Before the Next Storm: Strengthening Disaster Management in India (GS Paper 3, Disaster Management)
Introduction:
- The establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2005 was a crucial step following catastrophic events like the 1999 Odisha super cyclone and the 2004 tsunami.
- However, recent incidents, such as the landslides in the Northeast after cyclone Remal, highlight the pressing need to upgrade and overhaul India's disaster management system.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
- Purpose and Composition: NDMA, constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is India's apex statutory body for disaster management. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and comprises nine other members, including a Vice-Chairperson.
- Mandate: NDMA coordinates responses to natural or man-made disasters, builds disaster resilience, and formulates policies, plans, and guidelines for effective disaster management.
- Vision: To foster a safer and disaster-resilient India through a proactive, holistic, and sustainable development strategy, emphasizing prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.
Changing Landscape of Disasters in India:
- Increased Frequency and Intensity: Extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe, potentially influenced by climate change.
- Emergence of New Threats: Events like extreme heat, previously overlooked, now pose significant risks.
- Rise of Multi-Hazard Disasters: Cascading disasters, where one event triggers another, are increasingly common, amplifying destruction.
- Example: Landslides in the Northeast following cyclone Remal illustrate the impact of multi-hazard events.
Strengthening Disaster Management:
- Empower Disaster Management Agencies: Provide resources and training to enhance the proactive response and preparedness of disaster management agencies.
- Focus on Mitigation: Regulate construction practices to minimize man-made disaster risks and integrate disaster resilience into infrastructure projects.
- Promote Resilient Infrastructure: Utilize the expertise of India's Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to develop and implement disaster-resistant infrastructure standards nationwide.
Conclusion:
- India's disaster management landscape has evolved since the establishment of NDMA, but recent events underscore the need for further empowerment and proactive engagement of disaster management agencies.
- While natural disasters may be inevitable, man-made influences can be mitigated through regulatory measures and resilient infrastructure development.
- Strengthening disaster management is imperative to safeguard lives and build a resilient India in the face of evolving disaster threats.
