India’s Disaster Management

• The article discusses the growing tensions between the Centre and states regarding disaster relief funding in India.
• It emphasizes the need for a transparent and equitable disaster management framework.

Key Disaster Threats India Faces

1. Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
   • Surge in climate-induced disasters: cyclones, floods, heatwaves.
   • Notable incidents: Cyclone Michaung (2023) caused ₹37,000 crore losses in Tamil Nadu.
2. Urban Flooding Due to Poor Infrastructure
   • Unplanned urbanization leads to severe flooding in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru.
   • Example: Delhi’s highest single-day rainfall (153 mm) in July 2023.
3. Droughts and Water Scarcity
   • Erratic monsoons and rising temperatures increase drought frequency.
   • 2023’s August declared the driest in 122 years.
4. Himalayan Glacial Melting
   • Accelerated glacier retreat increases risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
   • Recent GLOF in North Sikkim caused widespread destruction.
5. Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Erosion
   • 33.6% of India’s coastline is eroding due to various factors.
6. Earthquakes
   • Northern and northeastern states are highly earthquake-prone.
   • The 6.4 magnitude Assam earthquake (2021) caused extensive damage.
7. Industrial and Chemical Disasters
   • Poor safety compliance leads to chemical disasters, as seen in the Vizag gas leak.
8. Biological Disasters and Public Health Crises
   • Pandemics and antimicrobial resistance are increasing disaster risks.

Structural Issues in Disaster Management Strategy

• Overcentralization
  • High dependency on National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) leads to delays.
• Weak Local Governance
  • Local authorities lack funding and decision-making power, slowing response efforts.
• Outdated Early Warning Systems
  • Technological gaps hinder accurate forecasting and timely evacuations.
• Inadequate Urban Planning
  • Rapid urbanization without proper infrastructure increases disaster vulnerability.
• Insufficient Community Awareness
  • Low public awareness about disaster preparedness, especially in marginalized communities.
• Limited Use of Technology
  • Slow adoption of modern technologies for disaster management.

Measures to Strengthen Disaster Management

1. Decentralized Governance
   • Empower local authorities with fund autonomy and decision-making power.
2. Enhancing Early Warning Systems
   • Upgrade technology for better forecasting and last-mile connectivity.
3. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
   • Enforce building codes and promote sustainable urban planning.
4. Community Awareness and Preparedness
   • Integrate disaster education into school curricula and conduct regular drills.
5. Leveraging Technology
   • Use AI, GIS, and IoT for real-time disaster risk assessment and response.
6. Strengthening Healthcare Response
   • Establish mobile hospitals and improve public health preparedness.
7. Institutional Reforms
   • Enhance coordination among various disaster management agencies.
8. Financial Resilience
   • Expand catastrophe risk insurance and establish a National Resilience Fund.

Way Forward

• India’s disaster management requires a transition to a decentralized and technology-driven approach.
• Emphasizing community preparedness and sustainable infrastructure is crucial for mitigating disaster impacts.

Mains Answer Writing Practice Question

“India faces increasing disaster risks due to climate change and inadequate disaster management frameworks. Discuss the key structural issues in India’s disaster management strategy and suggest comprehensive measures to enhance its resilience and effectiveness.” (200 words)