INCOIS Honoured for Strengthening India’s Disaster Preparedness Framework
Analysis
- The recognition of INCOIS under the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar highlights India’s growing reliance on scientific forecasting and early warning systems for disaster risk reduction
- Real-time ocean monitoring and rapid tsunami alerts demonstrate the shift from reactive relief to proactive preparedness
- Integration of technology-driven tools such as SARAT and SynOPS reflects institutional coordination in disaster response
- The award aligns with India’s national vision of multi-hazard and multi-sectoral disaster management promoted by NDMA
- Improved early warning dissemination has directly contributed to reduced casualties in cyclones and coastal disasters
Static Background
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- Apex disaster management body chaired by the Prime Minister of India
- Established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005
- Mandated to formulate policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management
- Core approach:
- Prevention
- Mitigation
- Preparedness
- Response
- Major divisions:
- Policy & Plans
- Mitigation
- Operations, Communications & IT
- Administration
- Finance
Technology-Driven Preparedness: SACHET App
- Developed by NDMA for real-time disaster alerts
- Initially launched on 7 March 2023
- Features:
- Geo-targeted warnings
- Multi-lingual alerts
- Coverage of natural and man-made hazards
- Weather updates from IMD
- Uses CAP-based Integrated Alert System for pan-India dissemination
INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services)
- Established in 1999, Hyderabad
- Operates Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC)
- Issues tsunami alerts within 10 minutes
- Serves India and 28 Indian Ocean countries
- Recognised by UNESCO as a global tsunami service provider
- Key contributions:
- Cyclone and storm surge forecasting
- SARAT rescue support tool
- SynOPS real-time disaster visualisation platform
Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar
- Instituted by Government of India
- Awarded annually for excellence in disaster management
- Institutional award: ₹51 lakh and certificate
- Individual award: ₹5 lakh and certificate
- Announced on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary
Updated - 23 January 2025 | 3:21 PM | News Source: DD NewsAdditional Reference: National Disaster Management Authority