Journal of Geography & Natural Disasters
Libre accès
ISSN: 2167-0587
ISSN: 2167-0587
Pallavi Chande*, Dipti Mukherji
In contemporary world where technology is just a click away, GIS can prove to be an extremely powerful tool for management and mitigation of disasters. In the study of geography, the spatial dimension describes and compares patterns where environmental factors are located. These patterns are determined by using quantitative and qualitative research to compare areas in relation to a particular variable. The aim of this approach is to amend these factors and create more equity in relation to the variable being studied. In the present study, space is studied with relation to disasters and through the perspective of disaster management. In this research paper an attempt is made to understand the disasters prevailing in different wards of greater Mumbai. The comparison between wards is done to bring forth the spatial patterns and disparities. This would represent the footprints of disasters and its dynamics.
The present research paper aims at carrying out geospatial analysis by collecting baseline data for greater Mumbai using questionnaire surveys and secondary data from government agencies. Hazard mapping, vulnerability index and disaster risk index for greater Mumbai was calculated and mapped ward-wise with an aim of promoting and providing an equitable approach to disaster management for greater Mumbai.
The methodology used for the study includes geospatial analytical techniques and perception analysis using questionnaire surveys. With reference to Kate’s model of hazard perception and response respondents were interviewed adopting stratified random sampling technique for 24 wards of greater Mumbai. Perception of people regarding disasters, its impact, and safety measures adopted by them and how management of disasters was presumed was evaluated. Their idea of safe zones, safe routes, direction and resilience was noted and mental maps were prepared. Levels of communications in-terms of disaster management were confirmed and anomalies if any were taken into account. Expectation of local people in terms of disaster management varies with space and time. Detailed geospatial mapping was carried out and an attempt is made to incorporate the same in a GIS tool as a web map, in-order to build a Disaster Information System (DIS) which would help to disseminate information to local people and build a resilient city in the future. Along with this quantitative and statistical analysis, SWOT analysis is also carried out. This study has led to a deeper understanding of the problem and has led to great discoveries regarding areas, people’s perception and their expectation from future in terms of disaster management and mitigation.