Experienced, expert and dedicated manpower is an asset for any organisation and investment on Human Resource need not be considered a financial liability and is a must for ensuring institutional memory and continuity.
Disaster risk reduction
Banta’s Buried Treasure and the Resilient Disco
A story about a man who thinks the best disaster plan is a shovel, and the friend who has to explain that you can’t dance away an earthquake. Banta declared his disaster plan: “I’ve buried my life savings in the backyard!” Santa sighed, “That’s not a plan, Banta. That’s a treasure map for the local mice.”
Understanding Ourselves to Build a Safer Future
To build a safer future we need to understand our psychological and cultural biases and prepare a strategy to overcome these so as to infuse resilience in our communities.
Unraveling the Complex Web of Landslide Vulnerability and Resilience
The Himalayan landscape holds a dangerous secret. This article unravels how our own choices—not just climate change—are turning natural hazards into preventable catastrophes, and offers a blueprint for a safer future.
The Ghost of Gohna Tal and the Scientist’s New Compass
As authorities begin a risky, controlled breach of the lake on Yamuna, Banta channels the ghost of Gohna Tal – a 19th-century success story of monitoring and early warning to deliver a powerful lesson on why our modern approach to disaster management is dangerously flawed.
The Scientist’s New Compass
To stop being disaster detective and try becoming community doctor, was Banta’s advise to the brilliant young scientist and he was quick to grasp and launch a new mission.
The Chisoti Cataclysm: A Clarion Call for a New Era of Himalayan Safety
Cataclysms of Dharali and Chisoti are tragic lessons. These are not just about rain; these are about a ticking time bomb in the glaciers, and our failure to act.
Rishikesh: At the Crossroads of Faith and Fault Lines – A Strategy for Urban Disaster Resilience
Safe from disasters in the past makes one ignore vulnerability of Rishikesh. High footfall of pilgrims, tourists and adventure enthusiasts however enhances the risk and calls for undertaking urban resilience measures.
The Delhi-Badrinath Express and the Gasping Lungs
Fast increasing craving for express travel through the Himalayas, if not planned well, could be disastrous and derail our tourism promotion strategies.
Himalayan Habitats: Built on Landslides, Threatened by Negligence
Not landslides, but our ignorance and greed are responsible for increasing losses due to this phenomenon that facilitated growth of habitations in the Himalayan region.