Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• • Briefly introduce India’s vulnerability to natural disasters, highlighting that 27 out of 29 states and 7 union territories are prone to various disasters (e.g., cyclones, earthquakes, floods, droughts, landslides).
  • Mention how factors like climate change and environmental degradation worsen this vulnerability.

Geographical Factors Contributing to Vulnerability

• • Location (Tectonic Activity):
    • India is situated on the Indian-Eurasian tectonic boundary, making it prone to earthquakes and associated hazards.
    • Example: Regions like Kashmir and Uttarakhand are seismically active.
  • Coastline:
    • India has a long coastline of over 7,500 km, making it vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding.
    • Example: States like Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal face frequent cyclones.
  • River Systems:
    • Major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra cause annual flooding, particularly during the monsoon season.
    • Example: Floods along the Ganges and Brahmaputra cause widespread destruction and displacement.
  • Himalayan Region:
    • The fragile ecosystem and climate change make the Himalayan region prone to landslides, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and avalanches.
    • Example: Frequent landslides and floods in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
  • Drought-prone Areas:
    • Regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat suffer from recurring droughts due to low rainfall and arid climatic conditions.
    • Example: Droughts severely affect agriculture and water availability in these areas.

Measures Adopted for Disaster Risk Reduction

• • Early Warning Systems:
    • Use of weather radars, seismic sensors, and satellite imaging for timely disaster alerts.
    • Example: IMD provides cyclone alerts and earthquake monitoring.
  • Building Codes and Infrastructure:
    • Implementation of stringent building codes to ensure structures can withstand natural disasters.
    • Example: Construction of cyclone shelters in coastal areas of Odisha.
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
    • NDMA coordinates disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation efforts at the national level.
    • Example: NDMA provides guidelines and technical support to state governments.
  • Disaster Response and Relief:
    • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) conduct rescue and relief operations during disasters.
    • Example: NDRF teams are deployed for search, rescue, and relief in flood-hit areas.
  • Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction:
    • Encouraging local communities to participate in disaster preparedness and response through training and awareness programs.
    • Example: Local disaster management committees in flood-prone areas.
  • Reforestation and Conservation:
    • Reforestation and soil conservation programs in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas help mitigate landslides and floods.
    • Example: Afforestation projects in Uttarakhand to reduce landslide risks.
  • Risk Assessment and Mapping:
    • Risk assessments and vulnerability mapping help identify areas prone to disasters for targeted interventions.
    • Example: The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) focuses on cyclone-prone areas.
  • International Cooperation:
    • India collaborates with neighboring countries and international organizations to share knowledge and resources for disaster risk reduction.
    • Example: India’s collaboration with Bangladesh in flood management and early warning systems.

Conclusion

• • Summarize how India, despite its geographical vulnerabilities, has made significant progress in disaster risk reduction through various initiatives.
  • Emphasize the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, early warning systems, and community-based programs to reduce vulnerability.

Relevant Facts for the Answer

1. Geographical Vulnerability:
   • 27 states and 7 UTs in India are prone to various natural disasters.
   • India is located on the seismically active boundary of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
   • India’s coastline spans over 7,500 km, and states like Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal face cyclones.
   • The Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers cause widespread flooding, especially during the monsoon.
   • The Himalayas are prone to landslides and avalanches, exacerbated by climate change.
   • Drought-prone areas include Rajasthan and Gujarat.
2. Disaster Risk Reduction Measures:
   • Early Warning Systems: IMD tracks cyclones and issues alerts, helping in timely evacuations.
   • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Provides relief during disasters, including floods and earthquakes.
   • Cyclone Shelters: Odisha has established cyclone shelters to protect populations in coastal areas.
   • Reforestation: The Uttarakhand government has initiated afforestation to reduce landslide risks.
   • Risk Mapping: NCRMP identifies cyclone-prone areas and implements mitigation measures.
   • International Cooperation: India collaborates with neighboring countries like Bangladesh for flood control.

By using these geographical factors and measures, you can structure your answer clearly, showcasing both the causes of vulnerability and the steps taken to mitigate natural disaster risks in India.