Government is focusing on expanding and modernising flood forecasting and warning systems to mitigate disasters. Addressing a function on the 8th Formation Day of National Disaster Management Authority, NDMA in New Delhi today, Union Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Pawan Kumar Bansal said that his Ministry is also trying to focus on river basin organisation approach for effective inter-state coordination with respect to water management, especially floods.

He said, Central Water Commission monitors the river levels and reservoir levels and issues flood forecasting and warning during monsoon season. Mr Bansal emphasised to involve community participation at all levels of disaster management plan including awareness generation, preparedness, relief and recovery from both the physical loss and psychological shock. The Minister expressed happiness that NDMA has conceptualised Flood Risk Mitigation Project to be taken up during the 12th Five Year Plan.

NDMA vice-chairman M Shashidhar Reddy told reporters that all nuclear installations in the country are safe and there is no need for any worry for the people living in the surrounding areas. Mr Reddy said that Government has taken several safety measures and there is need for awareness. Mr Reddy said government has already announced a 500 crore rupees development project for the surrounding areas of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. NDMA have asked all states, which have nuclear plant, to prepare development plan for people living in areas near the plant.

Karnataka is preparing one and other states will also come up. The NDMA vice-chairman said, drills were carried out in six states which host nuclear plants to aware people how to deal with any disaster. Mr Reddy said, 35,000 crore rupees are expected to be spent under the 12th five year plan for strengthening various disaster management mechanisms in the country.