Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Brief overview: Start with a short introduction on the frequency and impact of floods in India. Key Fact: According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), over 40 million hectares of India’s total 329 million hectares are ...
Model Answer Steps Taken by Littoral States The littoral states of the Bay of Bengal—India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand—have made considerable progress in disaster preparedness, focusing on key strategies to mitigate natural disaster impacts. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):Read more
Model Answer
Steps Taken by Littoral States
The littoral states of the Bay of Bengal—India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand—have made considerable progress in disaster preparedness, focusing on key strategies to mitigate natural disaster impacts.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): The region has seen significant collaboration in HADR, with India playing a pivotal role through its “five-fold framework for maritime engagement” to support regional disaster management efforts.
- Enhanced Disaster Preparedness: The establishment of early warning systems (EWS), strengthening of coastal defences, and disaster management exercises have improved the region’s preparedness. For example, the BIMSTEC Centre on Weather and Climate (BCWC) has been instrumental in addressing weather-related challenges.
- Improved Coordination: Regional cooperation has been fostered, with India hosting two disaster management exercises under BIMSTEC to improve response strategies among member countries.
Challenges Limiting Effectiveness
Despite these efforts, the disaster preparedness in the Bay of Bengal region remains limited due to several constraints.
- Lack of a Regional Security Agenda: There is no dedicated security agenda focusing on shared natural disaster vulnerabilities, which hinders a unified approach to disaster management.
- Fragmented Approaches: While individual countries have made strides, the regional coordination and integration of efforts remain weak. The primary regional organization, BIMSTEC, struggles with financial constraints and limited operational capacity.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Many regions in the Bay of Bengal suffer from poor infrastructure, such as fragile housing and high population density, which exacerbates the effects of disasters. For instance, the lack of robust infrastructure contributes to significant casualties during disasters.
- Limited Inter-State Knowledge Sharing: There is insufficient exchange of best practices among the littoral states. While Bangladesh has a renowned Cyclone Preparedness Programme, and Thailand has efficient last-mile tsunami warnings, these practices are not systematically adopted across the region.
- Environmental and Climate Challenges: Environmental degradation, such as mangrove loss and coastal erosion, reduces the natural defences of the region, making it more vulnerable to disasters.
Conclusion
Despite substantial progress, a comprehensive, multi-state disaster relief authority could strengthen the region’s ability to effectively manage and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.
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Model Answer Introduction India is highly vulnerable to flood-related hazards due to several natural and human-induced factors. Over 40 million hectares (mha) of India's total 329 mha geographical area are flood-prone. On average, floods affect 75 lakh hectares annually, resulting in the loss of 160Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
India is highly vulnerable to flood-related hazards due to several natural and human-induced factors. Over 40 million hectares (mha) of India’s total 329 mha geographical area are flood-prone. On average, floods affect 75 lakh hectares annually, resulting in the loss of 1600 lives and damages worth Rs. 1805 crores. Below are the key factors contributing to India’s flood vulnerability:
1. Monsoon Rainfall
India receives 70%-90% of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season, leading to excessive rainfall and flooding in many regions. This intense rainfall often overwhelms existing drainage systems and causes river systems to overflow.
2. Himalayan River Systems
The Ganges, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries frequently experience extensive flooding due to factors like heavy sediment load, glacial melt, and monsoon rainfall. These rivers carry a massive volume of water during the rainy season, leading to floods in the lowland areas.
3. Long Coastline
With a 7500 km coastline, India is highly susceptible to tropical cyclones originating from the North Indian Ocean. The Chennai floods in December 2023, triggered by Cyclone Michaung, highlight the vulnerability of coastal cities to storm surges and heavy rains.
4. Climate Change
Climate change has caused increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, exacerbating the risk of floods. In regions like the Himalayas, there is a noticeable increase in the intensity of rainfall within shorter periods, which leads to flash floods.
Causes of Flood-Related Disasters in India
1. Unregulated Development
Poor adherence to building and environmental regulations, particularly in hilly terrains, has contributed to flood disasters. For instance, unregulated construction on the Song riverbed led to the Dehradun floods in 2022.
2. Unplanned Urbanization
Unplanned construction on floodplains and wetlands has reduced the natural absorption capacity of the land, aggravating flood risks. The 2023 Delhi floods were a direct consequence of encroachment on the Yamuna floodplains.
3. Deforestation
Deforestation for mining, roads, and tourism increases soil erosion and runoff, contributing to flooding. The floods in Karnataka and Kerala in 2019 were partly caused by deforestation in the Western Ghats.
4. Dam Construction
The construction of hydropower projects in the Himalayan region has intensified floods. The Uttarakhand floods in 2013 and the Sikkim floods in 2023 were aggravated by dam-related issues, including the release of excess water and poor planning.
Conclusion
Addressing India’s vulnerability to floods requires a multifaceted approach, including better urban planning, reforestation, improved drainage infrastructure, and effective river management. Steps to mitigate climate change effects are also crucial in reducing future flood risks.
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