AIM

The aim of the West Bengal State Disaster Management Department is to establish necessary systems, structures, programs, resources, capabilities and guiding principles for reducing disaster risks and preparing for and responding to disasters and threats of disasters in the State of West Bengal in order to save lives and property, avoid disruption of economic activity and damage to environment and to ensure the continuity and sustainability of development.

VISION

• Understanding Disaster Risk: Focus on understanding disaster risk in all its dimensions, including vulnerability, capacity, exposure, and hazard characteristics.
• Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance: Enhance governance structures to manage disaster risk, promote collaboration, and ensure accountability.
• Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience: Invest in structural and non-structural measures to reduce disaster risk and enhance resilience.
• Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response: Strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to "Build Back Better".

West Bengal has a geographical exposure of Himalayas to Sundarbans. Thus, the densely populated state is vulnerable to all types of natural and manmade disasters. The future vision emphasizes a people-centric approach, recognizing the importance of inclusivity, gender equality, and empowerment of vulnerable groups. It also highlights the need for strengthened international cooperation, financing, and technology transfer to support disaster risk reduction efforts. By 2030, the vision is to achieve substantial reduction in disaster risk and losses, and to ensure that disaster risk reduction is integrated into development policies and planning.

Objectives:

The Department of Disaster Management and Civil Defence of West Bengal has several key objectives:

• Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis: Identify and assess risks associated with various disasters to develop effective prevention and mitigation strategies.
• Disaster Prevention and Mitigation: Develop and implement strategies to prevent or minimize the impact of disasters.
• Clarity on Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved in disaster management.
• Resource Mobilization: Ensure arrangements are in place to mobilize resources, equipment, and funding for disaster response and recovery.
• Awareness and Capacity Building: Create awareness and provide training to agencies and communities involved in disaster management.
• Community Strengthening: Strengthen community capacities and establish effective systems for disaster response.
• Coordination and Collaboration: Ensure coordination with state, national and international agencies, as well as other states, for effective disaster management.
• Relief and Rehabilitation: Provide relief assistance to affected individuals without discrimination at the earliest.
• Risk Reduction and Transfer: Develop and implement programs for risk sharing and transfer.
• Gender Empowerment: Address gender issues in disaster management, focusing on women's empowerment.

These objectives aim to reduce disaster risks, save lives, and ensure resilience building for all in West Bengal.