Strengthening India’s Disaster Safety Net

• Context: The article reflects on India’s evolution in disaster management since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
• Key Focus: India’s transformation from a reactive relief-centric approach to a proactive disaster management framework.

Historical Evolution of Disaster Management in India

Early Years: Relief-Centric Approach (Pre-1980s)

• Focused on reactive relief: food distribution, medical aid.
• Major events like the Bihar famine (1966-67) highlighted systemic inefficiencies.

Shift Toward Planning (1980s-2000s)

• Established the Department of Environment (1980).
• Key disasters prompted reforms: Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) and Latur Earthquake (1993).

Institutionalization (2000s)

• Disaster Management Act (2005) created a formal framework.
• Establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and response forces.

Proactive Approach (2010-Present)

• Emphasis on risk reduction and community involvement.
• Adoption of advanced technology for disaster management.

Major Disaster Challenges in India

1. Climate-Induced Disasters: Increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
   • Example: Cyclone Mocha (2023) and its impact on Sundarbans.
2. Urban Flooding: Caused by rapid urbanization.
   • Instances: Chennai (2021) and Bengaluru (2022) floods.
3. Himalayan Fragility: Glacial retreat leading to landslides.
4. Industrial Hazards: Lax enforcement of safety norms.
   • Vizag gas leak (2020) and Ludhiana gas tragedy (2023).
5. Agricultural Vulnerabilities: Erratic monsoons and drought.
   • Latur drought (2022) highlighted crop failures.
6. Forest Fires: Increased frequency due to climate change.
7. Health Crises: Disrupted sanitation and increased diseases post-disasters.
8. Weak Early Warning Systems: Gaps in last-mile connectivity.
9. Social Inequities: Women and marginalized groups disproportionately affected.
10. Funding Gaps: Insufficient allocation for disaster mitigation.

Lessons from Other Countries

• Japan: Strict building codes and earthquake drills.
• Bangladesh: Efficient cyclone evacuation strategies.
• Netherlands: Advanced flood management systems.
• South Korea: Integrated disaster response coordination.
• Sweden: Proactive climate adaptation policies.

Recommendations for Enhancing Disaster Resilience

• Invest in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Develop flood-resistant urban systems.
• Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Empower local communities through training.
• Integrated Water Resource Management: Unified approach to combat flooding and drought.
• Modernize Early Warning Systems: Use technology for better forecasting and alerts.
• Retrofitting and Safety Codes: Enforce stringent building codes in high-risk areas.
• Insurance Coverage: Develop microinsurance schemes for vulnerable populations.
• Urban Disaster Preparedness: Integrate disaster management into urban planning.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Align disaster strategies with climate resilience efforts.
• Transboundary Frameworks: Collaborate with neighboring countries for shared risks.
• Disaster Education: Incorporate preparedness into school curriculums.

Way Forward

• The Disaster Management Act of 2005 has improved national preparedness, but challenges remain.
• A shift towards a proactive, resilience-driven framework is essential to address increasing climate vulnerabilities.

Mains Answer Writing Practice Question

Critically evaluate the evolution of India’s disaster management framework since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, highlighting key policy reforms, persistent challenges, and potential measures to enhance disaster resilience in the context of increasing climate vulnerabilities. (200 words)