Need of Disability-Inclusive Disaster Management Plan for Sundarban Region: A case study of Hingalganj block, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal

The Sundarbans of both India and Bangladesh are very prone to occurrences of environmental hazards like cyclones, sea erosion, riverbank failure, climate change impacts, etc. With the negative effects of the ongoing epidemic, recent cyclones like Aila, Fani, Bulbul, Amphan, and Yaas leave people far more vulnerable to danger, especially disabled people. In consideration of this backdrop, the aim of the study is to evaluate and assess the level of vulnerability of Person with disabilities and inadequacy of proper disaster management policy for the Hingalganj block in the Sundarban region. The last updated district disaster management plan for the year 2024-25 of the district North 24 Parganas did not state any guidelines for people with disabilities, even though they have a two to four times higher risk of dying in a disaster, they also have a higher risk of injury and property loss, have more trouble getting out and finding shelter, and need more extensive medical and social services both during and after a disaster. This study is based on both primary and secondary data sources. Maps were generated with the help of remote sensing and GIS technologies to identify the level of vulnerability faced by disabled persons. This study reveals that the exclusion of people with disabilities in disaster management process has increased their vulnerability to disaster, and their absence from emergency management practice and policy formulation is a significant barrier to their safety and well-being. Officials of the District disaster management planners, public health officials, emergency response planners, and other stakeholders will benefit from this study to identify, visualize, and planning support for people with disabilities in the Sundarban area.