CHAPTER - XVII

OTHER INFORMATION

Following information is given in public interest.

17.1

Mason’s Certification Programme

The authority is running the mason’s certification programme. The authority is issuing the certificates to the masons after giving training and competency obtain in all 10 skills. The details of program are given below:

Background

The Bhuj Earthquake of January 26th 2001 resulted in devastating deaths and damage of the buildings. Typically, more than 70% of deaths in the earthquake can be attributed to collapse of masonry buildings. Some of the reasons for poor performance of masonry structures are: inadequate knowledge of good masonry practices in areas of earthquake hazard, lack of motivation and absence of incentives coupled with inadequate regulatory mechanism to promote good masonry. Geographically, Gujarat lies in earthquake hazard zones and it is necessary to promote earthquake resistant practices in masonry to avoid such damage in a future earthquake. The Bhuj earthquake has provided an opportunity to the State to fulfill the long-standing need for a formalized program of certification of masons, which would assure quality, and skills of masons.

Problems faced due to untrained Mason force

Trained manpower engaged in construction work is less than 5% Safety, Productivity and Quality is compromised due to engagement of untrained manpower.

Why Mason skill certification is required

A large number of practicing masons in Gujarat have learnt the trade from hands-on experience in the field. It is not uncommon to find the practice of masonry as a trade adopted by many generations within a family. Such masons may not be able to spare the time and resources to attend a full time mason three-year training course but would benefit immensely from additional knowledge of good masonry practices in areas of earthquake risk. A skill certification program will allow them to test their skills and improve themselves in the areas they are deficient in. In rural Gujarat the masons are employed not only for masonry work but also for the design and construction of houses. Such practices distinctly reflect the significance of developing competency level of masons wherein he/she is skilled not only in masonry practice but also possesses fundamental skills of other fields such as carpentry and plumbing together with seismic detailing of load bearing structures.

Objectives of Mason Certification Program:

To create a stock of Masons in the state whose competency is well established

To establish masonry as a recognized trade requiring well defined skills and discourage rampant practice of unskilled laborers working as masons

To create a sense of pride amongst the Masons for their trade

To improve the overall quality of construction in the State

To improve safety standards in the construction trade

Should Certification of Masons be made compulsory?

In most places across the world, certification of masons is not a compulsory requirement for practice as mason. However, voluntary certification programs are inplace in many countries. Similarly the certification is not meant to be made compulsory in Gujarat. The State may consider methods of creating a demand for certified masons by insisting on use of some percentage of certified masons in government-funded projects.

Process of Certification of Masons:

The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), has identified training skills for the Masons, under the Mason Certification programme. A detailed training module has been constituted based on identified skills. The training module has been constituted under three heads:

1.Core Skills

2.Basic Skills

3.Advance Skills

Total ten training modules have been designed covering these three levels of skills. The training modules and training guidelines are priced publications available with GSDMA at a very reasonable rate. The process of training and certification of Masons is covered under two schemes:

The process of training Masons involves following stages:

STAGE I:

The training agency (NGO’s or Cement Companies etc) will purchase the training manual and guidelines from GSDMA

STAGE II:

The training agency will identify Masons and will mobilize them to participate in the certification programme. A group of 30 Masons can be formed by the training agency. Similar unit groups can be further formed for training.

STAGE III:

The training agency will be training the Masons in the areas where masons are found lacking in these 10 basic skills. This training will be based on the guidelines prepared by GSDMA.

STAGE IV:

After the completion of the training, the agency will request Gujarat Council of Vocational Training (GCVT), to visit their area where the agency is based to assess the Masons and provide certification. After the assessment, if GCVT finds that a mason is good only in eight skills and weak in other two, then the mason will be deemed to have passed the test for eight skills and get retrained by the agency in the two skills, which he did not pass. The competency certification will be provided only if the Masons pass the assessment test for all the ten modules. The agency will continue training the Masons till the ten training modules have been completed successfully.

STAGE V:

After final certification of the Mason, the NGO/agency, which trained the Mason, will be paid Rs.2000/- per mason as the cost of training imparted to them. Till date, 288 masons have been certified, upon training and conduct of exams, through this program.

Mason Training

GSDMA has reinitiating Mason Training/Certification Programme in the year 2012 for training/certification of masons in Gujarat State so that the quality of construction in rural and semi-urban areas could be improved. In this regard GSDMA has signed an MoU with L&T for masons training program. According to the MoU, GSDMA will screen and provide suitable number of candidates to L&T who will undergo training in Confined Masonry Construction. The training would be of three months. The course is basically designed to improve and impart training in confined masonry construction including earthquake resistant construction in rural areas. The main construction sector targeted is housing schemes running under state and central government. After training the trained masons will either work in L&T projects or choose to work on their own in any region.

GSDMA currently is implementing two programs on school safety.
They are:
1. National School Safety Program (NSSP) – A Demonstration Project
2. School Safety Initiative Gujarat

National School Safety Program (NSSP) – A Demonstration Project

The national school safety program is launched as a pilot project in 22states/UTs. 200 schools of 43 districts each in 22 states/UTs falling in seismic zone IV and V are targeted under this project. The project is centrally sponsored with a total cost of 48.47 Crore to be implemented by National Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with Ministry of Human Resource Development.

The objectives of the project are:

•

To initiate policy level changes for ensuring safe school environment

•

To sensitize children and the school community on disasters preparedness and safety measures

•

To motivate direct participation of key stakeholders in activities that would help building towards a disaster resilient community

•

To promote capacity building of officials, teachers and students

•

To carry out Information, Education, and Communication activities in schools and associated environment

•

To implement non-structural mitigation measures in selected schools

•

To carry out demonstrative structural retrofitting in selected schools

In Gujarat Kutch and Jamnagar districts have been identified for this project which falls in seismic zone IV and V.

The main components of this project are:

1. Formulation of draft of National School Safety Policy

This mainly deals with drafting National School Safety Policy at national level.

2. Capacity building in 400 schools in Kutch and Jamnagar Districts

The structural vulnerability of school can be reduced but it would take quite more time as it is resource intensive work. Therefore it is vital to prepare disaster preparedness and response plans at school level. The school Disaster Management Plan will guide students, teachers and other staff on response and preparedness for disasters. The school DM plan will further associated with formation of various team for managing disasters. This will train them in basic life saving skills required in an emergency situation. This component involves development of teachers training module, training of teachers, preparation of school DM plan, preparation and distribution of disaster preparedness kits and conduction of mock drills in school.

3. Information, Education and Communication activities

The community is the first responder to any event whether it is school or neighborhood. So school community must be sensitized on disaster preparedness and safety issues. The school community must be encouraged to participate in preparedness activities for knowledge building and awareness. This component involves development of IEC material and others learning aids for school children, sensitization programs, awareness generation programs, development of audio-visual aid for schools, organizing competition such as painting, debate, quiz etc related to disaster management.

4. Non-Structural Measures

The community It involves rapid visual survey of 400 schools of Kutch and Jamnagar districts, training of engineers and preparation of standard checklist to assess the existing non-structural risks in school building, sensitization program on importance of non-structural retrofitting.

5. Demonstrative Retrofitting of one school

One school would be retrofitted under this component which would serve as a model school for retrofitting. This retrofitted school could also be used a relief shelter under district administration in post disaster situation for relief activities. It involves preparation of retrofitting guidelines, preparation of execution plan and sensitization program for spreading importance of retrofitting.

17.2

List of Publications by GSDMA (past & current) is given below;

Sr. No	Title	Remarks
1.	Gujarat State Disaster Management Act	Gujarati and English
2.	Gujarat State Disaster Management Policy	English Publication
3.	Gujarat earthquake Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Policy	English Publication
4.	Gujarat State Earthquake Management Plan	English Publication
5.		Gujarati Booklet for training
6.	Home owners guide on fire safety	Gujarati and English
7.	Home owners guide on fire safety	Gujarati and English
8.	Sheltered dreams to constructed vision	English Pamphlet
9.		Gujarati Publication
10.	Housing Insurance Program	Gujarati and English
11.	Gujarat Earthquake Rehabilitation – Rebuilding Lives Village Partnership Procedure Manual	Gujarati and English
12.	Standard operating procedure for taluka level officers	English Publication
13.		Gujarati Publication
14.		Gujarati Publication
15.		Gujarati Publication
16.		Gujarati Publication
17.	Fastening the seatbelt … The Gujarat Initiatives	English Publication
18.		Gujarati Publication
19.		Gujarati Publication
20.		Gujarati Publication
21.		Gujarati Publication
22.		Gujarati Publication
23.		Gujarati Publication
24.		Gujarati Publication
25.		Gujarati Publication
26.	s	Gujarati Publication
27.		Gujarati Publication
28.		Gujarati Publication
29.		Gujarati Publication
30.		Gujarati Publication
31.		English Publication
32.	Grit and Grace – The story of Reconstruction	English Publication
33.	From tears to smiles	English Publication
34.	Beyond Reconstruction	English Publication
35.	School Safety Initiative	English Publication
36.	Emergency Response Guidebook	English and Gujarati Publication
37.	Confined Masonry House	English Publication
38.	Earthquake Behaviour of Building	English Publication
39.	Earthquake Protection of Non-Structural Elements	English Publication

17.3

www.gsdma.org

The website "www.gsdma.org" of Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), the prime department into disaster preparedness and management, contains vital information about disaster preparedness and management. It contains information about some of the programmes being undertaken by the GSDMA along with the details like, GSDMA's structure, its aim and objectives, etc. Some of the major publications are also been uploaded on this website. Moreover, GSDMA has also created a Facebook Page known as “Safe Gujarat” in which event based information is regularly updated. GSDMA also has a YouTube account – GoG GSDMA whereby it has uploaded various informative videos for educational purpose and wider access.

17.4

Disaster Risk Management Programme

Considering the intensity and frequency of disaster, the need for comprehensive approach to the prevention and mitigation of hazards and the need for mainstreaming the concept of disaster risk management into ongoing development activities need to be emphasized more strongly. Especially development gains made over the years through painstaking effort and the precious lives and livelihood of the most vulnerable section of society are to be protected. The prosperous industrial state Gujarat experiences droughts, flash floods, cyclones and earthquakes with depressing regularity. Adopting the proactive preparedness and mitigation instead of the traditional model of relief and rehabilitation, GSDMA initiated Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) program in the entire state, essentially aiming at strengthening the community, local self governments and administration to be prepared to face disasters. The activities under DRM include preparing disaster management plans at all levels (Village, Taluka, City, District & Mahanagarpalika) with capacity building of stakeholders through organizing different kinds of training programmes and raising disaster awareness through various modes of mass media communication channels for better preparedness and response for disaster.

• Programme Goal:

Sustainable reduction in disaster risk in the State of Gujarat.

• Objectives:

Capacity building to institutionalize the system for disaster risk management for all kinds of disasters except for drought.

To undertake environment building, education, awareness programmes on different facets of disaster management; strengthening of capacity at all levels in disaster risk management and sustainable recovery; development of manuals and training modules; information, education and communication material and their dissemination.

Multi hazard preparedness, response and mitigation plan for disaster risk management at state, district, taluka, municipality, village and municipal corporation level.

Networking knowledge on effective approaches, methods and tools for disaster risk management, development and promoting policy framework at state and National levels.

• Methodology used:

(1)

Orientation of officers and PRI members

(2)

Formation of Disaster Management Committees at various administrative levels

(3)

Capacity building of all stake holders

(4)

Development of the Disaster Management Plan

(5)

Use of ICT material for awareness generation

• Components of DRM Programme:

DRM Programme includes the development of Disaster Management plans at various level; training and capacity building of various stake holders and awareness generation.

I. Development of Disaster Management Plans:

DRM programme include, preparing Disaster Management plan at various level; The Disaster Management plans being developed at each sub sequent administrative level starting from Village community through to state government are as follows:

1. Village Disaster Management plan (VDMP)

2. City Disaster Management plan (CDMP)

3. Taluka Disaster Management plan (TDMP)

4. District Disaster Management plan (DDMP)

5. State Disaster Management plan (SDMP)- Hazard specific too.

• Repository of Information - State Disaster Resource Network:

Data generated for plan have been thought to be captured on a uniform format for easy compilation, collation, analysis and accessibility with the assistance of the state owned IT network Gujarat State Wide Area Network (GSWAN). GSWAN is a state of art wide area network catering for government official at State, District and Taluka levels. The State Disaster Resource Network (SDRN), a system that is being hosted on GSWAN and GSDMA website which includes the level specific data related to inventory of resources available, response group members and emergency contact details at various administrative levels. The SDRN system has three layers namely Village, Municipality and Taluka. The level specific data is collected in the standard disaster management plan format and uploaded in to the system either at taluka or district level. The centrally stored database in the server located at GSDMA, Gandhinagar can be accessed through GSWAN connectivity and GSDMA website from anywhere. The resource inventory helps in preparing level specific disaster management plans too. The system avoids duplication of work, save time and energy. The system generates reports to support the decision making process.

II. Training & Capacity Building:

Training & Capacity building of various stake holders including Disaster Management teams at community level for better preparedness and effective response at the time of disaster and would reduce the risk. In order to achieve this various capacity building related various training programmes are being taken up on different subject areas such as Search & Rescue, First Aid & primary health care , Early Warning & Communication, Damage Assessment, Relief co-ordination, Fire protection, Special Flood Rescue, Masons training so on and so forth. Such trainings are being extended to the teachers, Government officials, NGOs, PRI members and village- Taluka level functionaries too in association with NGOs and Municipal corporations.

The subject specific training programmes at district and below level covering various groups are being organized by District Project Officers in consultation and under direct supervision of District Collector. The special training programme such as flood rescue, search & rescue, emergency communication etc are being organized by GSDMA in collaboration with respective Municipal Corporations and other partner agencies.

A large range of manuals have been developed for use in capacity building including:

- Subject specific manuals

- Hazard specific manuals

- Training manuals

- Other training aids

III. Awareness Generation:

In order to communicate all aspects of disaster management to the stakeholders at all levels; a multi pronged communication strategy has been developed reaching out to the individual, local communities, and the general public at large. The awareness strategies are being designed considering hazard profile of the state and the need for education and awareness pertaining to specific hazard. The cultural fairs, public gatherings, government programmes are being used the platform for mass awareness generation across the state. At the individual level, IEC materials such as hazard and subject specific Do’s and Don’ts, checklist and information booklets are being disseminated. At the community level the posters, leaflets, wall painting, rallies, mass meetings and competition such as essay competition, debate and drawing among school students are envisaged. The four main tools of mass media including: television, radio, print media and internet are being effectively used in order to ensure that Disaster Management becomes a core concern from the individual and household to the national level.

• Manpower arrangement under DRM Programme

Sr.No	Name	Duty Station	Job Title
1	Anil Kumar	Gandhinagar	Sector Manager (DRM)
2	Ankit Jaiswal	Gandhinagar	Sector Manager (DRM)
3	Prashant Makwana	Ahmedabad	District Project Officer
4	Sunita Vaghela	Ahmedabad City	Project Officer
5	Kratu Trivedi	Amreli	District Project Officer
6	Darshana Paghadar	Anand	District Project Officer
7	Sanjay Chauhan	Banaskatha	District Project Officer
8	Bhavesh Govil	Bharuch	District Project Officer
9	Dimpal Teraiya	Bhavnagar	District Project Officer
10	Pravinsinh Rathod	Dahod	District Project Officer
11	Hitendra Rathod (I/C)	Dang	District Project Officer
12	Varsha Patel	Gandhinagar	District Project Officer
13	Yashwant Parmar	Jamnagar	District Project Officer
14	Yakin Shivani	Junagadh	District Project Officer
15	Amy Joseph	Kheda	District Project Officer
16	Khima Chetariya	Kutch	District Project Officer
17	Anjela R. Gamadia	Mehsana	District Project Officer
18	Bhavesh Govil (I/C)	Narmada	District Project Officer
19	Nital Doshi (I/C)	Navsari	District Project Officer
20	Solanki Rakesh P	Panchmahal	District Project Officer
21	Kamlesh Patel	Patan	District Project Officer
22	Haresh Dodia	Porbandar	District Project Officer
23	Priyank Singh	Rajkot	District Project Officer
24	Kanaiyalal Patel	Sabarkantha	District Project Officer
25	Nilesh Parmar	Surendranagar	District Project Officer
26	Paul Gamit	Surat	District Project Officer
27	Smit Patel	Tapi	District Project Officer
28	Shlesha Mistry	Vadodra	District Project Officer
29	Hitendra Rathod	Valsad	District Project Officer
29	Hitendra Rathod	Valsad	District Project Officer
29	Hitendra Rathod	Valsad	District Project Officer
29	Hitendra Rathod	Valsad	District Project Officer
29	Hitendra Rathod	Valsad	District Project Officer
29	Hitendra Rathod	Valsad	District Project Officer
29	Hitendra Rathod	Valsad	District Project Officer
29	Hitendra Rathod	Valsad	District Project Officer
30	Kanaiyalal Patel (I/C)	Arvalli	District Project Officer
31	Jayvirsinh Raol	Botad	District Project Officer
32	Viral Christian	Chhotaudepur	District Project Officer
33	Vidhi Parmar	Devbhumi Dwaraka	District Project Officer
34	Yakin Shivani (I/C)	Gir Somnath	District Project Officer
35	Karnelyesh Gamit	Mahisagar	District Project Officer
36	Ankit Parmar	Morbi	District Project Officer
37	Nital Doshi	Surat City	Project Officer

• Achievement under DRM Programme:

The following are the major achievements under DRM Programme for the year 2014-15.

Sr. No	Activities	Total
1	Preparation of Disaster Management Plan
1.1	District Disaster Management Plan Updated	33
1.2	Taluka Disaster Management Plan Updated	220
1.3	City (Nagarpalika) Disaster Management Plan Updated	146
2	D.M.T. Members trained in First aid
2.1	District D.M.T. Members trained in First aid	4143
2.2	Taluka D.M.T. Members trained in First aid	7204
2.3	Village D.M.T. Members trained in First aid	6217
2.4	ULB D.M.T. Members trained in First aid	1721
3	D.M.T. Members trained in Search and Rescue
3.1	District D.M.T. Members trained in Search and Rescue	5325
3.2	Taluka D.M.T. Members trained in Search and Rescue	8131
3.3	Village D.M.T. Members trained in Search and Rescue	6376
3.4	ULB D.M.T. Members trained in Search and Rescue	4006
4	Mock drill conducted
4.1	Mock drill conducted at district level	81
4.2	Mock drill conducted at Taluka level	102
4.3	Mock drill conducted at city (Nagarpalika) level	60
4.4	Mock drill conducted at village level	62

17.7

Emergency Response Guidebook

Originally, the ERG2012 was developed jointly by Transport Canada (TC), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Secretariat of Transport and Communications of Mexico (SCT) and with the collaboration of CIQUIME (Centro de Información Química para Emergencias) of Argentina, for use by fire fighters, police, and other emergency services personnel who may be the first to arrive at the scene of a transportation incident involving dangerous goods.

It is primarily a guide to aid first responders in quickly identifying the specific or generic hazards of the material(s) involved in the incident, and protecting themselves and the general public during the initial response phase of the incident. For the purposes of this guidebook, the “initial response phase” is that period following arrival at the scene of an incident during which the presence and/or identification of dangerous goods is confirmed, protective actions and area securement are initiated, and assistance of qualified personnel is requested.

This guidebook will assist responders in making initial decisions upon arriving at the scene of a dangerous goods incident. It is primarily designed for use at a dangerous goods incident occurring on a highway or railroad. GSDMA has decided to make necessary changes as per Indian (Gujarat) context in the guidebook and publish it into English and Gujarati. The hard copy of the guidebook (in English and Gujarati) has been be distributed among stakeholders. The softcopy of the guidebook is available at GSDMA’s Website.

17.8

Procurement of Fiber Boats with Trolley

Boats are essential in rescue missions during floods and cyclones disasters. GSDMA is in process of procuring 13 units of Fiber boats with Trolley through tender process which will further be distributed amongst the stakeholders.

17.9

Oil & Gas Pipeline Network

The state of Gujarat has a large scale network of pipelines, which carry crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas. The pipeline network is operated by both public and private companies. A number of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks are also currently operational in the State and many more are in the planning stage. Gujarat currently has the largest natural gas pipeline network among all the Indian states.

Looking to this, GSDMA has prepared a holistic GIS map of the entire state pipeline network, which will assist in understanding the vulnerability of the State from a pipeline perspective. The map is ready and currently available on login basis on GSDMA website.

17.10

Procurement of Motorcycle mounted Water Mist & CAF Fire Fighting System

GSDMA has procured portable and compact fire extinguishers which are well suited for rescue efforts in narrow and long winding streets. The water mist systems are capable of ensuring simultaneous cooling as well as smothering of fire.

The fire fighting systems make sure that the fire is extinguished faster by using at least ten times less water and with minimum corresponding water damage to valuables. These innovative systems are ideal for engine rooms, cabins and kitchens on-board ships, trains as well as for computer rooms, etc.

GSDMA has procured and delivered 152 nos. of Motorcycle mounted Water Mist cum CAF Firefighting equipment for various Municipal Corporations and Municipalities in Gujarat. The detail distribution list of the vehicles/equipment is given in the GSDMA’s web-site.

17.11

Procurement of Portable Inflatable Emergency Lighting System

Emergency Illumination Systems are essential in rescue missions during cyclones and fire disasters. Portable Lighting Systems provide instant light in an area of 10,000 square meters in 3 minutes and can work in rainy and windy conditions. GSDMA has recently procured 394 units of such lighting systems and distributed amongst all 33 District Collectorates. The detail distribution list of the vehicles/equipment is given in the GSDMA's website.

17.12

Procurement of Mini Fire Tenders and Water Bouzers

GSDMA has procured 159 units of Mini Fire Tenders and 166 units of water bouzers till date and distributed among stakeholders. The detail distribution list of the vehicles/equipment is given in the GSDMA’s web-site.

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