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Purpose - Up to now most of the research into flash flood disaster has examined scientific aspects of this natural phenomenon. This paper aims to focus on the flash flood disaster scenario of Uttarakhand, a newly created Himalayan State in India, on the basis of their severity and mechanism so that management efforts can be mounted by the disaster managers. Design/methodology/approach - Besides compiling the hazard- and risk-related work done by the various research institutions and universities the paper attempts to understand the mechanism responsible for this natural hazard. Findings - Uttrakhand is a state highly prone to disasters. Flash floods are disasters that are seasonal in nature and strike during a certain period of the year in certain pockets of the state with high frequency. Research limitations/implications - The analysis is based on observations made in the entire state. Practical implications - Awareness amongst the masses regarding the flash flood disaster that is likely to affect them and their life support strategy is a must for bringing forth voluntary adoption of the safety norms. Originality/value - Armed with the information about the hazards and their spatial distribution, the disaster managers in Uttarakhand may undertake certain preventive and mitigative measures for further strengthening and streamlining the Disaster Management System in the state and pave the way for similar activities in other states of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research paper which investigates the earthquake safety elements constructed by people inhabiting in Uttarakhand, India. The research paper conducts radiocarbon dating of the wood that were used in the structure to determine the time of construction of the said safety structures. It also explores the investigations for the antiquity of the structures. Results of the investigations show that the region has existed with good earthquake-safe construction style, designated as Koti Banal architecture and attained zenith around 880 years ago.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to attempt to put forth an innovative geographic information system (GIS)-based methodology for demarcating stretches of mountain roads with differential probability of road accidents. The proposed methodology has been tested in a sample road network of Uttarkashi district in Uttaranchal (India) and exhibits potential of reducing the frequency of road accidents by adopting suitable site-specific measures along accident-prone stretches. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on the hypothesis that road accidents in the mountain roads are largely due to the three basic road parameters that distinguish mountain roads from those in the plains; sinuosity, gradient, and width. The sinuosity of the road is calculated for every 500 meter stretch of the road map layer while for delineating the gradient of the road topographic data of Survey of India maps have been used. The paper utilises GIS-based environment for correlating these parameters and delineating accident-prone road stretches. Findings - The proposed new methodology for delineating differential accident risk in mountain roads has been utilised for demarcating road stretches with differential probability of road accidents and the output has been correlated with the actual road accident database of Uttarkashi district in Uttaranchal. The correlation exhibits the potential of this methodology for practical mitigative planning-related purposes. The same can also be utilised for better aligning the planned roads. Research limitations/implications - Human factor is the most important determinant of road accidents and non-incorporation of this parameter is the biggest limitation of the proposed methodology. Further, the effectiveness of the proposed methodology is the function of the validity of the hypothesis. The methodology is, however, highly flexible and has ample scope for accommodating other parameters as well. The effectiveness of the output is, however, a function of the accuracy of the input maps. Road layer considered in this paper has been prepared from the maps available with the State Government Department (Public Works Department) and their alignment does not depict the ground details. Input road layer prepared with precision Geographical Positioning System (GPS), preferably differential, mapping would produce more realistic results. The positions of the past accident sites for the purpose of correlations are taken from the data provided by the State Police Department and these are not very accurately determined. GPS-based database of the accident locations would help in effective correlations. Practical implications - The methodology proposed in this paper is an attempt to scientifically delineate differential accident-prone stretches of the mountain roads. This would pave the way for implementation of site-specific measures for reducing probability of road accidents and better aligning of the proposed roads. Originality/value - Previously a large number of workers have used GIS-based techniques for delineating hazard and risk related largely to landslides, floods and earthquakes but the same has never been employed for delineating road accident risk. The methodology is simple, unique, original and functional and has immense practical utility for reducing the menace of road accidents in mountain roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – For a state like Uttarakhand, which is located in the seismically active Himalayan region and in the vicinity of plate boundaries, estimation of seismic hazards and the preparation of a zoning map are an urgent necessity. This paper aims to focus on this hazard. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 32 potential seismo-tectonic source zones were identified in a very wide area in and around the state, on the basis of seismicity and tectonics, and the longer ones were segmented. The maximum magnitude that each seismo-tectonic source zone can support was then estimated. The seismic hazard due to each seismo-tectonic source zone was assessed at 180 sites, in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA). Findings – The maximum PGA at each site varied between 0.06g and 0.50g. The seismic hazard was highest around the main central thrust and the main boundary thrust, and five other thrusts between these two thrusts. This assessment was adapted to make a seismic zoning map of Uttarakhand, with five distinct zones. Research limitations/implications – If seismo-tectonic source zones from the contiguous regions of Nepal and Tibet were included as part of this assessment, then a higher hazard would be expected in Uttarakhand. Practical implications – Threat perceptions of a potential earthquake disaster can be assessed in this zoning map. Disaster mitigation strategies will vary geographically, with priorities defined by the zoning map presented here. The methodology evolved has the potential to be extended to other vulnerable states in the Himalayan arc. Originality/value – The seismic hazard assessed has been adapted to formulate a seismic zoning map of Uttarakhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to persuade all partners in disaster management to take action and create a pair of synergistic and invincible forces - government and people - that interact to bring about a reduction in the impact of natural hazards in Uttaranchal, India. Design/methodology/approach - There is an urgent need for a comprehensive tool to make the community aware of its right to safety. Today, policies and planning for disaster management are a State subject, in which the participation of the community is negligible. Therefore, disaster management has become supply-driven instead of demand-driven. Findings - A Citizen's Charter of Disaster Management is considered to be another appropriate tool to bring in citizen-centric governance. The Charter aspires to meet the present and anticipated needs of citizens in an efficient manner by eradicating errors and wastage through a scientific approach with participation between government and citizens. Research limitations/implications - The analysis is based on the experience gained over a period of seven years (1999-2005). The period is short for developing any hypothesis, but sufficient care has been taken to consider vital factors. Practical implications - With the help of the Citizen's Charter of Disaster Management, the quality of public services can be improved. To make society safer it is required that people should know the mandate of the Department of Disaster Management concerned, how one can get in touch with its officials, what to expect by way of services, and how to seek a remedy if something goes wrong. Originality/value - The Citizen's Charter of Disaster Management does not by itself create new legal rights, but it certainly helps in enforcing existing rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to devise Uttaranchal's disaster management mechanism for reduction of effects of disaster, i.e. damage to property and loss of life and the rapid and effective rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the victims. Design/methodology/approach - Uttaranchal's location and geographical features render it vulnerable to minor changes. Hence any activity disapproved by mountain ecosystem triggers a disaster. One cannot stop disaster happening but can certainly take some steps to reduce its effects. If disasters cannot be averted, then reduction of losses of any type caused by disaster becomes a focal point of the policy for disaster management. Findings - The study reveals that 83 villages in Uttaranchal need rehabilitation but, to date, Uttaranchal has no resettlement and rehabilitation policy. In India only three States, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, have state-wide resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) policies. Other States have issued Government Orders or Resolutions, sometimes sector-wide but more often for specific projects. Research limitations/implications - The study is based on secondary data; however, sufficient care has been taken to consider all important factors while suggesting Rehabilitation Policy for Uttaranchal State. Practical implications - A disaster of rare severity requires a high level of resettlement and rehabilitation assistance from the State. Sound Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy helps the Government to tackle the problem immediately and efficiently. Originality/value - The study suggests a Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy for Uttaranchal State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]