Diverse Perspectives of the Environment * Chandra Ketu Singh

Many factors are responsible for natural balance, through which disasters can be stopped. If we observe on ecological basis, then we come to know that Indian subcontinent is one of the most disaster prone areas in the world. About 59 percent of the Indian land area falls in the periphery of the major seismic zone, and out of the total 32.90 crore hectares of land, 04 crore hectares are always under the threat of floods. In India, on an average, 75 lakh hectares of land is affected by floods, due to which 1600 people lose their lives every year and the loss of crops and other things is Rs. 1805.00 crore on an average. Many disasters like famine, floods, droughts, diseases, earthquakes, tsunamis challenge the existence of humans and bring with them a havoc of terrible destruction, yet humans exist. This miracle of human existence shows the immense determination of humans to adapt to the circumstances and to fight collectively during difficulties. This power was directly seen in the Chennai floods, in which people stood up to help others. Even then, disasters cannot be dealt with only by people's help, because people can only provide initial help, not permanent help. For this, planned preparation is necessary. Such preparation should be done before the disaster strikes, because when disaster strikes, it does not give an opportunity to prepare.