Measures for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in India

Before Signing the Sendai Framework:

1. National Disaster Management Act (2005): Established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to formulate policies and coordinate disaster response.
2. National Disaster Management Plan (2009): Focused on a framework for disaster management, emphasizing prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.
3. Disaster Management Training and Capacity Building: Initiatives like the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) aimed at training professionals and building capacities.
4. Early Warning Systems: Development of systems for natural disasters such as cyclones and floods to provide timely warnings.

After Signing the Sendai Framework:

1. National Disaster Management Plan (2016): Revised to align with the Sendai Framework, focusing on risk reduction through a comprehensive approach that includes community involvement and local resilience.
2. State and District Level Plans: Emphasis on integrating disaster risk reduction into state and district plans, ensuring local-level preparedness and response.
3. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Initiatives: NDMA introduced guidelines and frameworks such as the National Disaster Management Guidelines for Urban Flooding and the National Guidelines on Management of Biological Disasters.
4. Implementation of Sendai Framework’s Priorities: Incorporation of Sendai’s priorities such as understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, investing in disaster risk reduction, and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response.

Differences between the Sendai Framework and Hyogo Framework for Action:

1. Focus on Risk Reduction: The Sendai Framework emphasizes disaster risk reduction (DRR) rather than just disaster management, aiming for a proactive approach to reducing vulnerabilities.
2. Inclusion of Resilience: It incorporates resilience-building as a key component, promoting community-based approaches and the role of local governments.
3. Global Targets: The Sendai Framework introduces specific global targets to reduce disaster mortality, impact on health, economic loss, and infrastructure damage.
4. Data and Evidence-Based: It stresses the need for data collection and risk assessment to inform disaster risk management policies, enhancing evidence-based decision-making.
5. Human Rights and Inclusivity: Emphasis on human rights and inclusive disaster risk reduction, ensuring that vulnerable populations are considered in DRR strategies.

Conclusion: The transition from the Hyogo Framework to the Sendai Framework marks a shift towards a more comprehensive, proactive, and inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction, focusing on resilience and risk management at all levels.