Daily Answer Writing

Model Answer

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are crucial in managing disasters at the grassroots level due to their proximity to the local population. However, they face several challenges in performing effective disaster management:

1. Lack of Clarity in Roles and Responsibilities: According to the National Disaster Management Act (2005), the roles and responsibilities of PRIs in disaster management are not clearly defined. These are often left to the discretion of state governments, causing confusion and inefficiencies.
2. Inadequate Devolution of Powers: Many states fail to devolve sufficient powers to PRIs, which results in a lack of autonomy and resources for disaster management. Without necessary authority, PRIs struggle to execute disaster relief operations effectively.
3. Insufficient Funding: PRIs often face budgetary constraints as they do not receive enough financial resources. They are also bypassed by state-controlled departments during disaster response, limiting their capacity to mobilize resources.
4. Lack of Training and Preparedness: Elected representatives and PRI functionaries often lack training in disaster management techniques, reducing their ability to handle crises efficiently.

How the Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Disaster Management Plan Can Help

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Disaster Management Plan aims to address these challenges by strengthening the role of PRIs in disaster management:

1. Institutional Arrangements: The plan calls for establishing village committees and Panchayat-level working groups for planning, implementation, and monitoring disaster management activities.
2. Mainstreaming Community-Based Disaster Management Plans: Each village will have its own Village Disaster Management Plan (VDMP), which will be integrated into the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and further linked to Block and District Development Plans.
3. Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Mapping: The plan advocates for mapping vulnerabilities and risks, helping PRIs to prepare for natural disasters like floods, cyclones, and earthquakes in their respective areas.
4. Social Inclusion: The plan emphasizes the inclusion of vulnerable groups, such as children, the disabled, and marginalized communities, ensuring that disaster management strategies are inclusive.
5. Capacity Building: The plan includes competence-based training for PRI members to equip them with disaster management skills and knowledge.
6. Coordination and Convergence: It proposes coordinated efforts with various government agencies and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure a more structured and unified approach to disaster response.

By addressing these issues, the Ministry’s Disaster Management Plan empowers PRIs, enabling them to play a more proactive and efficient role in disaster management at the grassroots level.

Model Answer

Industrial Disasters

Industrial disasters are catastrophic events involving hazardous materials that result in significant harm to people, the environment, and infrastructure. These disasters, also known as technological or non-natural disasters, can have far-reaching consequences, often affecting the surrounding population and ecosystems.

Examples of Industrial Disasters

1. Explosion: Explosions often lead to widespread destruction, with shockwaves causing severe injuries and fatalities. Indirect effects, like collapsing buildings and flying debris, tend to cause more casualties. Notable examples include the Chernobyl Explosion (1986) in Russia and the Halifax Explosion (1917) in Canada.
2. Toxic/Chemical Release: The release of hazardous chemicals into the environment can cause widespread health issues and even death, sometimes miles away from the source. A prominent example is the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984), where a toxic gas leak from a pesticide plant in India killed thousands and caused long-term health problems.
3. Industrial Fires: Fires in industrial settings can disrupt essential services and cause severe burns and injuries. A tragic example is the Mundka Fire (2022) in New Delhi, which led to multiple deaths due to a factory fire involving hazardous materials.

Institutional Framework for Risk Reduction

Efforts to reduce the risks associated with industrial disasters include a combination of legal frameworks and proactive measures. In India, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued guidelines for chemical disaster management and is strengthening chemical safety. The National Action Plan on Chemical Industrial Disaster Management (NAP-CIDM) outlines strategies for chemical risk reduction.

Internationally, organizations like the OECD and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) promote chemical accident prevention through shared policies and strategies. Additionally, the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents and various safety acts, such as the Factories Act 1948 and Environment Protection Act 1986, regulate and enforce safety measures.

Collaboration across stakeholders, public awareness campaigns, and proactive planning are key to mitigating industrial disaster risks.

Model Answer

Mining

Excessive and indiscriminate sand mining, though economically beneficial, carries significant ecological costs that outweigh its financial benefits. Sand, a critical material for construction and manufacturing, is extracted from sources like riverbeds, coastal areas, and lakes. However, the over-exploitation of these resources leads to severe environmental consequences.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), sand and gravel account for 69-85% of the minerals mined annually, primarily driven by the rapid growth in construction and infrastructure development. This surge in demand has led to illegal and unsustainable sand mining practices, which result in the depletion of river systems at unsustainable rates.

Environmental Impact

Excessive sand mining causes several adverse effects on ecosystems:

1. Riverbed Depletion: Unregulated sand extraction disrupts the river ecosystem, causing erosion, reduced water quality, and the destabilization of riverbanks, which can damage infrastructure built on them.
2. Ecosystem Damage: The destruction of riparian habitats and increased erosion not only impacts biodiversity but also harms water transport and vital infrastructure like jetties and water intakes.
3. Groundwater Pollution: Mining in sensitive areas, such as fissures, prevents natural filtration, leading to groundwater contamination.
4. Flooding Risks: Mining alters bed elevations, increasing flood heights and the risk of damage to floodplain infrastructure.

Importance of Sustainable Sand Mining

Sustainable sand mining focuses on balancing ecological preservation with economic needs. It ensures:

• River and Ecosystem Conservation: Protects natural river dynamics, ensuring stable water flow and habitat restoration.
• Prevention of Pollution: By prohibiting mining in sensitive areas, it helps maintain groundwater quality and reduces flood risks.
• Government Initiatives: The Indian Government’s Sand Mining Framework promotes responsible practices, and the use of imported sand as an alternative helps reduce pressure on local ecosystems.

Conclusion

While sand mining contributes to the economy, its environmental costs—if not managed sustainably—pose a threat to both ecosystems and human infrastructure. Sustainable sand mining practices are critical to mitigate these adverse effects while still supporting economic growth.

Model Answer

Reasons Behind Untapped Wind Energy Potential in India

India has a significant wind energy potential, with estimates suggesting up to 302 GW at a hub height of 100 meters, and 174 GW from offshore resources. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to several factors:

1. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic caused delays in project timelines, along with disruptions in supply chains, which slowed wind energy installations.
   • Source: National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) and industry reports.
2. Concentration of Resources: The high wind potential is largely concentrated in specific regions, primarily Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, leading to inflated land prices that make projects more expensive.
3. Cost Gap Between Wind and Solar: The falling cost of solar power has created a wider price disparity between wind and solar, resulting in delayed power supply agreements for wind projects.
4. Land Acquisition Delays: Wind projects require large tracts of land, often facing resistance from local communities, further delaying progress.
5. Offshore Wind Financing: Offshore wind projects are significantly more expensive, making them harder to finance compared to onshore projects.
   • Source: Standing Committee on Energy report.

Suggested Solutions

1. Enhanced Coordination: Strengthen collaboration between central and state governments to streamline project approvals, grid balancing, and land acquisition processes.
2. Technological Innovation: Develop technology exchange programs and improve the alignment of domestic manufacturing with global supply chains to reduce costs.
3. Overcoming Legacy Challenges: Address issues like DISCOM payments, grid infrastructure, and inconsistent state land policies.
4. Offshore Wind Development: Implement the 37 GW offshore wind target, focusing on regions like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, with dedicated roadmaps for growth.

By tackling these challenges, India can unlock its vast wind energy potential and play a crucial role in its transition to a low-carbon economy.