3 Review(s)

This book examines the role of Panchayats in disaster management in India. Based on an action research carried out in four states—Gujarat, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, it analyses the response of the communities and Panchayats towards tsunami and other natural disasters, with specific reference to the issues of gender and exclusion in relief as well as rehabilitation work. Also, it deals with the communication system in the entire coastal area for early warning messages to the communities, the interface between traditional and constitutional Panchayats, the disaster management policy, and relief codes from the perspective of local grassroots governance. The relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities undertaken by government institutions and NGOs have been evaluated as well. The book is useful for researchers, policy makers and development workers.