Indian Economy, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 5. India’s approach to disaster management is evolving from a reactive, relief-centric model to one focused on proactive resilience-building. Discuss the progress and challenges in achieving this shift. Also suggest measures to strengthen this transformation. (250 words, 15 marks)
Introduction
As per UNDRR, Disaster Management involves organized planning to reduce hazard impact. India is shifting from reactive relief measures to proactive resilience-building — a vital transformation for sustainable development in a disaster-prone country.
Body
Earlier Relief-Centric Approach
- Post-Disaster Focus: Major policies centered on relief distribution and temporary rehabilitation after events rather than prevention or risk reduction.
- Revenue Department Control: Disaster response was traditionally led by revenue officials, lacking multi-sectoral coordination and scientific input.
- Ad-Hoc Financing: Funding was mostly routed through the Calamity Relief Fund, with little investment in preparedness or mitigation. (Replaced by SDRF and NDRF in 2010)
- Lack of Dedicated Institutions: Until 2005, there was no central legislation or agency specifically mandated to address disaster risk reduction.
Shift to Proactive Resilience Approach
- DM Act, 2005: Established NDMA, SDMAs, and DDMAs, institutionalizing prevention, preparedness, and mitigation strategies.
- Mainstreaming DRR in Development: Planning Commission guidelines (2010) and later NITI Aayog emphasized integrating risk reduction into all sectoral plans.
- Early Warning Infrastructure: IMD, INCOIS, and BIS enhanced forecasting systems for cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Example: Accurate prediction of Cyclone Yaas (2021) minimized casualties.
- Community Participation: CBDRR initiatives involve locals in hazard mapping, mock drills, and preparedness activities. Example: Odisha’s cyclone shelters managed by community volunteers.
- Global Leadership via CDRI: India launched the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in 2019 to promote global collaboration on resilient infrastructure systems.
Progress Achieved
- Urban Resilience Measures: AMRUT and Smart Cities include climate-resilient infrastructure planning. Example: Surat integrated flood-resilient stormwater systems.
- Technological Platforms: Bhuvan (ISRO) and GEM (NDMA) support vulnerability mapping and structural safety audits.
- Policy Recognition: The National Disaster Management Plan 2019, updated in 2023, aligns with the Sendai Framework and SDGs.
- Institutional Strengthening: NDMA guidelines issued for schools, hospitals, and heritage sites improved sectoral disaster preparedness.
Challenges in Achieving the Shift
- Persistence of Relief Orientation: Many states still emphasize ex-post compensation, ignoring long-term risk reduction investments.
- Limited Local Capacities: Panchayats and ULBs lack funds, training, and autonomy to implement DRR plans.
- Poor Enforcement of Regulations: Building code violations, CRZ breaches, and unsafe hill construction continue unchecked. Example: Land instability in Joshimath, 2023. The Ravi Chopra Committee (2021) had warned against unchecked infrastructure in the fragile Himalayan region.
- Slow Adoption of Science-Based Planning: Recommendations of the E. Parthasarathy Committee (2006) on incorporating disaster risk assessments into environmental clearances and development planning remain under-implemented.
Measures to Strengthen the Transformation
- Legislate Local DRR Mandates: Make Local Disaster Management Plans legally binding with performance audits.
- Incentivize Risk Reduction: Encourage DRR investments through tax benefits, CSR obligations, and insurance discounts.
- Private Sector & PPP Models: Engage corporates in resilience infrastructure, emergency logistics, and insurance products.
- Adopt Global Best Practices: Follow Japan’s school preparedness model—mandating regular drills, disaster education, and evacuation routes in every institution.
- Capacity Building of First Responders: Regular training and provisioning of modern equipment to NDRF, SDRFs, and local volunteers must be prioritized for quick and effective response.
Conclusion
India must fully embrace the Build Back Better vision of UNDRR, shifting decisively from relief to resilience. This transformation will safeguard lives, infrastructure, and economic development from future disaster shocks.
