terrain, Tamil Nadu, India’, International Journal of Water.

16. Joseph, J (forthcoming) ‘Psychosocial Care and Support in Disasters – Current Status and Way Ahead’ in forthcoming Post Conference Publication, Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University.

3. Other Reports1. Sinha, S and Bhattacharyya, P (2009) ‘Cyclone Aila in West Bengal: A Report by

Jamsetji Tata Centre for Disaster Management, TISS’, July. Available at http://tiss.edu/Aila_report_webpage.pdf

2. Sinha, S; Kamble, M and Lakhani V (2009), ‘The Challenges of Conducting a Humanitarian Response: A Report on the Post-Floods Situation in Mahbubnagar District’.

3. Andharia J (2010) ‘Preliminary Exploration of Livelihoods Distress Post-Aila Villages of Gosaba Block, Sunderbans, West Bengal’, February.

4. Guru, B(edi) (2010), Geomatics in Disaster Management – Abstract Volume, Mumbai: JTCDM, TISS


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DISASTER RESPONSE AND EXTENSION

Cyclone Aila affected people at Sunderban

1. Cyclone Aila in West Bengal, 2009A three-member team comprising Ms. Parama Bhattacharya, Dr.Samrat Sinha and

Mr. Mohan Bera (Ph.D scholar) visited cyclone Aila affected regions of West Bengal between 15th and 21st June 2009. The findings and observations made by the pilot visit cluster around the following categories: Quantity and quality of relief material distributed by governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as processes of distribution; water, sanitation, hygiene and health in formal and informal settlements; livelihood and migration; education; challenges faced by NGOs and CBOs in the relief process; and, the provision of early warning. Some of the findings and recommendations include the need for warning to percolate down to the micro-level through the panchayats, the need for communities to be convinced about the warning systems, importance of systematic enumeration along with relief distribution, urgent reopening of schools and need for health facilities and the need to enhance livelihoods, to mention a few. Ramnants of a Village Hut after Aila

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In view of the commencement of the academic caledar of the Masters’ and Diploma Programmes, the Centre was unable to spare faculty members for a sustained involvement. By January 2010 field reports indicated the need for intervention as livelihoods distress in many villages of Gosaba block was acute. It was decided to explore what JTCDM could do in the context. A field visit was undertaken by Prof. Andharia in February 2010. She also met senior officials in the government and the District Magistrate welcomed the idea of JTCDM undertaking an independent assessment and follow-up intervention in collaboration with the government and other organizations. This assessment has commenced in April 2010.

2. Floods in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, 2009A visit to flood affected Mahbubnagar District was carried out by a three member team comprising Dr Samrat Sinha, Mr Mahesh Kamble and Mr. Vikas Lakhani of Jamsetji Tata Centre for Disaster Management, between 20th and 27th October 2009. The visit was conducted in two phases, in order to enable a thorough understanding of the field situation, and to facilitate the planning process for intervention. The most severely affected villages were visited. Unstructured interviews

were held with the villagers who were directly or indirectly affected by the flood; and local newspapers were reviewed as they provide contextual insights. For the study, primary sources of damage assessments were collected from governmental and non-governmental sources in order to enable the translation of this data into GIS based platform.

A Relief Camp at Andhra Pradesh

Faculty members talking to flood affected people


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3. Post Tsunami Intervention in the Andaman and Nicobar IslandsThe Centre has been involved in post-tsunami interventions in the Andaman and

Nicobar Islands since December 2004. It started with relief work and a collaborative effort with the government to build local capacities Citizenship trainings to enable survivors to appreciate their rights and entitlements were conducted. The thrust was on undertaking issue based work and advocacy within the Nicobar district. The Centre has also conducted assessments on the post-tsunami rehabilitation work via its research leading up to situation reports. The year 2009-2010 saw the expansion of the Centre’s field-work agenda in the Nicobar Islands, as described below.

Training in Creative Crafts and Artifacts With the aim of diversifying livelihoods, a 10-day training was conceived by Prof.

Andharia and co-ordinated by the field team under the overall leadership of Mr. Sundaray. The 10 day programme for identification of craft based livelihood possibilities for the Nicobarese community was organized at Rajiv Nagar, Campbell Bay and concluded on 3rd of June. The programme was a result of the collaborative initiative between the TISS and Department of Agriculture, A&NI Administration. The programme identified craft skills among the community and locally available craft material, which had the potential for generating livelihood possibilities. The material included bamboo, cane, wood and Pandanus (Kewri leaf). A group of about 20 tribal youth participated in the programme. Mr. R. Sandesh, faculty member from the Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay was the key resource person, specializing in craft design and development. Mr. Renchu D., a master-craftsperson from Kerala was trainer who assisted during the programme. Many value added, saleable products in craft were designed and developed such as - designs of trays, book racks, file racks, hangers, Hodi, Goal-Ghar, key-hooks, cloth pegs, cutlery and a lamp shade. Quality of the craft and ease of production were emphasized. The products thus designed and developed had craft-aesthetics and simplicity, supported by the skilled craftsmanship of the Nicobarese youth.

Training for Rural Knowledge Centre AssistantsDuring May 2009, the ANI TISS team with the help of the Agriculture Department

of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration organized a three days training programme for the Assistants of the Rural Knowledge Centres (RKCs) in the Nicobar district. The ANI TISS team had in the previous year already facilitated the process of setting up RKCs in both the tehsils of the Nicobar district - Car Nicobar and Nancowry. The RKCs are based on the concept of dissemination of information about the government’s social protection schemes to the communities by providing technical infrastructure as well as by participatory intervention in the field. The RKC assistants who were already selected from the communities by the Agriculture Department were provided training on how to run the technical infrastructure, different methodologies for information sharing on the field and the organization of material in a manner which is accessible to people.

Launch of a Local Community Newspaper for the Nicobar IslandsA local newspaper was launched in the year 2010 in collaboration with the

‘Andaman Cronicle’. The newspaper titled ‘ Nicobar Cronicle’ is based on the need for local media to voice opinions of Nicobarese communities on various development issues that are of significance in the islands ever since the tsunami of 2004. TISS ANI has

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involved the community in this initiative by training the youth on how to collect material for the newspaper, which includes photographs, reports of day-to-day events such as meetings, workshops and interviews, expressions in the form of drawings, sketches, paintings, poetry and write-ups on tradition and cultural activities.

While the above activities were conducted by the project with Prof. Andharia’s guidance, she has been relieved of her responsibility as team leader of the A&NI project since July 2009.

Preparation for Social and Economic Baseline Surveys

The ANI TISS team is preparing a plan to conduct social and economic baseline study of every village in the Nicobar district. Since the coverage is huge, the exercise will involve many field assistants and will be carried out over a period of three months. The concept note is under preparation. This activity is being managed by Prof. Surinder Jaswal and Prof. Parasuraman.

4. Project on Food SecurityFood security remains a pressing issue in India and has a major impact on rendering

large sections of the population vulnerable. Predatory globalization and agrarian crisis is leading to striding inflation which affects poor the most making them more vulnerable to disasters. Making appropriate fiscal policies is seen as a critical intervention by state. While addressing a Public Interest Litigation (by PUCL v/s UoI & Ors. Writ Petition (Civil) No. 196 of 2001) the Supreme Court recognized that “Right to food is an implication of fundamental right to life enshrined in Article 21 of the constitution of India and the state must take adequate steps to ensure that this right is fulfilled.” The Court issued several orders for the proper implementation of food related schemes of the Government of India and appointed two commissioners to monitor the implementation of its orders. To ensure adequate coverage and close monitoring of the schemes, the Commissioners appointed Advisors in some of the States in the country, including Maharashtra. Mr Mahesh Kamble, Assistant Professor, JTCDM, was actively involved in all the initiatives of the advisor with TISS partnering with the advisors’ office. The activities involve a research on “Food to the Poor: a study on implementation of food related schemes of Government of India in Maharashtra”, participation in number of public hearings on implementation of food security schemes, an all party “Convention against Inflation: Strengthening the Rationing System” and a number of meetings with Commissioner’s office as well as state level bureaucracy and food rights activists. With this, Mr. Mahesh Kamble was appointed as Assistant Advisor for Maharashtra since February 2009.

The project on food security was launched at TISS from August 2009 with active support of the Director, Dr Parasuraman. The initiatives of the project involve updating of policy level information on food security schemes, research on implementation of the schemes, networking with various other stakeholders like civil society groups and academicians working on similar or related issues, working with Government officials at district and state levels and interacting with Commissioners’ office and Advisors from other states.

The advisor has appointed representatives in various districts of the state and monitoring and supporting advisor’s district representatives is an important responsibility with the project. The project is in regular interaction with government, food rights activists,


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NGOs and journalists to ensure better implementation of food entitlement schemes. A few highlights of the project are:

Two meetings of district representatives and food rights activists were • organized by the State Advisor’s office on September 11 & 12, 2009 and February 12 & 13, 2010).

Ms. Amruta Paradkar, Research Officer presented on “Supplementary Nutritious • Food - Plumpy Nuts for Children” in a meeting with the district representatives, September 11, 2009.

Mr. Mahesh Kamble authored three chapters on implementation of food • entitlement schemes (TPDS, Antyodaya, ICDS and MDM) in Maharashtra, which were published in a report on “Nutritional Crisis in Maharashtra” by Saathi- Cehat published in September 2009.

Mr Kamble chaired a session on “Issues Regarding Current Poverty Line and • Targeted Approach to PDS” in a seminar organized by Saathi- Cehat on August 27, 2009

Ms. Amruta Paradkar visited areas affected by cyclone Phyan in Kokan region • (Ratnagiri & Sindhudurg districts) to study the post cyclone impact on Food Security.

Ably supported by the project, Mr Josantony Joseph, State Advisor presented • a paper on “Identification of Poor and Estimation of Poverty” by Mr. N. C. Saxena, Commissioner to Supreme Court at a state level meeting of Right to Food Activists.

Mr Kamble took a session on “Politicizing Food Rights” in ‘Rajya Sahavichar • Sabha’, a meeting of activists organized by the Rationing Kruti Samiti on February 8, 2010.

Ms. Amruta Paradkar along with the State Advisor was a part of a panel in • the public hearing on “Implementation of Social Security Schemes for Widows, Aged and Other Marginalized Sections of the Society”, organised by Kashtakari Sanghatana, Dahanu on August 10, 2009.

Mr. Kamble, Ms Amruta Paradkar and Thane district representative of State • Advisor had a meeting with Additional Collector and District Supply Officer (DSO) of Thane district regarding the irregularities in the implementation of Targeted Public Distribution System on January 28, 2010. As a result, State Advisors’ Office is authorized to conduct surprise visits to the fair price shops within the district along with the government officials and the DSO has issued the orders informing the same to all Tehsildars in Thane district.

State Advisors’ Office participated in Convention on “Anti Food-Grain • based Alcohol Campaign” organized by Rationing Kruti Samiti held on January 11, 2010.

One day training workshop on ‘Defining Poverty and Identifying Poor’ was • organized on March 2, 2010 by Anna Adhikar Abhiyan in collaboration with State Advisors’ Office which was attended by about 30 activists and representatives.

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Ms Amruta Paradkar, Research Officer has conducted a session with the grass • root workers affiliated with Mahila Rajsatta Andolan on “Peoples’ Monitoring of Food Entitlement Schemes” on March 18, 2010.

Mr. Kamble and Ms. Paradkar participated in a state level round table conference • on “Defining Poverty” organized by Anna Adhikar Abhiyan at Yashavantrao Chavan Pratishthan on March 29, 2010.

The Project consistently working in consonance with the district representatives • across the state and the government officials from Mantralaya.

The project is also involved in the initiatives of Commissioners’ Office, Delhi • towards the Right to Food Act and Mr. Kamble and the State Advisor participated in meetings and consultations regarding the proposed Act.

The project is planning to organize a training programme on “Implementation of Food Entitlement Programmes in Maharashtra” with the district representatives in association with government officials incharge of these schemes. A roundtable on implementation of Targeted Public Distribution System is proposed and being discussed with the state government.

5. Field Internships Field internships are a part of the Masters’ programme in Disaster Management. They are meant to enable students to gain practical knowledge in disaster management, to broaden their exposure in the field and appreciate socio-political complexities. Second year students passing out in the year 2010 were placed in 12 organisations. These include the following:

1. Disaster Research Centre, University of Delaware, U.S.A

2. Inter Agency Group(IAG), Kolkata, West Bengal

3. Focus on the Global South, Mumbai, Maharashtra

4. Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

5. Practical Action, Sri Lanka

6. Aidmatrix, Delhi

7. Ashoka Trust for Environment and Ecology (ATREE), Bangalore, Karnataka

8. North-East Studies Centre, Assam

9. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Bhubhaneshwar and Orissa

10. Centre for Inquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT), Mumbai, Maharashtra Student at field internship at Sunderban


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Student at field internship at Darjeeling

11. Grameen Development Services, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh

12. Drive India Enterprise Solutions (DIESL), Mumbai, Maharashtra

13. Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Jammu and Kashmir

14. SPHERE India, Delhi

The selection of internship organizations is based on students’ specialization courses and areas of interest in specific issues or regions. Faculty members organize and supervise students whose performance during internships are evaluated systematically.

The first year Masters’ students (batch of 2009-11) were placed in 11 organisations. These include the following:

1. Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) in Delhi

2. Grameen Development Services, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

3. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Delhi

4. BEDROC (Building Local Capacities for Disaster Response and Risk Reduction, Delhi

5. Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, Gandhinagar in Gujarat

6. Action Aid in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

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7. Action Aid, Bangalore, Karnataka

8. Action Aid, Guwahati Assam

9. Rural Volunteers Centre, Dhemaji, Assam

10. West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority, Parganas, West Bengal

11. People report on Social Impact of Jaitapur, Madban, Nuclear Power Plant, Jamsetji Centre for Disaster Management, TISS, Mumbai

6. Public Lectures

Students attending a public lecture at JTCDM

JTCDM organises public lectures every year to encourage interaction between the students, experts and policy makers, who share their experiences and knowledge about a range of issues related to disaster management. This year public lectures organised were:

‘Challenges of Civil Society Mobilization in Manipur’ by Mr. Babloo Loitongbam, • Executive Director of Human Rights Alert (HRA), Imphal on August 31, 2009 at J. Kumarappa Hall, New Campus, TISS, Mumbai. The speaker is a lawyer by training, and an alumnus of the Faculty of Law (University of Delhi). He also been a Ford Fellow, an Ashoka Fellow, and has worked extensively on Conflict and Human Rights in Manipur.

The lecture addressed critical issues facing civil society organizations in conflict • affected regions. Especially important was the need to understand the ramification of the Armed Forces Special Power Act, the implementation of the act in Manipur, and the challenge of human rights protection as a result of the act.

‘Good Governance and Disaster Mitigation – Experience of Handling Guru-ta-• Faddi in Nanded’, by Shri. Radheshyam Mopalwar, IAS Officer, on September 19, 2009 at Clifford Manshardt Lecture Hall, Naoroji Campus, TISS, Mumbai.

Mr. Mopalwar, IAS shared his experiences in organising the Guru-ta-Gaddi • celebrations; in terms of crowd control, transport, water supply, sewage and sanitation, cleanliness, public health etc. He shared how he planned and implemented the developmental policies for Nanded, raised resources for them,


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organized the institutional arrangement for the programme, mobilized participation of civil society groups and ensured smooth running of the programme for such a long duration. The lecture established the relationship between good urban governance and disaster mitigation.

‘Disaster Financing: Operationalising Relief’, by Mr. Praveen Srivastava, Joint • Secretary, Relief and Rehabilitation Cell, GoM, on December 5, 2009 at Naoroji Campus, TISS, Mumbai. Mr. Srivastava elaborated on the process of damage assessment and relief distribution and shared the issues of concerns in operationalising disaster relief.

‘Peoples’ Response to Disastrous Development: Jaitapur Madban Nuclear Plant’, • by Mr. Adwait Pednekar, Kruti Samiti, on December 3, 2009 at Naoroji Campus, TISS, Mumbai.

Mr. Adwait Pednekar shared peoples’ and actions against the proposed plant. • While linking this struggle with Bhopal which is a symbol of predatory growth leading to disaster, he elaborated how India is heading towards a similar situation in Ratnagiri, by proposing a nuclear power plant in Jaitapur- Madban. He shared how people of this horticultural district are opposing the power plant for environmental concerns and fear of impending disaster and discussed issues related to land compensation, social and environmental impact assessment etc. Through his lecture he established the relationship between need for sustainable development and DRR.

Film show on ‘No More Bhopal’ on December 3, 2009, at Naoroji Campus, TISS, • Mumbai. The film show was organized to commemorate Bhopal Gas Tragedy. In solidarity with survivors of Bhopal Gas leakage the students commemorated 25 years of Bhopal Gas Tragedy on 3rd December 2009. The students staged a symbolic protest through ‘die in strike’, a photo exhibition and a film show followed by a public lecture by Mr. Adwait Pednekar on December 3, 2009.

‘People’s Science for Disaster Management by Dr. Ravi Chopra, Director, People’s • Science Institute, Dehradun on March 12, 2010 at Naoroji Campus, TISS, Mumbai.

Mr. Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director of Human Rights Alert (HRA), Human rights alert delivering the lecture on ‘Challenges of Civil Society Mobilization in Manipur’

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Dr. Chopra presented the work of People’s Science Institute where they have seen • the manifestations of people’s science in the form of traditional earthquake-safe houses, water harvesting structures and practices. In the course of their work they have also tried to demystify modern science and engineering for the common people. This has led to people building earthquake-safe houses, earthen dams, monitoring water quality and treating polluted water or adopting new agricultural practices that enhance crop productivities. Such practice of science for the people empowers them democratizing science. It is also more often than not in harmony with nature and not destructive of the environment.

The lecture was followed with a lively interaction with the audience in the form of • questions, comments and reflections.

7. National Conference (GeoDM 2010)

Abstract volume released in GeoDM 2010 Conference, (Left to Right) Prof. S. Parasuraman, Mr. Siddarth, Mr. Mahesh Kamble, Dr. Guru Balamurugan, Maj.Gen. (Dr.) R. Siva Kumar, Prof. SM. Ramasamy and Prof. Janki Andharia

A National Conference on Geomatics in Disaster Management (GeoDM 2010) was orgnised on 9-10 April, 2010. This conference focused on the application of Geomatics in Disaster Studies. The objective of the conference was to bring together academicians, scientists, IT professional, research scholars, students and NGO’s to share their research and experiences and develop innovations in the field of natural disasters with applications of Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS. The themes of the conference were earth quakes and tsunamis, cyclones, floods, droughts, groundwater quality and quantity, sustainable development, environmental conservation/ degradation, climate change: changes in geomorphology, river morphology and coastal regions.

Prof. S. Parasuraman, Director , TISS, gave the Presidential speech, Prof. S.M. Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor, Gandigram Rural Institute, Dindigal gave the Inaugural


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Dr.Guru Balamurugan, Assistant Professsor of JTCDM and Convener of the conference delivering a paper during the conference

Prof. T.K. Biswal (IIT Bombay), delivering his paper during the Conference

speech, and Maj. Gen (Dr.) R. Sivakumar, Head, NRDMS, DST, New Delhi was the Chief Guest address and released a volume of Abstract. More than 100 participants attended the conference from different parts of India. More than 30 scientific research papers were presented and discussed during the two days. At the end of the first day of the conference the Masters’ students of disaster management organized and performed in a cultural event, which was well received by the participants and key note speakers.

The conference ended with a valedictory function and distribution of certificates to all participants. Chief Guests of the valedictory function were Prof. D.Chandrasekharam, IIT- Bombay and Dr. Bhoop Singh, Director, Landslide Division, NRDMS, DST, New Delhi.

Participants of GeoDM 2010 Conference

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8. Workshops and Training Programmes Organized

Students at a workshop on Logistics in Disasters organised by RedR, India

A) Workshops

The number of seminars and workshops organized by the Centre increased considerably this year. Several workshops were also organised by the Centre on Humanitarian Logistics, a new and emerging field in India.

• Fundamentals of Logistics and Disaster Management, 4th to 9th January, 2010

Here strategies for the integrated management of emergency supplies; Maintenance of databases of services, undefined networks, Significance and relevance of logistics, planning for uncertainty in disaster situations were discussed. The week long workshop also covered social dynamics in disaster relief logistics. Challenges in procurement, packaging and material handling were tabled. It also underlined the importance of inventory management in disaster situations. Logistics strategies, Logistics Information Systems, financial issues, Integrated logistics, role of 3PL and 4 PL, GIS in logistics Management in disaster situations were covered in this workshop.

• Distribution Networks in Disasters: Transportation, Warehousing and Inventory Management in Disasters, 27th to 31st January, 2010

Distribution is a very critical function within the humanitarian supply chain. Designing distribution channels, network design and optimization techniques were discussed with an emphasis on re-orienting channels of distribution in disaster situations. Developing people-centred relief distribution networks in disaster contexts requires planning and special skills. Further the role of transportation systems and their effective management requires an adequate appreciation of principles and participants in transportation,


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routing decisions to ensure last mile connectivity. The workshop emphsaized that technology could be harnessed in tracking goods in different disaster situations. Case studies of logistic functions in different disaster scenarios and factors affecting the costs and effectiveness of disaster relief logistics were analysed at the workshop. In India state -of- the- art -warehouses in terms of design and and layout with multiple functions and services are relatively few. These can play a very critical role and the significance of locational decision of temporary and permanent warehouses, preservation of existing supplies, storage systems, activity profiling needs to be well understood, especially by the governments. Warehouse management systems and significance of inventory management at multiple disaster sites can prove to be very valuable.Types of inventory and stores management, inventory control and methods and RFID Technology and applications were discussed at the workshop.

• Strategic Planning in Disaster Logistics and Performance Analysis, 29th March - 3rd April, 2010

The design of Humanitarian Supply Management System requires special skill sets and an understanding of major actors in disaster relief. Models for global logistics, Export- import procedures, Integration vs decentralization, choosing logistics technology- were the focus of this workshop. The workshop highlighted challenges in building effective disaster relief logistics, developing local logistical capacities and supply chain finance in disaster situations through case studies.

This workshop also focused on supply chain performance analysis and measurement, processes and methods of evaluating quality and service delivery systems. It emphsized the significance of feedback mechanisms and benchmarking in supply chain management especially in disaster situations which would reflect the extent of disaster preparedness.

• ‘Management Perspectives on Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Responses’, a workshop over four days, 23-26 March 2010.

This workshop aimed at deepening the understanding of disaster risk reduction by discussing concepts and practical management of disaster risk reduction. It aimed at discussing strategies for business continuity planning, tools for disaster risk reduction program development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. It also encouraged discussion on administrative and human resource management aspects of disaster management and risk reduction.

• ‘Humanitarian Logistics: The Oxfam Experience’, a one day workshop was organized in January 2010 at JTCDM, Naoroji Campus, TISS, Mumbai. It was conducted by Mr. Shaw and Mr. Singh of Oxfam who have extensive experience in organizing logistics for Oxfam during various disaster.

• ‘Peace and Conflict’, a workshop organized on March 9, 2010, JTCDM TISS. The workshop helped participants to explore the ‘governance’ dimension of conflicts. While enhancing theoretical understanding of ‘conflict’ along with major riots in India and major conflict situations abroad, the participants also deliberated on the issues of prejudices, discriminatory practices and interpretation of history. A lot of value was added in this workshop with enriching discussion on role of government and civil society in a conflict/ war situation.

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• One day training workshop on ‘Defining Poverty and Identifying Poor’ was organized on March 2, 2010 in collaboration with Anna Adhikar Abhiyan. The workshop was attended by about 30 activists and representatives. The group discussed reports of N.C. Saxena and Tendulkar Committees and recommendations therein. The participants debated the defining of poverty line, identification of the poor and deliberated on encouraging the organizations to monitor the BPL survey and collate the suggestions to make it more comprehensive.

• ‘Logistics Planning for Uncertainty in Disaster Situation: A Focus on Strategic Sourcing’ a workshop organized on January 12, 2010.

• ‘Post-Disaster Relief: Issues and Challenges in Supply Chain Management’, a workshop organized on January 2, 2010.

• ‘Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: The Challenge of Logistics and Supply Chain Management’ Conducted by Mr. Praveenkumar Pawar, Training Coordinator and Mr. Michael Bowden, Logistics Specialist from RedR India, on September 7-8, 2009, at JTCDM, Naoroji Campus, TISS Mumbai.

• ‘Towards Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap for Mumbai’, a Consultation workshop was organized by United Nations University, Tokyo & Jamsetji Tata Centre for Disaster Management, Tata Institute of Social Sciences on November 13, 2009 at Green Room, Naoroji Campus, TISS.

Students’ activity during a workshop


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B) Training Programmes

This year the Centre introduced a calendar of trainings under the overall leadership of Prof. Andharia, ably supported by faculty members based on their areas of expertise. Mr. Rakesh Ganguli was appointed as a training consultant. Although five training were envisaged only three could be conducted due to faculty workloads and ill-health. All were organized in Mumbai.

• A Training Programme in ‘Peace and Conflict Resolution’, 12-16 April 2010

This training programme seeks to combine an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of conflict transformation from a regional and international perspective offering participants an opportunity to: (a) gain a conceptual understanding about conflicts and conflict transformation, (b) learn about ways of integrating conflict management into existing development processes and (c) learn the significance of human rights principles in conflict transformation. The themes include conflict transformation and peace-building, human rights awareness, gender concerns in conflict transformation and peace building, the importance of cultural awareness in conflict transformation and social reconstruction; the cultural content of conflict escalation; the significance of religion, language, gender; and the central importance of ‘identity’ in the dynamics of contemporary conflicts. In addition to faculty members of the Centre, the resource persons included Ms. Shabnam Hashmi, Ms. Teesta Setalvad, Ms. Shabnam Virmani, Bhau Korde and several others.

Participants of training programme in ‘Peace and Conflict Resolution’

• ‘Training Volunteers in Disaster Response’, 11-15 January 2010

This training programme sought to build perspectives and capacities of volunteers in critical aspects of disaster management recognizing that volunteers contribution in disaster management can be far more strategic than simply doing relief distribution.

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In most disasters, volunteers play a crucial role right from the early stage of disaster response that includes rescuing survivors, providing or coordinating emergency relief and medical aid and setting up relief camps. Volunteers often extend their support to post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation activities as well. The key objective of this programme was to provide knowledge and skills required in disaster relief and rehabilitation work so that volunteers can assist effectively in disaster response. The curriculum included disaster management principles and practices, risk and vulnerability assessment, participatory rural appraisal (PRA), psychosocial care, social dimensions of disasters, coordination with multiple stakeholders including the state administration, etc. Participants were from India, New Zealand, and Switzerland. TISS faculty members facilitated most of the sessions. Leading experts and senior officials from the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority were invited to facilitate the sessions. An exhaustive reading list and reference material was given to all participants.

Participants of ‘Training Volunteers in Disaster Response’

• ‘Regeneration and Enhancement of Livelihoods in Post-disaster Situations, 5-9 October 2009 at YWCA, Colaba, Mumbai

Recognising the enormous impact disasters have on people’s livelihoods, which also often determine their abilities to cope with disasters this training programme sought to build perspectives and skills around planning restoration of livelihoods in post disaster contexts. The key objectives of the training were to a) facilitate a comprehensive understanding of livelihood and vulnerability in disaster contexts, b) enable individuals, groups and organizations involved in disaster management to develop a post disaster response strategy to rebuild lives and livelihoods in a manner that paves way for long term sustainable development, c) Enhancing skills in designing programme strategies to better cope with disasters especially for vulnerable communities and d) Enhancing skills


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in developing and/or adapting different livelihood development models in post disaster contexts. The curriculum included critical aspects of livelihoods restoration in post disaster situations. The participants included Indian and Napali nationals who comprised mid level professionals from NGOs, students, leading experts and practitioners from various organizations and educational institutes. The Director of TISS and faculty of JTCDM facilitated sessions along with external experts. An exhaustive reading list and reference material was given to all participants.

9. Faculty Development and Progression

In addition to organizing conferences, workshops and training programmes faculty members also work towards enhancing their capacities by participating in various events which contributes to the work of the Centre.

Participation in Conferences, Workshops, Seminars and Training Programmes

Prof. Janki Andharia

1. Review Workshop - The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB): For Local and Regional Policy, organized by IIT Bombay, Green Indian States Trust (GIST), Conservation Action Trust and BNHS India, Mumbai, April 13, 2010.

2. 2010 Conference on Health and Humanitarian Logistics, organized by Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, March 4-5, 2010.

3. The 4th Workshop of Asian University Network of Environment and Disaster Management (AUEDM): Focusing on Higher Education on Disaster Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, Jointly hosted by the Chulalongkorn University and Kyoto University, Bangkok, February 22-24, 2010.

Participants of ‘Training Programme on ‘Regeneration and Enhancement of Livelihood’

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4. India International Logistics Forum (IILF) 2nd Annual Supply Chain Seminar, December 19, 2009, the Taj President, Mumbai.

5. The Seminar on ‘Warehouse Management and Materials Handling’, December 11, 2009, Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon, Mumbai.

6. Asia Megacities Forum 2009 – Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Urban Development and Governance, Mumbai, India, April 22-24, 2009.

Prof. Andharia’s participation in workshops related to supply chain management has enable JTCDM to offer the concentration on disaster logistics.

Dr. Jacquleen Joseph

1. Dr. Joseph was sponsored to attend a training programme on Public Health in Complex Emergencies, organized by Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre - July 5-20, 2009, Bangkok. This contributed to JTCDM offering the concentration on Public Health to the Master’s students enrolled in 2008.

Dr. Samrat Sinha

1. ‘Qualitative and Quantitative Surveys for Disaster Risk Reduction’ for fieldworkers of Rural Volunteers Centre (RVC), Majuli Island [Jorhat District, Assam], 29th November-2nd December 2009, Jointly with C.V.Mandar (RedR India)

2. ‘Qualitative and Quantitative Surveys for Disaster Risk Reduction’ for fieldworkers of Grameen Vikas Mancha (GVM) Nalbari District, Assam, 4th to 7th December 2009, jointly with C.V.Mandar (RedR India).

3. ‘Emergency Needs Assessment and Project Planning’, organized by RedR India, Pune, February 9, 2010.

4. ‘Seventh Annual Conflict Transformation Workshop on Seeking Peace in Changing Worlds: Conflict Transformation and the New Geopolitics of Power’ organized by Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, New Delhi, May 22-26, 2009

Ms. Parama Bhattachharya

Ms. Parama Bhattachharya registered in January 2009 for her doctoral programme with the Humanities and Social Science Department, IIT Bombay. She successfully completed her course work between January to December 2009. Her workload was adjusted to enable her to work on her Ph.D.

Mr. Mahesh Kamble

Mr. Mahesh Kamble registered in January 2010 for his doctoral programme with Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.


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SPECIALIST CONTRIBUTIONS

1. Papers Presented at Conferences, Seminars etc.


1. ‘Towards Disaster Resilience Index for Vulnerable Community in Mumbai’ at a Workshop on Disaster Risk Management for Mega Cities, organized by Department of Urban Planning, School of Planning and Architecture, at New Delhi, 21st-22nd January 2010.

2. ‘Methodological and Ethical Issues in Research: The Young Lives Study’, at a Seminar on Understanding Childhood Poverty: Evidence from Young Lives Project, Organized by Save the Children, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, 7th October 2009.

3. ‘Wither Management Studies? Social Sciences, Modernization and Critical Studies’ in Technical Session 2 (16th September) on - Tradition and Modernity in a Liberal Democratic Society: Governance, Power Equations, Rights of Individuals and Groups, Dispensation of Justice, Empowerment and Sustainable Development, at Second Training Programme on “Interfacing Social Sciences with Management Education”, organized by International Management Institute New Delhi and Goa Institute of Management at Goa, India, 16th-18th September, 2009.

4. ‘Citizenship and Local Democracy in India’, at a Wales Regional Seminar Organized by Community Development Journal, Cardiff, UK, 7th September, 2009.

5. ‘Fieldwork in Community Organisation: Privileging a Process of Political Engagement’ at an International Symposium on ‘Community Development in an Age of Uncertainty: Connections and Fragmentations’, organized by Community Development Journal at London, UK, 3rd – 5th September, 2009.

Dr. Balamurugan Guru

1. ‘Application of Geomatics in Landslide Hazards Zonation Mapping in Kalimpong Region, Darjeeling District’, a paper presented at the National Conference on Geomatics in Disaster Management, 9th &10th April 2010, JTCDM, TISS.

2. ‘Flood Risk Mapping in Special Reference to Demographic and Physical Vulnerability Indicators, Parts of Mumbai, India’, a paper presented at the National Conference on Geomatics in Disaster Management, 9th & 10th April 2010, JTCDM, TISS

2. Lectures and Specialist Inputs


• Lecture delivered on ‘Disaster Management: A Overview’, College of Naval Warfare, Indian Navy, Karanja, Mumbai, May 1, 2009

• ‘Interpreting Risk and Vulnerability in Disaster Management’, Training on Regeneration and Enhancement of Livelihoods in Post-disaster Situations, October 5-9, 2009, Mumbai.

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• ‘Understanding Risk and Vulnerability’, Training to Volunteers in Disaster Management, January 11, 2010.

• ‘Disasters and Development’, Training to Volunteers in Disaster Management, January 15, 2010.

• Tata Power Senior Leadership Team meeting on Sustainability, Moderated and Chaired a Session on Displacement and Rehabilitation, January 15, 2010.

• “Conflict Sensitive Development’, Training Programme on Conflict Transformation and Peace-building in Disaster Management, April 4, 2010.

Mr. Mahesh Kamble

• Lecture delivered on ‘Principles of Disaster Management’ College of Naval Warfare, Indian Navy, Karanja, Mumbai, May 1, 2009.

• Lecture delivered on ‘Disaster Management In India’ at College of Naval Warfare in Karanja, Mumbai, May 1, 2009.

• ‘Expectations from New Government’ - Panelist at a television show entitled ‘Sapat Parivar Mahacharcha’ at Doordharshan, Mumbai on May 22, 2009.

• Lecture delivered on ‘Careers in Disaster Management’ at a television show of Star Mazaa, July 7, 2009.

• Conducted a session on ‘School Disaster Management Planning’ at a session on ‘Disaster Management’ organized by Rambhau Mhalagi Prabodhinee and held at Dadar, Mumbai on August 8, 2009.

• Chaired a session on ‘Targeted Approach to PDS and Current Poverty Line’ at a seminar on Nutritional Crisis in Maharashtra’ organized by SAATHI-Cehat and held at the All India Institute of Local Self Governance, Mumbai on August 27, 2009.

• Facilitator for Training Needs Assessment (TNA) and Session on Counselling, Sneha Samruddhi Mandal at Deorukh in Ratnagiri on September 11, 2009.

• Lecture delivered on Principles of Disaster Management’ at a training programme on ‘Regeneration and Enhancement of Livelihood in Post-Disaster Situations’ organized by JTCDM, TISS and held in YWCA, Mumbai on October 5, 2009.

• Lecture delivered on ‘Politicizing Food Rights’ at Indian Institute of Education (IIE), Pune, December 29, 2009.

• Lecture delivered on ‘Role of NGOs in Human Rights’ at a session on ‘Human Rights’ at Nirmala Niketan, College of Social Work, held on February 9, 2010.

• Lecture delivered on ‘Principles of Disaster Management’ at a workshop on ‘Training Volunteers and Response’ held in TISS on January 11, 2010.

• Lecture delivered on ‘Community Based Disaster Management’ at a workshop on ‘Training Volunteers and Response’ held in TISS on January 11, 2010.

• Conducted a Session on ‘Role of NGOs in Human Rights’ at Human Rights, Nirmala Niketan and State Human Rights Commission, Mumbai, February 9, 2010.


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• Lecture delivered on ‘Present Political Context of Right to Food and Poverty Line’ at TISS, March 2, 2010.

• Conducted Two Sessions on ‘Principles of Disaster Management’ and ‘ Legislature and Institutional Framework for Disaster Management in India’ at College of Naval Warfare in Karanja, April 28, 2010.

• Conducted a Session on ‘Institutional and Legislature Framework for Disaster Management in India’ at a seminar on ‘Disasters, Development and People: A Critical Review of Experiences from India’, organized by Centre for Regional Studies, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, March 31, 2010.


• ‘Disaster Management Course at JTCDM, TISS’, a talk delivered at IIT Roorkee for the occasion of ‘Research Activities in Housing in India’, held on August 22 & 23, 2009.

• Lecture delivered on ‘GIS Applications in Disaster Management’ at State IAG, Kolkata, organised by UNICEF, November 20, 2009.

• Lecture delivered on ‘GIS application for Rural Development and Management’ at TISS, Tuljapur, organized by TISS, February 25&26, 2010.

Dr Jacquleen Joseph

• Lecture delivered on ‘Psychological Care in Disaster Recovery’ at Training Volunteers in Disaster Response, TISS, Mumbai, January 11-15, 2010 TISS, January 12, 2010.

• Lecture delivered on ‘The Sphere Standards’ at Training Volunteers in Disaster Response, TISS, Mumbai, January 11-15, 2010.

Ms. Parama Bhattacharya

• Lecture delivered on ‘ Definitions and Classification of Disasters’ at Training Volunteers in Disaster Response, TISS, Mumbai, January 11-15, 2010.

• Lecture delivered on ‘ a Brief Overview of Different Type of Disasters’ at Training Volunteers in Disaster Response, TISS, Mumbai, January 11-15, 2010.

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INTERNATIONAL VISIBILITY AND LINKAGES

1. Faculty Members, Students and Trainees

The JTCDM has obtained considerable visibility both in India and abroad. The Centre is a core member of Asian University Network of Environment and Disaster Management (AUEDM) headquartered in Japan and is actively contributing to sharing experiences of developing the education agenda in disaster management in the Asian region. The Centre has received requests for collaboration from BRAC University, Bangladesh, Lund University, Sweden and ITC Netherlands in addition to the ones established during the previous years (University of Innsbruk, Vienna, Harvard, Delaware, Kyoto and several others). Visits to Kings College and University of Coventry, UK in September 2009 has elicited a positive interest in the work of the Centre. One of the faculty members went to Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bangkok in July 2009 for the purpose for a three week training in Public Health and Disasters.

Two of our Masters’ students are pursuing doctoral studies in Lund University and Kyoto University, after obtaining competitive scholarships in 2009. This year too, two students from the Centre obtained the Erasmus Mundus scholarship for pursuing their Ph.D in Spain and Sweden through a competitive process of selection.

The Centre had 6 international students in our Masters’ programme this year and the training programme on Volunteering in Disaster Response saw two international participants from University of Geneva and New Zealand signing up.

2. International Roundtable Conference

The Centre organized an International Roundtable conference titled ‘Humanitarian Logistics: Scope and Challenges’. It was scheduled on 21st and 22nd April, 2010. This Roundtable was a step towards creating synergies between government agencies, non-government organizations, corporate, civil society organizations to facilitate better co-ordination and reach of humanitarian response. Papers were to be presented by supply chain experts, logisticians, and transportation specialists, key functionaries from humanitarian agencies and government disaster management authorities. Participants were to share their experiences and research work to expand the knowledge and practice base on humanitarian logistics in India and abroad. The challenges faced by logisticians on the field and key issues in expanding the scope of developing this domain were also be highlighted. The Roundtable aimed at developing perspectives in evolving a critical discourse around humanitarian logistics. The overarching objective therefore was to explore and understand logistics functions in disaster situations with the explicit aim of building safer societies. Mr. Lynn Fritz and Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan were the keynote speakers while Dr. Gyongi Kovacs and Lt. General UPS Sinha were to offer the valedictory address. In all 34 papers were to be presented.

The Roundtable had to be postponed due to suspension of flights over Europe during this period because of ash from the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Fresh dates would be considered as soon as air traffic resumes normalcy.


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ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT

The Centre is governed by an Advisory Committee. The Academic Council has proposed that this Committee should function as a School Board. The Centre would according expand the membership of the Advisory Committee.

1. Members, JTCDM Advisory Committee

External Members

1. Prof. D. Chandrasekharam, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) Powai, Mumbai.

2. Dr. Shyam R. Asolekar, Professor and Head, Centre for Environmental Sciences and Engineering (CESE), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) Powai, Mumbai

3. Dr. Dhar Chakrabarti, Executive Director, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Delhi

4. Dr. Prasad Modak, Environmental Management Centre, Mumbai

Internal Members

5. Prof. S. Parasuraman, Director, TISS, Mumbai, Chairperson, JTCDM Advisory Committee, Mumbai

6. Dr. C.A.K. Yesudian, Professor and Dean, School of Health System Studies, TISS, Mumbai

7. Dr. Anjali Monteiro, Professor, Centre for Media and Cultural Studies, TISS, Mumbai

8. Dr. Mouleshri Vyas, Chairperson, Centre for Community Organisation and Development Practice, School of Social Work, TISS, Mumbai.

9. Dr. Surinder Jaswal, Professor and Dean, School of Social Work, TISS, Mumbai

10. Dr. Janki Andharia, Professor, JTCDM, TISS, Mumbai

11. Dr. Jacquleen Joseph, Associate Professor, Chairperson, JTCDM, TISS, Mumbai and Convenor, Advisory Committee.

In view of the restructuring of the Academic Council, the Advisory Committee is expected to meet more frequently and monitor the Centre’s academic programmes closely. The Advisory Committee will also be expanded during the forthcoming year to include more members from TISS.

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2. JTCDM Faculty Members

1. Dr. Jacquleen Joseph, Associate Professor and Chairperson

2. Dr. Janki Andharia, Professor

3. Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh, Associate Professor

4. Ms. Parama Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor

5. Mr. Mahesh Kamble, Assistant Professor

6. Dr. Samrat Sinha, Assistant Professor

7. Dr. Balamurugan Guru, Assistant Professor

3. TISS Faculty Members with Secondary Affiliation to JTCDM

1. Dr. Surinder Jaswal, Dean & Professor, School of Social Work

2. Dr. Katy Gandevia, Professor, Centre for Health and Mental Health

3. Dr. Mouleshri Vyas, Chairperson & Associate Professor, Centre for Community Organisation and Development Practice, School of Social Work

4. Dr. Manish Jha, Associate Professor, Centre for Community Organisation and Development Practice, School of Social Work

5. Dr. PK Shajahan, Associate Professor, Centre for Community Organisation and Development Practice, School of Social Work

6. Dr. Srilatha Juvva, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Centre for Disability Studies and Action, School of Social Work

4. Support Staff

1. Ms. Aruna Chavan, Administrative Assistant

2. Ms. Evon D’Souza, Training Assistant

3. Ms. Bharati Dhole, Academic Assistant

4. Mr. Anil Patil, Office Attendant

5. Programme Staff at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

1. Mr. Dharmananda Sundaray, Project Coordinator

2. Mr. Tanmoy Chatterjee, Assistant Professor (from April 2010 till date)

3. Ms. Ruchi Gupta, Programme Associate


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4. Mr. Ulhas P. Scaria, Programme Associate

5. Ms. Ashwini Falnikar, Programme Associate (until January 2010)

6. Mr. Nikhil Titus, Programme Associate (until January 2010)

7. Mr. Rajendran Muniyandi, Accountant

8. Ms. Calista Tirkey, Office Administrator

6. Consultants, Visiting Faculty, Research and Programme Staff

1. Dr. Nobhojit Roy, Visiting Faculty, JTCDM

2. Mr. Rakesh Ganguli, Training Consultant

3. Ms. Amruta Paradkar, Research Officer

4. Mr. Vikas Lakhani, Research Officer

5. Ms. Neha Kohli, Research Officer

6. Ms. Niti Mishra, Research Officer (until April 2010)

7. Ms. Kanchan Kanojia, Programme Officer

8. Mr. Rahul Gavali, Programme Officer

9. Ms. Taniya Christic Soares, Programme Officer

10. Mr. Sunil Prashar, Research Officer (until August 2009)

11. Ms. Ashwini Falnikar, Programme Associate (until September 2009)

12. Mr. Nikhil Titus, Programme Associate (until September 2009)

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MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES/BODIES

1. Within the Institute


1. Member, TISS Task Force

2. Member, Academic Council

3. Chairperson, Selection Committee, JTCDM

4. Member, Admission and Monitoring Committee (M.Phil - Ph.D Programme)

5. Member/Representative, Centre for Media and Cultural Studies (CMCS), Board

6. Chairperson / Convenor, Moderation Committee, JTCDM

7. Chairperson, Admissions Committee, MSc/ MA Disaster Management

8. Convenor, Scholarship Committee (Academic attainment in Std X & XII by wards of TISS Employees).

Mr. Mahesh Kamble

1. Students Aid Committee

2. Alumni Committee

2. Outside the Institute


1. Member, Committee on Vulnerable Groups, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), New Delhi

2. Member, Committee on Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction, National Disaster Management Authority, New Delhi

3. Member, Induction of Disaster Management Curricula at Higher and Technical level of Education, NDMA, New Delhi

4. Member, Board, Executive Council, Janarth, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

5. Patron Member, Board, Tata Chemicals Rural Development Society, Mithapur, Gujarat

6. Member, Governing Board, Academy of Gandhain Studies, Tirupati

7. Member, Board of Studies, Social Work, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati


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8. Advisor, Young Lives, A collaborative cross-country study between Oxford University, U.K and other academic institutions in India, Advisory Panel, Hyderabad

9. Member, Academic and Administrative Audit Committee (AAAC), Pondicherry University

10. Member, Asian University Network for Environment and Disaster Management (AUEDM), Bangkok

11. Member, Editorial Board of Asian Journal of Environment and Disaster Management, Japan, Bangkok

12. Academic Reviewer / Referee, Community Development Journal, Oxford, UK

13. Academic Reviewer / Referee, Indian Journal of Social Work, Mumbai

14. Member, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Vasundhara Awards 2010 Technical Committee, Mumbai

15. Member, Selection Committee, Social Work, Delhi University, Delhi

16. Member, Selection Committee, Social Work, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry

17. Member, Advisory Committee for Centre for Disability Studies, Pondicherry.

18. Trustee, Conservation Action Trust, Mumbai

Mr. Mahesh Kamble

Assistant Advisor to the Supreme Court Commissioner’s Advisor, Mumbai, Maharashtra


Member, Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Deharadun

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FUTURE PLANS

Reflecting on the work of the Centre, in less than four years, it has substantively fulfilled the mandate laid down when it was started in terms of teaching, training extension and research. Much of this has been possible due to the flexibility and support received through the grants received from the Jamsetji Tata Trust (JTT). The future direction is outlined below.

• National and International Collaborations

The Centre has forged linkages with both National as well as State Institutes of Disaster Management. In addition, we are working closely with a number of voluntary organizations in disaster prone regions of the country. This is likely grow over the years as we collaborate with state Inter-Agency Groups initiated by the UNDP. Outreach to grassroots groups and to the excluded receives special attention from the Centre.

In addition to the rich set of programmes and activities delineated in this report, the Centre has forged linkages with a number of Universities abroad in countries such as USA, Japan, Sweden, Spain, UK, Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the form of joint research and student exchanges and faculty interested in spending time with the Centre as research /visiting fellows. This includes a research fellow from Harvard.

• Work related to Human and Ecological Security

Considerable work has been put in with regard to a Masters’ in Sustainable Island Development through the Centre’s post-tsunami engagement in A&N Islands. There is consistent demand from students and other universities abroad for the Centre to undertake work related to human and ecological security in addition to consolidation of work in Disaster Risk Reduction and Planning. This is substantially related to our ongoing work on climate change, food security, migration, international relations, conflict and globalization.

• Build on the Research Agenda and institutionalize a Calendar of Trainings

The broad areas of research identified by faculty members are – Post-disaster livelihood distress, vulnerability reduction, food security, governance, conflict and peace transformation, public health, GIS guided by social and environmental justice.

• Towards a School of Disaster Studies

A brief note was put up to the Centre’s Advisory Committee which has already recommended that the Centre should grow into a School with multiple Centres. A substantial concept note is being developed and would be ready by end of this year. The idea would also be vetted by the team of external evaluators who would review the Centre’s work.


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• Space

Funding from the Jamsetji Tata Trust provided support for infrastructure development. In the new Institutional Building No.1 at the Naoroji Campus the ground and first floor of the Faculty Building currently under construction have been allocated to JTCDM. This is in addition to the existing space allocated to the Centre.

• Expansion of the Team

Disaster Management is a new field in the academia and requires multidisciplinary team. Getting good quality faculty members from select fields (like Public Health, GIS, Logistics, Governance and Environmental Sciences) has not been easy. A number of research scholars assist the team. The Centre is also reaching out to scholars in universities in Europe and North America to apply to faculty positions. Despite several limitations, the Centre has built a team of committed professionals from diverse fields who are contributing to teaching, research, publications, trainings, extension, disaster response and policy advocacy.

In order to ensure sustainability of the Centre’s work, efforts are being made to bring permanent faculty positions supported by the UGC. Out of the present 9 faculty positions supported by the Jamsetji Tata Trust (JTT) grant, we already have four faculty members supported by UGC. According to the Director, another two faculty members will be moved to UGC positions by the end of 2010. The remaining 3 positions will be secured in the 12th Plan grant from the UGC.

• External Evaluation

The Centre is working towards a substantive independent evaluation by a two member external consultant team and looks forward to suggestions and feedback. We hope that the evaluation commences by June 2010. This will be anchored by the JTT.

The field of disaster studies is vast and diverse and we hope that the collective efforts of staff and faculty members of TISS will contribute towards continuing the unique and pioneering work that the Centre has initiated in an area of national priority. In conclusion we gratefully acknowledge with a deep sense of gratitude the support we have received from various people, agencies and institutions in all our activities.

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INSTITUTE DEEMED TO BE A UNIVERSITYNo. F. 11-22/62-U2, Government of India Ministry of Education,

New Delhi, the 29th April 1964

NOTIFICATIONIn exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956), the Central Government, on the advice of the Commission, hereby declares that the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Bombay, which is an institution for higher education, shall be deemed to be a University for the purpose of the said Act.

sd/-

(Prem Kirpal)

Secretary

Documents

JAMSETJI TATA CENTRE FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT