Uttarakhand and Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC) :

At present Disaster Mitigation & Management Centre is working as autonomous institute under aegis of Department of Disaster Management Government of Uttarakhand and Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre(DMMC) is the apex center in the field of Disaster Mitigation & Management in Uttarakhand, to protection of the community and the environment from the over whelming obliteration caused by disasters. DMMC, located in the Uttarakhand secretariat compound, is to generate the sense of worth amongst common people and the government authorities in formulating appropriate policies and strengthening their capabilities to cope up with all aspects of disaster management.

In addition to offering an extensive range of training programs, gearing-up to providing advance information about likely disaster through latest technologies available for the purpose, maintaining a network of experienced experts working in the field and institutions of excellence, DMMC will also provide consultancy services to all levels of government, international agencies and non-government organizations The center has also undertook the responsibility of training communities and community based organizations and through them develop a strong regional knowledge base towards disaster policy, prevention mechanisms, mitigation measures, preparedness, and response plans.

The center has also undertook the responsibility of training communities and community based organizations and through them develop a strong regional knowledge base towards disaster policy, prevention mechanisms, mitigation measures, preparedness, and response plans. Perhaps the most important need at the State level is to strengthen and develop capacity to undertake disaster mitigation strategies. Disaster vulnerability assessment is to be incorporated in the state development process so that projects and future investments reduce, rather than increase vulnerability. In order to overcome resource constraints and to be effective and sustainable, the action plan for disaster reduction is to be incorporated in the overall economic and social development plans. No matter what loss-reduction strategy is used, major reductions in losses of life and property come only when the emphasis shifts from reaction to anticipation. That is,the emphasis must be on proactive pre-disaster measures rather than post-disaster response.

Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC) expected to function as a think-tank for the Ministry/Department, will look into, and incorporate prevention, preparedness and mitigation aspects for all projects.

Activities :

Consultancy : DMMC has undertaken number of projects for various government departments like irrigation, health, pwd,education to name a few. GIS lab at DMMC is working for development and updation of data and maps for emergency and development purpose.Presently DMMC has database of roads, drainage, health facilities,police, fire services, education etc.  DMMC is also undertaking project related downstream analysis of Tehri dam.

National and International Coordination : DMMC has effective working linkages with National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), New Delhi. DMMC is also closely linked with several other ATIs, Research Institutes, Universities, organizations, NGOs, experts of Uttarakhand and other states and shares data/information with them. Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC) has also completed ADB sponsored Technical Assistance on ‘Strengthening of Disaster Management Strategies’ for Uttarakhand and Disaster Risk Management Programme of the Government of India and United Nations Development Program.

GIS database : Database on the various critical infrastructure is an important resource for quick decision making so as to better manage the disaster situation. DMMC has prepared a detailed database of all critical resources for the entire state of UIttaranchal under the Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. DMMC is utilising the satellite data for preparing input theme maps into the GIS environment.

Documentation : It is a routine practice at DMMC to prepare detailed reports of the various disasters and these are being utilised for experience sharing, seeking information regarding the particular event as also database creation

Communication : Effective communication is a must for effective management of the disaster situation and therefore DMMC is emphasizing upon strengthening normal communication network as also erecting alternative backup communication infrastructure DMMC has police wireless connectivity at State Emergency Operation Centre, videoconferencing facility with all the 13 districts and 22 state headquarters and MHA. Satellite phones have been set up in ten districts as also in the DMMC and SEOC for providing alternative communication.DMMC is currenty using sms gateway service for emergency alerts. A HAM radio club has been formed in DMMC for providing alternative communication as also for promoting this hobby.

Research :

Most research in the field of disasters mostly examines scientific aspects of the natural phenomena, statistical and geographic records of their occurrence and social responses to the events.The DMMC however focuses on the management aspects of response and relief activities mounted by the Government of Uttarakhand and the role of State and Central Government agencies, armed forces, non-government organisations and others supporting these activities so as to minimise the miseries of the masses exposed to these events.

• DMMC is also routinely involved in pre- and post-disaster surveys of the areas affected by disasters in Uttarakhand and studies the conditions that had increased the vulnerability of the people and attempts to identify areas where the vulnerability of the masses is on the rise so as to initiate timely action to reduce disaster risk.
• Besides compiling the hazard and risk related work done by the various research institutions and universities DMMC is also undertaking similar exercise under GIS environment. A comprehensive list of the human habitations falling in high landslide hazard prone zones has been prepared by the centre.
• DMMC is also engaged in gathering information on the indigenous disaster management practices of the masses of the region so as to innovate new management practices that would be cost effective and acceptable to the masses.