Risk must be captured in its full complexity and not reduced to mere guidelines. Knowledge and rationality comprises recognising the diversity of discourses on risk and types of knowledge (for instance scientific, local, anecdotal, and mythical), socially constructed arguments, and normative judgments embedded in the background of various stakeholders. “Risk is hardly ever mono-dimensional or static,” explained Wilson Ang of Singapore at the roundtable and added, “So how can risk reduction measures be so singular?” India has ambitiously embarked on a national agenda to making its people safer. Acts and authorities are a good beginning, but the active and empowered involvement of the aam aadmi is the overdue next step.

The writer is director of the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute.