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Home/upsc: disaster management

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Rubi Gautam
  • 2
Rubi GautamBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 2

Enumerate the causes of the latest locust attacks that have occurred in and around India, as well as the dangers that they bring. List the actions India has made to address this issue as well.

upsc: disaster management
  1. Raudas Singh
    Raudas Singh Begginer

    India recently witnessed invasion of vast swathes of land by swarms of desert locusts, which entered India from the western side via Pakistan's Sindh province. The desert locusts usually breed in areas in the countries along the eastern coast of Africa in a region known as the Horn of Africa. The reRead more

    India recently witnessed invasion of vast swathes of land by swarms of desert locusts, which entered India from the western side via Pakistan’s Sindh province. The desert locusts usually breed in areas in the countries along the eastern coast of Africa in a region known as the Horn of Africa.

    The reasons for these locust attacks are

    • Indian Ocean Dipole: Positive Indian Ocean dipole made the western Indian Ocean particularly warm and consequently led to greater precipitation.
      • Heavy rain (wettest rainfall season in over four decades in East Africa) triggered the growth of vegetation in arid areas where desert locusts could grow and breed.
    • Cyclones: The cyclonic storms Mekunu and Luban that struck Oman and Yemen in 2018 respectively transformed the empty desert tracts into large lakes providing damp soils where the locust swarms bred.
    • Wind Movement: Locusts generally are known to be passive flyers, who generally follow the wind. The low-pressure area created by Cyclone Amphan in the Bay of Bengal strengthened the westerly winds, which aided the movement of the locusts into South Asia.

    Threat posed by the locust attacks

    • Crop damage: One square km swarm can eat as much food as 35000 people in a day. The recent desert locust attack has wiped out crops spread over 5,00,000 hectares in Rajasthan. It poses a serious threat to India’s food security in the recent future. They also destroy forest and urban vegetation areas if they are unable to find crops to feed.
    • Allergies: Locust swarms often create allergens that aggravate allergies.
    • Air travel: Generally, locusts are found at lower levels and therefore pose a threat to aircrafts especially in the critical landing and take-off phase of the flight.
    • Pollution and Human Health: Use of pesticides such as Malathion 96 and Chlorpyrifos to thwart the probem of locust contributes to soil and water pollution.

    Both are extremely toxic and a high level of exposure to the pesticides may cause nausea, dizziness and even death. In India, Locust Warning Organisation (LWO), under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, is responsible for monitoring, survey and control of Desert Locust in Scheduled Desert Areas mainly in the States of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The steps taken by India to tackle the threat of locust attack include:

    • Several Locust Circle Offices and temporary camps have been established to control and monitor the attack in coordination with District Administration and agriculture field machinery of affected states.
    • Drones are used to spray pesticides on tall trees and inaccessible places for effective control of locusts.
    • The Centre has compensated some of the farmers who suffered losses from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Fund.
    • Hindustan Insecticides Limited is now in the process of production and supply of 25MT Malathion for supply to locust control programme to Iran under Government to Government arrangement.

    As the recent locust attack has shown that India’s food security remains vulnerable to such events, India needs to deeply engage with other regional countries like Pakistan and Iran to effectively tackle such future locust attacks by taking mitigating steps in the breeding grounds of these locusts itself.

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Dhruv Choudhary
  • 1
Dhruv ChoudharyBegginer
Asked: July 27, 2024In:
  • 1

Analyze how community-based methods of disaster management have helped India’s vulnerable communities become more resilient.

upsc: disaster management
  1. Pranay Nair
    Pranay Nair Begginer

    Evaluating the Role of Community-Based Disaster Management Approaches in Building the Resilience of Vulnerable Populations in India 1. Introduction Community-based disaster management (CBDM) approaches emphasize the involvement of local communities in planning, implementing, and managing disaster riRead more

    Evaluating the Role of Community-Based Disaster Management Approaches in Building the Resilience of Vulnerable Populations in India

    1. Introduction

    Community-based disaster management (CBDM) approaches emphasize the involvement of local communities in planning, implementing, and managing disaster risk reduction and response efforts. These approaches are crucial for building resilience among vulnerable populations by leveraging local knowledge, resources, and capacities. This evaluation explores the role of CBDM in enhancing resilience in India, using recent examples to illustrate its effectiveness.

    2. Importance of Community-Based Disaster Management

    A. Enhancing Local Capacity and Ownership

    1. Local Knowledge and Expertise: CBDM approaches harness local knowledge and expertise, which are essential for understanding the specific vulnerabilities and needs of communities. For instance, the Coastal Odisha Cyclone Preparedness Programme involves local fishermen and coastal residents in disaster preparedness and response planning, utilizing their knowledge of local conditions and risks.

    2. Empowerment and Ownership: Engaging communities in disaster management fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment. The Kutch District in Gujarat has implemented community-based initiatives where local communities participate in risk assessment, planning, and response activities, leading to increased community engagement and effectiveness in disaster management.

    B. Building Resilience and Reducing Vulnerabilities

    1. Customized Risk Reduction Measures: CBDM allows for the development of customized risk reduction measures tailored to local needs. The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) collaborates with local communities to develop context-specific flood management strategies, such as constructing check dams and improving drainage systems in flood-prone areas.

    2. Strengthening Social Networks: CBDM approaches strengthen social networks and support systems, which are critical for effective disaster response and recovery. The Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) initiatives in Assam have focused on building local networks and training community members in emergency response, which has improved collective resilience.

    3. Recent Examples of Community-Based Disaster Management

    A. The Uttarakhand Floods (2013)

    1. Context and Response: The devastating floods in Uttarakhand in 2013 highlighted the need for community-based approaches in disaster management. Local communities played a crucial role in rescue operations and relief efforts, utilizing their knowledge of the terrain and local conditions.

    2. Implementation of CBDM: Post-flood, various CBDM initiatives were implemented, including the formation of Local Disaster Management Committees (LDMCs) and community-based early warning systems. These initiatives aimed to enhance local preparedness and response capacities, leading to more resilient communities in subsequent disaster events.

    B. The Kerala Floods (2018)

    1. Context and Response: The Kerala floods of 2018 were one of the worst floods in recent decades. Community-based efforts played a significant role in managing the crisis. Local volunteers and community groups were instrumental in rescue and relief operations, and their involvement helped in the rapid distribution of aid and resources.

    2. Implementation of CBDM: Following the floods, Kerala has focused on strengthening community-based disaster management through initiatives such as the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), which involves local communities in flood preparedness and response planning. These efforts have included training community volunteers and setting up local disaster response teams.

    C. The Cyclone Fani (2019)

    1. Context and Response: Cyclone Fani, which struck Odisha in 2019, tested the effectiveness of community-based disaster management strategies. The state’s emphasis on involving local communities in disaster preparedness and response proved effective in mitigating the cyclone’s impact.

    2. Implementation of CBDM: The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) engaged local communities through awareness programs, evacuation drills, and the establishment of community shelters. This approach significantly improved the state’s preparedness and response, reducing casualties and damage.

    4. Recommendations for Enhancing Community-Based Disaster Management

    A. Strengthening Training and Capacity Building

    1. Comprehensive Training Programs: Developing comprehensive training programs for community members on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery can enhance their ability to manage disasters effectively. Training should include first aid, rescue operations, and risk assessment.

    2. Building Local Disaster Management Committees: Establishing and empowering Local Disaster Management Committees (LDMCs) can enhance community coordination and response capabilities. These committees should be supported with resources and training to perform their roles effectively.

    B. Enhancing Integration with Government and Non-Governmental Organizations

    1. Collaboration with Government Agencies: Strengthening collaboration between community-based organizations and government agencies can improve the coordination and effectiveness of disaster management efforts. Government agencies should support community initiatives through funding, technical assistance, and policy support.

    2. Engaging Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs play a crucial role in supporting community-based disaster management. Collaborating with NGOs for training, resource mobilization, and technical support can enhance the effectiveness of community-based approaches.

    C. Leveraging Technology and Innovation

    1. Utilizing Early Warning Systems: Implementing community-based early warning systems using technology, such as mobile alerts and automated weather stations, can improve disaster preparedness. Integrating these systems with local knowledge can enhance their effectiveness.

    2. Promoting Innovative Solutions: Encouraging the development and adoption of innovative solutions, such as community-driven risk maps and digital platforms for information sharing, can enhance disaster management efforts.

    5. Conclusion

    Community-based disaster management approaches are vital for building the resilience of vulnerable populations in India. By leveraging local knowledge, fostering community ownership, and strengthening social networks, these approaches contribute to effective disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Recent examples such as the Uttarakhand floods, Kerala floods, and Cyclone Fani illustrate the positive impact of community-based initiatives. Enhancing training, improving collaboration with government and NGOs, and leveraging technology can further strengthen community-based disaster management and contribute to more resilient communities across India.

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Sangeeta rathor
  • 1
Sangeeta rathorBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

Describe the Indian institutional architecture for disaster management.

upsc: disaster management
  1. Rubi Gautam
    Rubi Gautam Begginer

    Disaster management in India has evolved from an activity-based reactive setup to a proactive institutionalized structure and from a relief-based approach to a 'multi-dimensional pro- active holistic approach for reducing risk'. The current institutional framework is characterized by following mechaRead more

    Disaster management in India has evolved from an activity-based reactive setup to a proactive institutionalized structure and from a relief-based approach to a ‘multi-dimensional pro- active holistic approach for reducing risk’.

    The current institutional framework is characterized by following mechanisms:

    • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The National Disaster Management Act, 2005 Act provides for the setting up of NDMA at national level, and, the SDMA at the state level and the DDMAs at the district level.
      • NDMA is the apex body for disaster management, which has the responsibility for laying down the policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management. The guidelines of NDMA assist the Central Ministries, Departments, and States to formulate their respective Disaster Management (DM) plans.
    • National Executive Committee (NEC): It acts as the coordinating and monitoring body for disaster management. The NEC may give directions to the relevant Ministries/Departments of the Centre, the State Governments, and the State Authorities regarding measures to be taken by them in response to any specific threatening disaster situation or disaster as per needs of the State.
    • National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR): A multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) was constituted to include stakeholders including people representing different interests in the field of disaster management apart from centre and state governments.
    • National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): It is the nodal agency responsible for human resource development, capacity building, training, research, documentation and policy advocacy in the field of disaster management. .
    • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The NDRF is a specialist response force that can be deployed in a threatening disaster situation or disaster.
    • The National Disaster Management Plan, 2016: It provides a framework and direction to the government agencies for all phases of the disaster management cycle. It provides for a comprehensive plan for different hazards with role and function clarity of all authorities involved.

    Similar structures exist at the State and District level for tackling disaster managements. These include State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), State Executive Committee and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Need of the hour is to ensure effective functioning of these mechanisms by overcoming their various shortcomings like hierarchical, bureaucratic, command and control, ‘top down’, approach that gives the central, state, and district authorities sweeping powers. Going forward, India can also work on institutionalizing mechanisms for community-based disaster management, disaster resilient infrastructure etc. Further, issues like having no concrete plan or policy for anticipating requirements and mobilisation of funds, lack of trained manpower need to be resolved for the purpose of effective disaster management.

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Rajesh Meena
  • 1
Rajesh MeenaBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

What does Disaster Risk Reduction mean to you? How can development planning incorporate disaster risk reduction?

upsc: disaster management
  1. Umang Singh Yadav
    Umang Singh Yadav Expert

    Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to identifying, assessing and reducing the risks of disaster. It aims at reducing the vulnerability of communities to disasters and enhancing their capacity to cope with and recover from disasters. India's Disaster Risk Reduction efforts have yiRead more

    Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to identifying, assessing and reducing the risks of disaster. It aims at reducing the vulnerability of communities to disasters and enhancing their capacity to cope with and recover from disasters.

    India’s Disaster Risk Reduction efforts have yielded significant results 38.8 million people covered under National Disaster Management Plan, 14,000+ villages flood mapped and 100 plus early warning systems. Cyclone Fani evacuation saved 1.2 million lives, reducing casualties by 95% compared to 1999. Kerala floods rescue operations saved 4.5 lakh people, minimizing losses.

    Mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction in Development Planning – 

    1. Organizational structures and frameworks enables coordinated disaster management. example – effective DRR institutional arrangements facilitated Odisha’s successful evacuation of 1.2 million people during Cyclone Fani.
    2. Policy and legislative framework comprises laws, policies and guidelines guiding disaster management. example – Disaster Management Act (2005),National Disaster Management Policy (2009).
    3. Assessment and mapping identifies and evaluates hazards, vulnerabilities and risks.example-Flood Hazard Mapping (FHM).
    4. Development sectors incorporates risk reduction measures into sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, health and education.example-flood resistant roads and bridges.
    5. Community engagement and participation involves empowering communities to take ownership of risk reduction through awareness, training and involvement.example-Village disaster management committees.
    6. Financing and resource allocation ensures dedicated funds for risk reduction measures. example – National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF).
    7. Capacity building and training enhances skills and knowledge of stakeholders.

     

    Effective Disaster Risk Reduction measures save lives, mitigate losses and foster resilience. India’s proactive approach through policy, institutional frameworks and community engagement serves as a model.

     

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Kanhiya Lal
  • 1
Kanhiya LalBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In: ,
  • 1

Evaluate India’s seismic susceptibility and recommend ways to make the country more earthquake resilient.

upsc: disaster management
  1. Sunita Soni
    Sunita Soni Begginer

    The Indian subcontinent is one of the most earthquake prone regions of the world. In the last few decades, India has witnessed many devastating earthquakes e.g. Kashmir 2005, Gujarat 2001 and Uttarkashi 1991, which caused significant loss of human life as well as physical infrastructure. India's vulRead more

    The Indian subcontinent is one of the most earthquake prone regions of the world. In the last few decades, India has witnessed many devastating earthquakes e.g. Kashmir 2005, Gujarat 2001 and Uttarkashi 1991, which caused significant loss of human life as well as physical infrastructure.

    India’s vulnerability to earthquakes

    • Huge area prone to Earthquake: An Earthquake Disaster Risk Index (EDRI), prepared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), showed that about 56% area of India is vulnerable to moderate to major earthquakes where about 82% of the population live. About 12% of the land is liable to severe earthquake shaking.
    • Geographical location: The reasons for high magnitude earthquakes in India are hidden in the tectonic setting of India. The Indian plate is pushing against the Eurasian plate at a rate of approximately 45 mm/year and rotating slowly anticlockwise. The entire Himalayan Region is considered to be vulnerable to high intensity earthquakes as it lies at the boundary of two converging plates.
    • Human-induced seismicity: Vulnerability to earthquakes increases due to several human actions such as
      • Construction of unscientific dams, mining, water reservoir impoundment and power projects in areas prone to earthquakes.
      • Inadequate attention to earthquake resistant construction standards in vulnerable areas. For instance, the proposed Pancheshwar dam project on the India-Nepal border is a large-scale project in the geologically sensitive Himalayan area.
    • Indirect vulnerabilities: The earthquakes also have some serious and far-reaching consequences. For example, earthquakes are also responsible for landslides, soil liquefaction and other calamities in the affected areas.

    Measures for better resilience to earthquakes

    • Earthquake zone blueprint: There is a need to prepare a vulnerability map of the country based on different intensities of earthquakes. The vulnerability risk information should be disseminated among the people and they should be educated about the ways and means of minimising the adverse impacts of disasters.
    • Monitoring and identifying the gaps in the existing seismic risk assessment methods: Establishing earthquake monitoring centres (seismological centres) for regular monitoring in the vulnerable areas. Use of Geographical Positioning System (GPS) can be of great help in monitoring the movement of tectonic plates.
    • Prioritizing Action Plan: Prioritize the cities and regions based on the severity of risk for implementing mitigation programs using the EDRI model. There is a need for formal training among professionals in earthquake-resistant construction practices.
    • Earthquake-proof planning and design of buildings: Make it mandatory to adopt earthquake-resistant designs in the vulnerable areas. There should be proper monitoring and enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes and town planning by-laws.
    • Technological solution: The new technological solution must be adopted to make houses earthquakes resilient as well as predicting patterns of earthquake occurrences.
    • Periodical drills & awareness: Disaster like earthquakes cannot be preempted and hence people should be ready to handle any kind of situation. This is possible if periodic drills and mock exercises are conducted. People’s participation, cooperation and awareness are the key to success.

    Unlike other disasters, it is not possible to prevent the occurrence of earthquakes; hence, the only Olution to minimise loss of lives and properties is effective disaster preparedness and mitigation gainst them. It is thus necessary to empower communities to ensure the seismic safety of the built mvironment by encouraging the use of simple, easy and affordable technical solutions and stitutional arrangements.

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Lakshmi Devi
  • 1
Lakshmi DeviBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
  • 1

Numerous chemical accidents, such as the Bhopal gas tragedy and the Visakhapatnam gas leak, have highlighted the dangers associated with hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) in India. Talk about the shortcomings and level of readiness for Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) in India ...

upsc: disaster management
  1. Babita Singh
    Babita Singh Begginer

    The Bhopal Gas tragedy of 1984 is the amongst the worst chemical disaster in history, where over 2000 people died due to the accidental release of the toxic gas Methyl Isocyanate. Recently, the Vizag gas leak at LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam killed 12 people and sickened hundreds. Chemical disaRead more

    The Bhopal Gas tragedy of 1984 is the amongst the worst chemical disaster in history, where over 2000 people died due to the accidental release of the toxic gas Methyl Isocyanate. Recently, the Vizag gas leak at LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam killed 12 people and sickened hundreds. Chemical disasters, though low in frequency, have the potential to cause significant immediate or long-term damage, like injuries, permanent disabilities, loss of lives, damage to property and environment. India is amongst the very few countries, which have enshrined the right to live in a clean and wholesome environment as a fundamental right. After the Bhopal disaster in 1984, Chemical Disaster Management (CDM) received greater emphasis and following steps have been taken to prepare the mechanism to deal with any such disaster:

    • Regulatory framework: There are various legislations, which take into account CDM. For, example, Indian factories Act, 1948, The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules 1989, The Chemical Weapons Convention Act 2000, CAEPPR Rules 1996, Public Liability Insurance Act 1991, Explosives Act-1884, Insecticide Act-1968, Environment (Protection) Act-1986, and Disaster Management (DM) Act-2005. These regulatory frameworks deal with various issues like working conditions, regulating the usage of chemicals, mitigation efforts etc.
    • Institutional framework: A separate Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has been earmarked as the nodal ministry for management of chemical disasters to ease coordination amongst other ministries, institutions and agencies to manage these disasters. Besides, research institutes like IITs, NEERI, etc. are also working in this domain.
    • NDMA guidelines to ministries/departments and states for preparing DM plans: The guidelines focus on all aspects of the DM cycle including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, relief, rehabilitation and recovery.
    • Other technical efforts: Installation of major accident Hazard Control System, GIS-based Emergency Management System, Environment Risk Reporting and Information Systems (ERRIS), etc.
    • Capacity building: Financial assistance has been provided for capacity development in CDM to various disaster management training institutes.

    While considerable progress has been made in the management of chemical disasters, critical gaps still exist in certain areas

    • Complex web of laws: Regulatory frameworks have numerous laws for various aspects under different ministries thus making it more difficult in terms of synchronizing the policies and have various issues at implementation levels and making it even more difficult for regulations.
    • Gaps in codes of practices, procedures and standards: There is a lack of national level risk assessment criteria and acceptable risks for chemical plants. Also, there are lacunae in procedure for conduct of safety audit and departmental inspections.
    • Untrained professionals: There is a lack of knowledge amongst the government officials, medical staff, as well as staff of the industry on CDM. Also, there is a shortage of clear accessible information on potential chemical hazards and their management.
    • Infrastructural gaps: Institutional framework for providing technical support at various levels is a key requirement for sustaining proper development and implementation of an effective disaster management system. These have not been fully identified.
    • Gaps in post disaster management: Mechanisms to deal with social and economic impacts of chemicals on human health, society and the environment, including liability, compensation and redress are not streamlined and strengthened to take adequate care of post disaster mitigation.

    Although good efforts have been made to minimize such accidents and to improve emergency preparedness at all levels, more needs to be done. One step in this regard can be preparing a database of all potential chemicals used in industries. Substantial efforts are still required to predict the potential occurrence of disasters, assess the damage potential, issue warnings, and to take other precautionary measures to mitigate their effects.

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Ameya Srivastava
  • 1
Ameya SrivastavaLearner
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 1

What is the framework of Sendai? Describe the significant steps that India has taken to manage disasters based on the Sendai framework.

upsc: disaster management
  1. Jitendra Singh
    Jitendra Singh Begginer

    India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. About 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods; about 8% of the total area is prone to cyclones and 68% of the area isRead more

    India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. About 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods; about 8% of the total area is prone to cyclones and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought. Considering the vulnerabilities of India, Sendai Framework plays an important role in response, recovery and resilience of India in terms of disaster management.

    Sendai Framework

    1. Sendai framework is a 15-year voluntary, non-binding agreement adopted at the Third World Conference on DRR. It is a successor instrument to Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005- 2015.
    2. It recognizes that the State has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including local government, the private sector and other stakeholders.
    3. The Sendai Framework has set seven targets and four priorities along with guidelines for a substantial reduction in losses including a reduction in the number of deaths from disasters, number of people affected by disasters, economic losses and infrastructure losses.
    4. It also calls for an increase in capacities through national and local strategies, international cooperation and improved access to early warning.
    5. The Sendai Framework works hand in hand with the other 2030 Agenda agreements, including The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, The Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, the New Urban Agenda, and ultimately the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Important Initiative Taken By India Based On Sendai Framework

    In furtherance to its commitment to the Sendai framework, the Government has taken up several important initiatives post-Sendai Declaration.

    1. Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction (AMCDRR): India hosted the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction (AMCDRR) in November 2016. It provided an opportunity for multiple stakeholders to come together and make specific commitments to the implementation of Sendai Framework.
    2. New Delhi Declaration: The ‘New Delhi Declaration’ declares the commitment of participating governments towards preventing and reducing disaster risk, and strengthening the resilience of communities, nations in the Asian region. It also emphasises the need to enhance the capacity of communities and ensure participation of all stakeholder groups towards achieving resilience.
    3. Asian Regional Plan: The ‘Asian Regional Plan for Implementation of the Sendai Framework’ focuses on the ‘How to’ reduce disaster risk at national and local levels. It has arrived at a longer-term road map of cooperation and collaboration, spanning the 15-year horizon of the Sendai Framework, as well as a two-year action plan to further disaster risk reduction with specific, actionable activities.
    4. Prime Minister’s 10-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction: This agenda includes motives such as, to build a coalition to support disaster resilient infrastructure, encourage greater involvement and leadership of women, leverage technology to enhance the efficiency, develop a network of universities to work on disaster issues, utilize the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies, build on local capacity and initiative and bring about greater cohesion in the international response to disasters, etc.
    5. Training programmes: First national-level Training of Trainers programme for Sendai Framework was organised in 2017 by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Aim of the programme was to sensitise various Central Ministries and Departments on the utilisation of Sendai Monitor for developing action plans for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
    6. International Cooperation on Disaster Management: India had signed bilateral/ multilateral agreements with the several countries for cooperation in the field of disaster management like SAARC Agreement on Rapid Response to Natural Disasters, Agreement between India and Russia on cooperation in the field of Emergency Management, and Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between India and Germany on cooperation in the field of Disaster Management, etc.
    7. KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND REGIONAL COOPERATION: India is keen to share her expertise and help other countries in disaster response as it did during the Japan Earthquake in 2011 and Nepal earthquake of 2015. The government of India is making consistent efforts to promote regional cooperation by hosting the SAARC Disaster Management Centre to reduce disaster risks in the region and promoting knowledge sharing among the SAARC countries.

    India Specific Initiatives

    1. A National Disaster Management Plan was framed by the NDMA. It provides a framework and direction to the government agencies for all phases of the disaster management cycle. It has short, medium and long term measures that will be completed within the time frame of 5, 10, and 15 years. 2.
    2. The Government of India has issued a set of priority actions to all the State Government based on the goals, targets and priorities of Sendai Framework 2015-2030.
    3. In line with Sendai priority 4, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is strengthened, both in terms of state-of-the-art training and equipment so as to further empower it as a professional disaster response force.
    4. Government of India has approved the creation of National Disaster Response Reserve (NDRR) through a revolving fund of Rs.250 crore to be operated by the National Disaster Response Force. This dedicated fund would enable the NDRF to maintain a ready inventory of emergency goods and services.
    5. The Government of India has constituted the National Disaster Response Force Academy at National Civil Defence College, Nagpur for training to personnel involved in disaster management and response.

    The Sendai Framework also calls upon all the stakeholders to be involved in disaster preparedness and mitigation planning as well as the relief and recovery phase. In the mission of Disaster Risk Reduction, there is a need for collaboration by all entities, public and private, to strengthen the mechanisms for disaster risk reduction by using and sharing reliable and affordable modern technology for capacity building. The country requires protocols to involve civil society in myriad post-COVID roles.

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Ameya Srivastava
  • 1
Ameya SrivastavaLearner
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 1

Local people used their indigenous and traditional wisdom to respond to natural disasters long before we began employing cutting-edge technologies for disaster management. Discuss, using an example, how traditional knowledge contributes to disaster management in light of the assertion.

upsc: disaster management
  1. Kirti Sharvan
    Kirti Sharvan Begginer

    Natural disasters are not a new phenomenon. History of the havoc of natural disasters is as old as the history of mankind on the face of planet earth. The urge for survival helped human beings to observe and study the behaviour pattern of Nature around them and prepare themselves for forthcoming disRead more

    Natural disasters are not a new phenomenon. History of the havoc of natural disasters is as old as the history of mankind on the face of planet earth. The urge for survival helped human beings to observe and study the behaviour pattern of Nature around them and prepare themselves for forthcoming disasters. These observations are preserved in the form of traditional knowledge in the minds of local communities, which comes to rescue at the time of natural disasters. According to the World Risk Index, six out of the world׳s ten highest disaster risk countries are in Asia and the Pacific. Thus we find riches of traditional knowledge here to respond to disasters.

    Some Of The General Observations Due To Traditional Knowledge

    1. Landslide: New cracks or unusual bulges in the ground or street pavements; Rapid increase in stream water levels; Sticking doors and windows and sudden decrease in stream water levels though rain is still falling or just recently stopped.
    2. Earthquake: Different behaviour of a particular variety of fish (Singhi) which comes to the top of the water level before an earthquake.
    3. Tornado: Sudden change in the colour of the sky.
    4. Floods: In coastal communities, since ancient times communities have been using bioindicators like Tree-Tempe-tank being situated at elevated areas is the safest flood shelter, black ants with eggs climbing up, symbolises heavy rain.
    5. Wildfires and desertification: Running cows indicates severity during village fire, the direction of wind indicates the weather forecast and growth of wild indicates desertification. These have over the years been culturally accepted and tested for successful results.

    Some Successful Practices In India Using Traditional Knowledge

    1. The Kashmir region is known for its traditional earthquake-safe construction practices, where two types of construction practices are prevalent: Taq system (timber laced masonry) and Dhajji-Dewari system (timber frame with infill walls).
    2. Traditional Bamboo plantation in Northeast: Planting bamboo helps to protect the bunds from being breached and prevent rapid runoff from the river channel when the river overflows during heavy rainy days. Moreover, planting bamboo along fish ponds and paddy fields prevents soil erosion and stops water from submerging low areas during peak flooding days.
    3. In Tamil Nadu, to protect crops from floods, farmers plant flood-resistant paddy seed using indigenous agriculture practices. They broadcast the seeds in late summer and early monsoon without any chemical fertilizer, it grows well and before the flood season its root goes deep and the plant becomes strong. Such plants grow so well that during harvesting the plants are cut into two pieces; one is used for fodder and the other part for the annual renovation of thatched houses.
    4. In West Bengal and Odisha, to save fish from floods, farmers in the coastal regions put bamboo pegs in the fish pond before the flood and just before the pond submerges with flood water they hang fried fenugreek on these pegs at different places in a pond putting it in thin cotton cloths. As per the farmers, if the fried fenugreek is hanged inside the pond then the fishes don’t leave the pond. This considerably reduced the risk of washing away from the fishes in floodwater.
    5. Taanka is a traditional rainwater harvesting technique indigenous to the Thar desert region of Rajasthan. A Tanaka is a cylindrical paved underground pit into which rainwater from rooftops, courtyards or artificially prepared catchments flows. Once filled, the water stored in a tank can last throughout the dry season and is sufficient for a family of 5-6 members. Similar practices in the form of Johad, Khadin, Kund, and Baoli, etc. helps the communities to withstand the drought and harsh climate.
    6. Indigenous communities of Andhra Pradesh and other drought-prone areas practice shifting cultivation and grow drought-resistant tuber crops which follow a cycle providing enough space for conservation.

    Some Examples From The Globe

    1. Tsunami in Indonesia: In the islands of Indonesia singing of the animal below is believed to work as a premonition of disaster. This phenomenon is used as an early warning sign for tsunami waves. This has significantly helped the tsunami vulnerable island community to take appropriate action on the tsunami warning.
    2. Floating Gardens of Bangladesh and Boat Schools: Many parts of Bangladesh are flooded either due to a large coastline in the Bay of Bengal or due to flooded rivers of the country. A novel method of farming in moving boats with the help of traditional knowledge has come to rescue the communities from economic impacts of frequent floods. Similarly, even in floods, students do not miss their classes due to Boat schools.
    3. Traditional predictions of calamities in Africa: In African countries, drought and occasional floods are common disasters. Communities predict the calamity by observing the height of the nests of the amahlokohloko bird (Ploceus spp.) on trees to predict floods. When floods are likely to occur the nesting of the amahlokohloko is very high up the trees next to a river and when floods are unlikely the nests are low down. They also used the cry of certain birds to predict rain and yields of certain wild fruit plants to predict famine.

    The important role that local knowledge and practices can play in reducing risk and improving disaster preparedness is now acknowledged by disaster risk reduction specialists. However, they have yet to be commonly used by communities, scientists, practitioners and policy-makers. The local and indigenous knowledge needs to be integrated with science and advanced technologies before it can be used in policies, education, and actions related to disaster risk reduction and climate change.

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  • 1
Sonali BBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
  • 1

Does a good disaster risk reduction formula involve community resilience?

upsc: disaster management
  1. Kartik Sharma
    Kartik Sharma Begginer

    Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks of disaster. It aims to reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities to disaster as well as deal with the environmental and other hazards that trigger them. Community resilience is the sustained abilityRead more

    Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks of disaster. It aims to reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities to disaster as well as deal with the environmental and other hazards that trigger them. Community resilience is the sustained ability of a community to use available resources (energy, communication, transportation, food, etc.) to respond to, withstand, and recover from adverse situations. This allows for the adaptation and growth of a community after disaster strikes. The scope of community resilience extends beyond natural disasters and includes man made ones too.

    Role Of Community Resilience In Drr

    1. Communities are getting increasingly complex, and so are the challenges they face. Human-caused and natural disasters are more frequent now and costly too. Factors like climate change, globalization, and increased urbanization can bring disaster related risks to greater numbers of people.
    2. In this backdrop community resilience becomes crucial. Developing community resilience benefits disaster planners and community members alike. It expands the traditional preparedness approach by encouraging actions that build preparedness while also promoting strong community systems.
    3. In disaster risk reduction key preparedness activities such as continuity of operations plans for organizations, compiling disaster kits etc continue to be essential. A resilience approach adds features like building social connectedness and improving everyday health, wellness, and community systems.
    4. Earlier, the approach to Disaster Management (DM) was primarily reactive and relief-centric. However, disaster response alone is not sufficient as it yields only temporary results at a very high cost.
    5. Community resilience allows better planning for disasters to reduce disaster losses-rather than waiting for an event to occur and paying for it afterward.
    6. Although disasters will continue to occur, actions that move the nation from reactive approaches to disasters to a proactive stance where communities actively engage in enhancing resilience will reduce many of the broad societal and economic burdens that disasters can cause.
    7. The emphasis on community resilience has emerged from the need to identify principles and measures to protect development gains from shocks and stresses. Thus the aim here is to engage the community to ensure that shocks and stresses do not lead to a long-term downturn in development progress.

    Community Resilience Is Not Enough

    Communities do not exist in isolation. The level of a community’s resilience is also influenced by capacities outside the community, in particular by emergency management services but also by other social and administrative services, public infrastructure, and a web of socio-economic and political linkages with the wider world. Apart from community resilience we need:

    1. Understanding Disaster Risk by promoting the collection, analysis, management, and use of relevant data and practical information and ensuring its dissemination.
    2. Strengthening disaster risk governance by establishing and strengthening government coordination forums composed of relevant stakeholders at the national and local levels, and having a designated national focal point for implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.
    3. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
    4. To enhance international mechanisms, such as the International Recovery Platform, for the sharing of experience and learning among countries and all relevant stakeholders.

    Disaster Management has to be a multi-disciplinary and proactive approach. Besides various measures for putting in place institutional and policy framework, disaster prevention, mitigation, community resilience, and preparedness have a key role to play in achieving our goal of moving together, towards a safer India.

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Sonali B
  • 1
Sonali BBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
  • 1

Although the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure is a very promising effort, unless it is seen in conjunction with the Sendai framework and Paris Climate Change targets, it may not be able to achieve its full potential. Talk about it.

upsc: disaster management
  1. Ranjan Gaikwad
    Ranjan Gaikwad Begginer

    Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi announced a global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), at the UN Climate Action Summit 2019 held in the USA, in September 2019. This partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks, financRead more

    Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi announced a global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), at the UN Climate Action Summit 2019 held in the USA, in September 2019. This partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks, financing mechanisms, private sector, and knowledge institutions will promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.

    Ambitions Of Cdri

    1. Developed through consultations with more than 35 countries, CDRI envisions enabling a measurable reduction in infrastructure losses from disasters, including extreme climate events.
    2. Established as a platform for generating and exchanging knowledge, CDRI will conduct country-specific and global activities. CDRI will provide member countries technical support and capacity development, research and knowledge management, and advocacy and partnerships to facilitate and encourage investment in disaster resilient infrastructure systems.
    3. CDRI focuses on developing resilience in ecological infrastructure, social infrastructure with a concerted emphasis on health and education, and economic infrastructure with special attention to transportation, telecommunications, energy, and water.

    Coalition For Disaster Resilience Infrastructure(Cdri) And Sendai Framework

    1. Infrastructure systems are critical to enabling the transformation necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and it is critical that they are risk-informed and resilient, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
    2. In the face of increasing levels of systemic disaster risk, including in the context of climate change, CDRI addresses the challenge of building resilience into infrastructure systems.
    3. By providing access to good practices to develop appropriate standards and regulatory mechanisms to manage infrastructure development in a manner that fosters resilience, the CDRI enables national level systemic resilience with implications for globally interconnected systems.
    4. The CDRI supports countries to upgrade their systems to ensure disaster and climate resilience of existing and future infrastructure, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Sendai Framework.
    5. In line with the Sendai Framework and its core provisions, CDRI will support efforts to build back better from COVID-19 impacts towards the attainment of the 2030 Agenda.
    6. The Sendai Framework recommends strengthening disaster resilient public and private investments through structural, nonstructural, and functional disaster risk prevention and reduction measures in critical facilities.
    7. CDRI encourages the revision of existing or the development of new building codes, standards, and rehabilitation and reconstruction practices at the national or local levels.
    8. CDRI calls for the promotion of proper design and construction, including the use of the principles of universal design and the standardization of building materials; retrofitting and rebuilding; and nurturing a culture of maintenance.

    Coalition For Disaster Resilience Infrastructure And Paris Climate Change Goals

    1. Climate-related extreme events are increasing globally, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further reinforced the need for robust disaster preparedness and investment in renewable energy, green infrastructure, energy and resource efficiency, large-scale retrofitting, renovation projects, and the circular economy.
    2. The CDRI is a welcome initiative to help tackle these objectives in a multilateral approach, which will help in the implementation of the Paris Agreement, through both global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced climate change adaptation action.
    3. CDRI is aimed towards achieving the adaptation goal. CDRI forms the basis of India’s vision for global climate action that also takes into account issues of equity, development, and the special needs of developing and least developed countries.

    CDRI, thus, aims to enable the achievement of objectives of expanding universal access to basic services and enabling prosperity as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, while also working at the intersection of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Climate Agreement.

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