Model Answer

Causes Behind the Rising Frequency of Urban Floods in India

India has experienced a significant rise in urban floods in recent years, with notable instances in Chennai (2004), Mumbai (2005), Delhi (2009), Guwahati and Delhi (2010), and Bangalore (2022). This increasing frequency can be attributed to several factors:

• Changing Weather Patterns: Climate change has led to more unpredictable weather, with high-intensity rainfall and cloudbursts occurring within short spans. This has caused storm surges, especially in coastal cities, overwhelming drainage systems (Source: National Disaster Management Authority).
• Concretization and Urbanization: Rapid urbanization has resulted in the concretization of large land areas, reducing natural soil infiltration and increasing runoff. As a result, water quickly overwhelms storm drains and floods urban areas (Source: NDMA Guidelines on Management of Urban Flooding).
• Stormwater and Waste Mismanagement: Inadequate drainage capacity, worsened by solid waste and construction debris clogging drains, significantly reduces their capacity to handle heavy rainfall, causing overflow and flooding (Source: Ministry of Urban Development).
• Encroachments: Unplanned urban expansion has led to encroachments on natural drainage paths, lake beds, and river floodplains, decreasing their ability to absorb rainwater and increasing flood risk (Source: NDMA).
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Aging or inadequate urban infrastructure, including limited pipeline capacity, insufficient flood storage, and poorly maintained pumping stations, exacerbates flooding (Source: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).

Government Measures to Mitigate Urban Flood Risks

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to address urban flood risks:

• National Guidelines on Urban Flood Management: Following the 2005 Mumbai floods, the NDMA introduced guidelines specifically for urban flooding, treating it as a unique disaster type separate from riverine floods (Source: NDMA).
• Sponge Cities Mission and AMRUT: Programs like the Sponge Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) support flood-resilient urban planning, encouraging measures like green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and rain gardens (Source: AMRUT).
• Restoration of Lakes and Wetlands: Cities like Bangalore and Mumbai have taken initiatives to rejuvenate lakes and wetlands, which can help absorb floodwaters and enhance biodiversity (Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).
• Nature-Based Solutions: Urban areas are incorporating nature-based solutions, such as Bhopal’s green-blue master plan, Chennai’s “Water as Leverage” initiative, and Delhi’s Master Plan 2041, to manage urban water flow and improve environmental resilience (Source: City Planning Initiatives).

While India has made strides in addressing urban flood risks, ongoing efforts to improve local governance, waste management, and climate awareness are crucial as the urban population continues to grow, projected to reach 814 million by 2050.

Model Answer

Local bodies, such as municipalities and panchayats, play a crucial role in disaster risk mitigation in India due to their proximity to communities and their understanding of local needs. They are essential in coordinating and implementing disaster risk reduction measures effectively.

Pre-Disaster Phase

1. Resource Mapping: Local bodies initiate resource mapping to identify facilities suitable for disaster management. For instance, they can designate temporary shelters for evacuated individuals and ensure the availability of food, water, and medical supplies.
2. Vulnerability Mapping: Regular vulnerability assessments help local bodies understand the risks specific to their areas. This ongoing process allows them to update their disaster preparedness strategies accordingly.
3. Early Warning Systems: Local authorities can establish early warning systems. A notable example is the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which has installed flood sensors throughout Mumbai to monitor water levels and issue timely warnings during heavy rainfall.

During Disaster

1. Disaster Response: Local bodies act as first responders during disasters. In the 2018 Kerala floods, local governments were pivotal in rescue and relief operations, setting up temporary shelters for those affected.
2. Community Support: They can initiate community kitchens to provide food and ensure medical services are accessible. Local governments often coordinate with private medical practitioners to organize medical camps for the affected population.

Post-Disaster Recovery

1. Coordination of Recovery Efforts: Local bodies facilitate collaboration among government departments, NGOs, and community organizations to provide livelihood support and restore essential infrastructure.
2. Disaster Management Plans: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released a Disaster Management Plan (DMP) to enhance local bodies’ capabilities in disaster risk reduction, emphasizing the importance of planning and community involvement.

By empowering local authorities through regulatory and financial means, as advocated by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), India can significantly enhance its disaster resilience at the community level.

Model Answer

Definition of Community-Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDP)

Community-based disaster preparedness (CBDP) refers to an approach where communities actively build their own capacity to assess and manage risks associated with both natural and human-induced hazards. It involves developing strategies, gathering resources, and implementing measures to prevent or mitigate the impact of potential disasters. Additionally, CBDP focuses on response, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts after a disaster strikes. Examples of CBDP initiatives include the Chetna Initiative in Bihar, Odisha’s community outreach system, and Puducherry’s Aapda Mitra scheme.

Process and Strategies in CBDP for Building Resilience

Pre-Disaster Phase

1. Community Orientation: The community must be educated on the nature of potential disasters, their vulnerabilities, and the impact they could face. This helps in raising awareness and fostering proactive preparedness.
2. Stock-Taking of Resources: The community should assess available resources, such as schools, health centers, and cyclone shelters, which can be critical during a disaster. This allows for better decision-making when disaster strikes.
3. Risk and Vulnerability Assessment: Identifying elements at risk (e.g., infrastructure, economic assets) and vulnerable populations (e.g., children, elderly, disabled) helps in planning appropriate preparedness measures.
4. Formulation of Preparedness Plans: A comprehensive disaster preparedness plan should clarify community roles before, during, and after a disaster. It should also specify resources, responsibilities, and coordination among local authorities, departments, and NGOs.

During the Disaster

1. Search, Rescue, and Evacuation: Identifying disaster victims, providing first aid, evacuating to safe places, and distributing relief are key actions in this phase.
2. Sheltering People and Livestock: Pre-planned shelters must be equipped with essential facilities like water, sanitation, food, and medical services.
3. Debris Clearance and Dead Body Identification: Clearing debris and disposing of casualties—both human and animal—are essential for restoring normalcy.

Post-Disaster Phase

1. Detailed Damage Assessment: This helps determine the scale of damage to lives, infrastructure, crops, and other assets.
2. Rehabilitation Plan: A comprehensive rehabilitation plan should focus on restoring livelihoods and rebuilding infrastructure.
3. Social Rehabilitation: Strengthening health centers, schools, and other community facilities is crucial for social recovery.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Building monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ensures proper utilization of resources and successful implementation of disaster management efforts.

Collaborative Effort

While local communities are instrumental in reducing vulnerabilities, the involvement of government, civil society, and other stakeholders is crucial for comprehensive disaster management.

Model Answer

India’s Vulnerability to Natural Disasters: A Detailed Discussion

India’s diverse geo-climatic conditions make it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. According to the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), 27 out of India’s 36 states and union territories are susceptible to natural disasters. The country’s vulnerability is heightened by various factors, including its geographical location, climatic conditions, and socio-economic factors.

Earthquakes

India is situated on the Alpine-Himalayan Belt, where the Indian Plate meets the Eurasian Plate, making it highly prone to earthquakes. Fourteen states in India, including regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, and parts of the North-East, are at high seismic risk. For example, the 2001 Gujarat earthquake caused significant destruction, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. According to NIDM, 58.6% of the country’s land is at risk from earthquakes of moderate to very high intensity.

Floods

Flooding is another major disaster, affecting approximately 12% of India’s land area (40 million hectares). This is largely due to heavy monsoon rainfall, which contributes to floods every year, particularly between June and September. States like Kerala, Assam, and Bihar frequently experience severe floods. The 2018 Kerala floods, for example, caused widespread devastation, with the loss of lives and infrastructure.

Cyclones and Tsunamis

India’s long coastline of 7,516 km is vulnerable to cyclones and tsunamis, especially along its eastern coast. Around 71% of the coastline, including states like Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, is prone to these natural disasters. The eastern coast experiences nearly 10% of the world’s tropical cyclones. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 1999 Odisha cyclone are notable examples of the devastation caused by such events.

Droughts and Heatwaves

Around 68% of India is prone to drought, with chronic drought conditions affecting areas like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra. In addition, heatwaves are increasingly common, especially in northern and central India, with states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan experiencing extreme temperatures during summer months.

Landslides

Landslides are frequent in regions like the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, and the Andaman Islands due to high rainfall and seismic activity. For instance, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods and landslides caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

Conclusion

India’s unique geo-climatic conditions expose it to a wide range of natural disasters, from earthquakes and cyclones to floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The government has recognized this vulnerability by establishing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to address these challenges and prepare for disaster resilience.