eChapters

Lameness in dairy animals is a serious health problem all over the world causing substantial economic losses to dairy industry owing to reduced milk production, reduced reproductive performance, cost of treatment including medicines, increased risk of culling, death, and the development of other diseases. Lameness can be defined as a state of being unable to walk properly because of pain in the limbs or foot. The incidence of lameness in the dairy herd is variable (1 to 50%) depending on the farm. In USA its incidence varies from 13 to 55% (Hoffman et al., 2014; Cook et al., 2016). Lameness may be due to diseases of limb and/or hoof of infectious and/or noninfectious origin. Lameness usually affects hind limbs because of greater load of the body on hind limbs. A lame animal adjusts gait and posture depending on the origin of the pain (foot or upper limb). Clinical signs of lameness include changes in locomotion (e.g. decreased speed, decreased stride, length and tracking, increased abduction,

South Asia, which includes countries like Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, has a predominant focus on rice production. Rice is not only a staple food but also a critical part of the cultural and economic fabric of these nations. The climatic conditions and extensive river systems in this region provide ideal conditions for rice cultivation. For instance, in Bangladesh, rice accounts for nearly 70% of caloric intake and employs a significant portion of the rural labor force (FAO, 2023). In India, rice is grown across 44 million hectares, particularly in the eastern and southern belts (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, India, 2022). Nepal relies heavily on monsoon-fed paddy farming, while Pakistan is a major exporter of basmati rice (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2022). Diversification in Southeast Asia Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Lao PDR are gradually diversifying their agricultural production. While rice remains

This chapter examines the major forms and mechanisms of immunity. It distinguishes innate immunity from adaptive immunity and explains specificity, diversity, immunological memory and self–non-self recognition. Natural and artificial forms of active and passive immunity are discussed through examples involving infection, vaccination, maternal antibodies and antiserum administration. The chapter introduces pattern-recognition receptors, pathogen-associated molecular patterns and Toll-like receptors involved in microbial recognition. It also covers inflammation, its cardinal signs, acute-phase proteins and the roles of neutrophils and other innate defence components. These objective questions provide a clear foundation for understanding how animals resist infections and develop long-lasting protective immune responses.

This chapter explains how B-cell receptors, T-cell receptors and major histocompatibility complex molecules participate in antigen recognition. It differentiates MHC class I and class II pathways and describes the processing of endogenous and exogenous antigens. The roles of dendritic cells, macrophages and B lymphocytes as professional antigen-presenting cells are examined. Topics include MHC restriction, antigenic peptides, proteasomal degradation, ubiquitination and recognition by CD4-positive and CD8-positive T lymphocytes. The chapter also discusses superantigens, opsonization, phagocytosis, T-independent antigens and species-specific MHC systems such as BoLA and the avian B complex. These concepts explain the initiation of adaptive immune responses.

The Acceptance Quality Limit, commonly called AQL, is a statistical sampling system used to determine whether a production lot satisfies a predetermined level of quality. Inspectors examine a randomly selected sample and accept or reject the entire lot according to the number and seriousness of defects found. AQL does not require absolute freedom from defects; instead, it establishes an acceptable threshold based on the product, buyer expectations and defect criticality. It provides an efficient and objective alternative when complete inspection is impractical. Textile and apparel inspections commonly follow ISO 2859-1 or ANSI/ASQ Z1.4, which prescribe inspection levels, sample sizes and acceptance-rejection criteria.

This chapter introduces ergonomics as the science and practice of designing tools, systems and environments around human capabilities and limitations. It explains the meaning, significance and principal objectives of ergonomics, including safety, comfort, efficiency and human well-being. The historical development of the discipline is traced from early toolmaking and industrialization to contemporary human-centred design. Anthropometry is introduced as an essential basis for matching furniture, equipment and workplaces to different users. Examples from domestic life, education and professional settings demonstrate the practical relevance of ergonomic thinking. The chapter establishes human-centred design as the foundation for developing functional, safe and accessible solutions.

This chapter examines the human body as an integrated working system governed by anatomical, physiological and biomechanical principles. It describes the roles of the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems in movement, strength, coordination and endurance. Muscle strength, joint range of motion, posture, flexibility and physical work capacity are discussed in relation to workplace demands. The chapter distinguishes static and dynamic work and explains how unsuitable loads or repetitive tasks contribute to fatigue and injury. Individual differences associated with age, fitness, body dimensions and physical capability are also considered. These concepts provide a scientific foundation for setting safe workloads and designing tasks around natural human limitations.

This chapter investigates the ergonomic design of transportation systems, including cars, buses, bicycles and other modes of mobility. It explains how seating, posture, visibility, controls, displays, vibration and environmental conditions shape the physical and cognitive experience of travel. Vehicle components should accommodate a wide range of body dimensions while maintaining neutral posture and convenient access to essential controls. Adjustable seating, lumbar support, suitable padding and appropriate joint angles are discussed as measures for reducing fatigue and spinal loading. The chapter also examines sensory feedback, information presentation and mobility-related technologies. Its central argument is that human-centred transportation design makes journeys safer, more comfortable, intuitive and accessible.

This chapter introduces the microscopic and molecular structure of wool fibres and explains how structure determines their physical behaviour. It examines the cuticle, cortex and medulla and discusses the role of overlapping cuticle scales in felting. The bilateral organization of the cortex and the relationship between ortho-cortex and para-cortex are related to crimp formation. The chapter also explains the filament-matrix organization of keratin and its importance for the mechanical properties of wool.

This chapter introduces objective wool testing and the instruments used to generate reproducible measurements of fibre quality. It examines sampling and conditioning procedures and methods for measuring fibre diameter, staple length, staple strength, yield, vegetable matter and colour. Projection microscopy, airflow measurement and automated optical analysers are compared. The chapter explains how objective testing supports certification, sale by description, quality assurance and fair marketing and highlights the importance of standardized methods and representative samples.

This chapter introduces the principles of colouration and finishing of wool fibres and fabrics. It examines the relationship between keratin chemistry and dye uptake and discusses major dye classes used for wool. The chapter also covers temporary and permanent setting, milling, shrink-resist treatments and functional finishes. Processing conditions such as pH and temperature are considered in relation to colour uniformity and fibre protection. Modern approaches increasingly emphasize lower-water, lower-chemical and enzyme-assisted finishing routes to improve sustainability

This chapter introduces the major textile and non-textile applications of wool and relates end-use requirements to fibre properties. It examines apparel, carpets, blankets, upholstery, knitting products, interiors and technical textiles. The chapter considers how fineness, length, strength, crimp, colour, resilience and thermal behaviour influence product selection. It also highlights the continuing importance of wool in premium and specialized markets and explains how processing technology enables wool to meet different performance and design requirements.

This chapter introduces the economic and commercial systems through which wool moves from producer to processor and consumer. It examines wool marketing channels, auction systems, private sales, sale by description and the role of objective measurement in establishing market value. The chapter discusses the relationship between fibre diameter, quality and price and considers India's wool economy, including coarse carpet wool and fine-wool imports. Traceability, provenance branding and improved preparation are presented as important strategies for increasing producer returns.

This chapter introduces the standards, certification and labelling systems that establish confidence in wool quality and commercial descriptions. It discusses the roles of the International Wool Textile Organisation, ISO and the Bureau of Indian Standards in developing testing and product standards. Fibre-content declarations, care labels, Woolmark certification, quality assurance, accreditation and traceability are examined. The chapter also considers geographical indications and protection of heritage products, showing how standards and certification support fair trade, consumer protection and premium positioning.

Environment in which crops are grown dictates their final yield. Of these environmental factors, climate and weather the uncontrolable factors, have maximum influence on crop productivity. Vagaries of weather subject a crop to different ecological situations from year to year leading to differential responses of crops to input resources. This situation limits the use of costly inputs for realizing optimum yield. While weather itself cannot modify, the hazardous weather can often be mitigated by agronomic management. Therefore, the primary requirement for initiating agronomic measures against weather hazards is foreknowledge of weather situation that is likely to develop in an area.

U value : U value is a measure of the heat transmission through a building part (wall or window) or through a given thickness of a material (insulation). U values with lower numbers indicate better insulating properties.
 
Ubiquinone : It is one of the groups of lipid soluble quinones that are found especially in mitochondria and have a long isoprenoid side chain, and function in oxidative phosphorylation as electron carrying coenzymes in electron transport.

Validation: i) The process of assessing the accuracy for a given purpose of a simulation model by comparing the model’s predictions with independent results. ii) Ground validation is the confirmation of information from satellite imagery or aerial photography. See also Ground truth.

Values: Values are characteristics of things that make them more or less desirable, important, or useful.

Variability: Absence of uniformity. Quality of differing from the average value. This term is usually used in a general sense and qualified by such words as ‘low’, ‘moderate’, and ‘high’. For quantitative comparisons, the concept of a variance is used.

Metabolic profile testing (MPT) refers to the use of a battery of tests for the diagnosis of subclinical nutritional and metabolic disease in dairy cows on a herd basis. Typically, blood samples from 5-7 animals per production group are tested for various analytes. MPT is most useful in the diagnosis and management of periparturient disease. Specific nutrient imbalances, either deficiency or excess, in the diet of late-gestation cows have been related to increased prevalence of milk fever, hypomagnesemia, retained placentas, downer cow syndrome, mastitis, udder edema, ketosis, hepatic lipidosis, and displaced abomasums.

The main aim of blood testing is to ascertain the adequacy of each new diet in relation to the herd’s requirements, i.e. what the cows think of their rations. So blood sampling should be carried out as soon as possible after major changes in dietary constituents. But two weeks must elapse after the changes to allow the rumen to become fully adapted. The metabolic profile is based on the concept that the laboratory measurement of certain components of the blood will reflect the nutritional status of the animal with or without the manifestation of clinical abnormalities. The values of Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC, DLC and erythrocytic indices are useful indicator of health status of the animal.

Carbohydrates are constituents of all living cells. Animal as well as plant cells use carbohydrates as source of energy. Blood glucose is a useful indicator of energy metabolism and fertility status. Under certain clinical circumstances, estimation of carbohydrates becomes essential. Sugar levels (particularly glucose) in blood or urine are used as an important parameter for diagnosis of ketosis and diabetes mellitus.

Increased ketone bodies level in blood, known as ketonemia and condition is ketosis. The disease respond readily to treatment with glucogenic substances which can be one of the test therapy to differentiate this condition from milk fever and hypomagnesemia. The efficacy of this therapy can be estimates through estimation.

Collection of blood samples

Collection of blood sample is already discussed in exercise no. 4.

Radiographic positioning refers to placement of the body in respect to linear alignment of X-ray tube and film. Correct positioning is a most important prerequisite to obtain a diagnostic radiograph. Misinterpretations can result from inaccurate positioning.  Label the film before exposure with anatomical lead markers/ X-rite tape. The anatomical markers should be placed in close proximity to the area of interest without overlying important structures. At least two exposures of the part at 900 to each other should be taken to get complete anatomical information of the part.

Post Harvest Methods
DSIR/TPDU/TIF 056 and E-28-GO-GOI Research Scheme on “Documentation and Preservation of Agricultural Traditional Knowledge through Farmer Participatory Approach”

General Views about Weende’s System of Analysis

A team of scientists under the leardship of Henneberg and Stohmann of (University of Göttingen, Germany) developed proximate principles analysis system in the sixties of last century at Weende’s Experimental Station (Germany), located at the University of Göttingen. Main components of different fractions in the proximate analysis of foods are moisture, ash, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free-extract. These workers emphasized that carbohydrates could be grouped into: (1) the starches and the sugars, and (2) coarse fibrous fractions. Later on an insoluble residue after boiling the fat free food sample first with dilute acid and then with dilute alkali was obtained based on the acid stomach digestion and the subsequent alkaline intestinal digestion of consumed food. At the end of digestion insoluble organic residue was denoted as crude fiber.

Principle

Dried milled samples are extracted successively with diethyl ether, 0.5 percent ammonium oxalate solution, NH₂SO₄ and 72 percent sulphuric acid. Soluble carbohydrate in the ammonium oxalate extract determined with anthrone and hydrolysed pentosans and hexosans in the combined N H₂SO₄. Seventy two percent sulphuric acid extract are determined with aniline acetate and chromotropic acid respectively. The method gives a maximum variation of 4 percent from the mean of duplicates with each carbohydrate component. The residual material is ashed to obtain crude lignin and a nitrogen correction applied.

Soluble carbohydrate - this group, which includes sugars, oligosaccharides, and the fructosans of grasses, provides a source of nutrients  readily available to livestock.

Principle

Dried milled samples are extracted successively with diethyl ether, 0.5 percent ammonium oxalate solution, NH₂SO₄ and 72 percent sulphuric acid. Soluble carbohydrate in the ammonium oxalate extract determined with anthrone and hydrolysed pentosans and hexosans in the combined N H₂SO₄. Seventy two percent sulphuric acid extract are determined with aniline acetate and chromotropic acid respectively. The method gives a maximum variation of 4 percent from the mean of duplicates with each carbohydrate component. The residual material is ashed to obtain crude lignin and a nitrogen correction applied.

Soluble carbohydrate - this group, which includes sugars, oligosaccharides, and the fructosans of grasses, provides a source of nutrients  readily available to livestock.

(Method of Hyden 1955a,b)
I. Use of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

These compounds are manufactured through the reaction of ethylene oxide with water, ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol to furnish functional  groups (in this case hydroxyl) for the propagation of the reaction. The process results in a mixture of diols of different chain lengths, in which the numbers of molecules of various sizes are presumed to be represented by Poisson’s distribution (Shaffer, Critchfield and Nair, 1950b). Polyethylene glycols 200, 300, 400 and 600 are fluids: compounds 1,000, 1,500, 4000, 6000 and 1,0000 are solids of increasing firmness. PEG compounds of molecular weight above 1000 are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of the rat and man.

Polyethylene glycol has been used frequently as a water soluble marker in studies of absorption in man and animals (Sperber et al., 1953; Hyden, 1955a,b; Corbett et al., 1956; Gray et al., 1960; Weller et al., 1962; Ulyatt, 1964a,b; Walker and Hawley, 1965; Tulloh et al., 1965; Sinha et al., 1970; Nagel and Piatkowshi, 1972).

• Web Portal
• Types of Portals

1.     Asssay for Catalase
    
2.     Assay for Peroxidase
    
3.     Assay for Poly Phenol Oxidase
    
4.     Assay for Phosphatases

Aim

Purpose: As there is no institution for preparation ofthomassplintfor large animal till date for which physician are preparing thomas splint hear the patient at the time of need.

These thomas splint are generally prepared with useof bamboo, Gl wire, jute of cottonbandages. These thomas splint are generally weak. These thomas splint work for (2-3) month.

For this reason there is necessity of fabrication of large animal thomas splint with us e of other strong and lightest material for long time stonage and use.

Aim

To know the method of rehabilitation of downed animal within exercise wheel cart.

Indication

Irreparable trauma to vertebral column,permanent paralysis, downed animal.

Introduction

Environmental problems have come to the forefront as one of the most important issues in transport policy. For a number of pollutants the road transport sector is one of the most significant contributors to environmental pollution. Vehicular emissions have been identified as one of the major contributors in deteriorating air quality in the urban centers. The problem has further been compounded by the concentration of large number of vehicles and comparatively high motor vehicle/population ratios in these cities. Substantial SPM, RSPM CO₂ and No_x are emitted. The problem of air pollution has assumed serious proportion in some of the major metropolitan cities of India. Therefore, CPCB has 296 monitoring stations all over India covering major cities.

The air pollution situation in most of the cities is still far from satisfactory. In India the major air pollution reason is automotive smoke and smoke from industries. New channels are also publishing pollution levels in selected metropolitan cities. The most polluted city in Asia is Pune. The SPM and RSPM levels are displayed at various squares to create awareness among the masses.

Smaller cities like Nanded, Parbhani and Yavatmal are not covered under National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) scheme of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The National Ambient Air Quality Standards for suspended particulate matters (SPM) are based on gravimetric measurement. Standards for Respirable suspended particulate matters (RSPM) are also based on gravimetric measurement. The development in terms of number of vehicles and building construction has also reached at the doors of these cities and towns. Nanded city having population of 5.5 lakhs has total number of Auto rickshaws more than 5,000. In the present study, Nanded city has been selected to check particulate matters and gaseous pollutants. Since, the city is one of the important Pilgrimage and commercial centre.

Game theory : How to win at Twister? No, but maybe at monopoly. Game theory is a technique for analysing how people, firms and governments should behave in strategic situations (in which they must interact with each other), and in deciding what to do must take into account what others are likely to do and how others might respond to what they do. For instance, competition between two firms can be analysed as a game in which firms play to achieve a long-term competitives advantage (perhaps even a monopoly). The theory helps each firm to develop its optimal strategy for, say, pricing its products and deciding how much to produce; it can help the firm to anticipate in advance what its competitor will do and shows how best to respond if the competitor does something unexpected. It is particularly useful for understanding behaviour in monopolistic competition. In game theory, which can be used to describe anything from wage negotiations to arms races, a dominant strategy is one that will deliver the best results for the player, regardless of what anybody else does. One finding of game theory is that there may be a large first-mover advantage for companies that beat their rivals into a new market or come up with an innovation. One special case identified by the theory is the zero-sum game, where players see that the total winnings are fixed; for some to do well, others must lose. Far better is the positive-sum game, in which competitive interaction has the potential to make all the players richer. Another problem analysed by game theorists is the prisoners’ dilemma. (See also nashequilibrium).

GATT : See general agreement on tariffs and trade and world trade organisation.

GDP : Gross domestic product, a measure of economic activity in a country. It is calculated by adding the total value of a country’s annual output of goods and services. GDP = private consumption + investment + public spending + the change in inventories + (exports-imports). It is usually valued at market prices; by subtracting indirect tax and adding any government subsidy, however, GDP can be calculated at factor cost. This measure more accurately reveals the income paid to factors of production. Adding income earned by domestic residents from their investments abroad, and subtracting income paid from the country to investors abroad, gives the country’s gross national product (GNP).

Wage drift : The difference between basic pay and total earnings. Wage drift consists of things such as overtime payments, bonuses, profit share and performance-related pay. It usually increases during periods of strong growth and declines during an economic downturn.

Wages : The price of labour. In theory, wages ought to change so that the sopply and demand in the labour market are always in equilibrium. In practice, wages are often sticky, especially in a downward direction when demand for labour falls, wages do not fall. In this situation, the fall in demand results in higher involuntary unemployment. Trade unions may use collective bargaining to keep wages above the market-clearing rate. Furthermore, many governments impose a minimum wage that employers must pay.

Wealth effect : As people get wealthier, they consume more. This wealth effect has important consequences for monetary policy. When there is an interest rate increase, future income from assets such as equities must be discounted at a higher rate than before. As a result their owners feel poorer and spend less. A cut in interest rates has the opposite effect. Economists disagree on the wealth elasticity of consumption how much consumer spending would rise if wealth increased by, say, 1%. Different consumers may have different wealth elasticity. If most of the increase in wealth goes to poorer people this may have a different wealth effect than if most of it went to people who are already wealthy. The source of the wealth increase may also matter. If share prices rise or interest rates fall, consumers may be slow to spend out of their increased wealth if they think the increase may be temporary. However, if they think a sharp rise in share prices is permanent and the stockmarket then tumbles, the result may be that consumption falls by enough to cause a recession. The wealth effect of rising house prices is particularly uncertain.

Institutes under ICAR

1. Deemed Universities - 4
2. Institutions - 64
3. National Research Centres - 15
4. National Bureaus - 6
5. Directorates/Project Directorates - 13 State Agricultural Universities

The weight of living plant material contained above and below a unit of ground surface area at a given point of time, is known as plant “Biomass”. Biomass is of utter importance because it provides energy source (Roberts et al. 1987).

Biomass, which has dimensions of mass per unit, is expressed as g m^-2, kg ha^-1 or t ha^-1.

Measurement of Biomass

The area (in the crop field) under study is divided into a number of equal squares or rectangular plots measuring 1.0 m² or 0.5 m². Each square is designated with a particular number. Sample can be harvested from a small area or quadrate at the centre of each square; the remaining peripheral area serving as buffer zone (Wiegert, 1962).

Depending upon the growth pattern of plant species two different designs have been adopted for the sampling:

There is loosening of cell wall of climacteric fruits during ripening. The enzyme pectin methyl esterase (PME), is responsible for the de-esterification of pectin (major constituent of cell wall) into pectic acid (or Polygalacturonic acid) and methanol. Polygalacturonic acid serves as a substrate for PG (Polygalacturonase) enzyme. This enzyme (PG) starts depolymerization of pectic acid leading to the formation of small chains of tri, di and monogalacturonic acids.

A large number of pathogens also have been reported to produce pectic enzymes to macerate the plant tissue. Hence, in addition to its role in ripening process and shelf life of fruits, the enzyme PG is also studied in relation to the diseases of the plants.

A systems perspective is essential in understanding sustainability. The system is envisioned in its broadest sense i.e., from the individual farm to the local ecosystem and to communities affected by this farming system both locally and globally. An emphasis on the system allows a longer and thorough view of the consequences of farming practices on both human communities and the environment. A systems approach gives us the tools to explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment.

Towards Sustainability

Sustainability means preserving human life on Earth. Meeting human needs is thus vital in creating a sustainable society. It follows that one of The Natural Step’s principles of sustainability is to meet human needs worldwide.

Microbiology

Study of microorganisms, a large and diverse group of microscopic organisms, that exist as single cell or cluster. It also includes virus, which are microscopic, but not cellular.

Greenhouse

It is constructed by plastic, polythene, and fibreglass material having temperature control and ample light availability needed for propagating plants by seed, cutting and grafting.

Types of greenhouse

1. Based on shape and style: The commonly followed types of greenhouse based on shape are lean–to, even span, uneven span, ridge and furrow, saw tooth and quonset greenhouse.

Lean–to type greenhouse:

• It is limited to single or double–row plant benches with a total width of 7–12 feet.
• It is typically facing south side. It should face the best direction for adequate sun exposure.
• This design makes the best use of sunlight and minimizes the requirement of roof supports.
  • It has the disadvantages: limited space, limited light, limited ventilation and temperature control.

The water contents expressed under certain standard conditions are commonly referred to as soil moisture constants. They are used as reference points for practical irrigation water management. The usage of these constants together with the energy status of soil water gives useful knowledge. These constants are briefly explained below:

6.1 Saturation Capacity

Saturation capacity refers to the condition of soil at which all the macro and micro pores are filled with water and the soil is at maximum water retention capacity”. The matric suction at this condition is essentially zero as the water is in equilibrium with free water. Excess water above saturation capacity of soil is lost from root zone as gravitational water.

Crop water requirement is the water required by the plants for its survival, growth, development and to produce economic parts. This requirement is applied either naturally by precipitation or artificially by irrigation. Hence the crop water requirement includes all losses like:

• Transpiration loss through leaves (T)

• Evaporation loss through soil surface in cropped area (E)

• Amount of weather used by plants (WP) for its metabolic activities which is estimated as less than 1% of the total water absorption. These three components cannot be separated so easily. Hence the ET loss is taken as crop water use or crop water consumptive use.

• Other application losses are conveyance loss, percolation loss, runoff loss, etc., (WL).

• The water required for special purposes (WSP) like puddling operation, ploughing operation, land preparation, leaching, requirement, for the purpose of weeding, for dissolving fertilizer and chemical, etc.

• Hence the water requirement is symbolically represented as:

When rocks and minerals under go weathering process large quantities of soluble salts are formed. In humid regions these salts are washed down to the ground water and to the sea. But in arid and semi arid regions they accumulate in the soil. Excessive irrigation and poor water management are the two chief causes of water logging and salt accumulation. An accumulation of salts in soil leads to unfavourable soil water-air relationship and effect the crop production.

The following are the main causes which leads to development of salty soils (salinity or alkalinity)

Abstract

During natural disasters, mostly panic and curiosity lead to greater causalities. But the tsunami is such a disaster which no one have witnessed during their life time nor heard of from their ancestors. On 26, December 2004, tsunami has struck all of a sudden many South Asian coasts including the east coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh causing greater devastation and causalities. This historical event has taught us many lessons and the paper deals with some aspects related to tsunami from the citizen’s view point.

Keywords: Natural calamities, Tsunami mechanisms, Mitigation strategies, Citizen’s perspective.

INTRODUCTION

The tsunami that ravaged the coasts of South India had left tell tale signs that affirm the need for early warning systems as well as well-planned mitigation measures for the benefit of the affected. Over the last 12 months, since the tsunami struck the east coast of India on 26 Dec. 2004, numerous seminars, discussions, programmes and project proposals have been deliberated on various aspects that deserve attention. Government agencies, self-help groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have done commendable post-tsunami work. All sections of the society have responded both emotionally and rationally to the event in an unprecedented manner. In retrospect, to the informed citizen – one who has heard about the event, read about it and discussed it with others, though not have had the ‘experience’ of the natural disaster by himself / herself - what do all these mean ? the tragedy and its aftermath. This paper documents the issues that a citizen would like to ponder over so as to understand the various dimensions of the post-tsunami activities and draw a few lessons that the tragedy had taught us. The major issues pertain to (i) the mechanisms (ii) the coastal vulnerability and the need for assessment (iii) mitigation strategies (iv) media exposition (v) communication networking and (vi) educational facilitation.

Abstract

The paper deals with the roles played by the NGO’s in the relief and rescue phase of Dec, 2004 tsunami and the effective role played by NCRC -NGO Coordination and Research Centre - in the rehabilitation phase along Tamil Nadu coast by creating successful partnership with government and the public.

Keywords: The Role of NGO’s, Tsunami 2004, Relief and Rehabilitation, NGO Coordination Research Centre.

INTRODUCTION

The scale of the tsunami disaster was unprecedented and the response too was out of the ordinary. Tamil Nadu was the worst affected state in India with Nagapattinam district being the most affected with over 6000 lives lost, about 40,000 houses damaged or destroyed and 1.96 lakh people affected. Relief poured in from both government and non-governmental organizations, including the religious organizations, and the first few days witnessed heartwarming outpourings of help and support.

There were about 400 NGOs and an equal number of volunteers to help in the relief operations which included food, clothing, household utensils and bedding. With such a large scale of external support, mainly from organizations and people from outside Nagapattinam, it was not surprising that chaos and confusion marked the first few days of relief operations still. Based on the experience of some professionals experienced in disaster management, a coordination platform was created called the NGO Coordination Cell. This platform was managed by two NGOs, who had long standing field presence in Nagapattinam, viz., South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies and SNEHA, with the mandate and support of the District Administration. The main role of this platform was to meet the field based requirements of all the relief camps with the resources and materials available with the NGOs and the Govt. The paper briefly deals with challenges faced by the NGO’s in relief and Rehabilitation of the historical Dec 2004, Tsunami.

Abstract

Subsequent to December 26^th 2004 historical Tsunami, The Government of India has conceived a master plan for setting up Tsunami Warning System (TWS) similar to Pacific Ocean Tsunami Warning System. Concurrently, the union Govt has also initiated scientific studies through Department of Science and Technology and the significant amongst these are the

• All India Co-ordinated Programme on Tsunami disaster and risk assessment using GIS technology and
• Bilateral programme with Norway to know the know – how and capacity building in the fields of Landslides and Tsunami

As a part of this bilateral mission, the authors visited institutions connected to Geohazards and Tsunami affected areas of Norway. The article briefly narrates the salient inferences on the Tsunami scenario and the related studies in Norway.

Keywords: Landslides triggered tsunamis, Norway