Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

Introduction

India is highly vulnerable to disasters, with 58.6% of its land prone to earthquakes, 12% to floods, and 68% to droughts (NDMA Report, 2021). Recognizing the limitations of a reactive approach, the Government of India has shifted towards a proactive, holistic, and technology-driven disaster management framework, emphasizing preparedness, mitigation, and resilience-building.

Key Shifts in Disaster Management: From Reactive to Proactive

Recent Measures in Disaster Management

1. Institutional Strengthening

• National Disaster Management Act, 2005: Established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to institutionalize disaster management.
• State and District Disaster Management Plans: Mandated under the Act, these plans focus on risk assessment and mitigation.
• National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), 2009: Emphasizes a shift from relief-centric to prevention-centric strategies.

2. Technology-Driven Initiatives

• Common Alerting Protocol (CAP): A unified system for early warning dissemination through SMS, mobile apps, and social media.
• GIS-Based Mapping: Used for hazard zoning, vulnerability assessment, and real-time monitoring (e.g., Bhuvan Portal by ISRO).
• Doppler Weather Radars: Expanded network for accurate weather forecasting and cyclone tracking.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): A global initiative led by India to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure.

3. Community-Centric Approaches

• Aapda Mitra Scheme: Trains community volunteers in disaster response and first aid.
• School Safety Program: Focuses on disaster preparedness in schools through mock drills and awareness campaigns.
• Village Disaster Management Plans (VDMPs): Encourages local-level planning and capacity building.

4. Integration of Climate Resilience

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Links disaster management with climate adaptation through missions like the National Water Mission and Green India Mission.
• State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Tailored to regional vulnerabilities.
• Eco-DRR (Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction): Promotes mangrove restoration, afforestation, and wetland conservation to mitigate disasters.

5. Financial Mechanisms

• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs): Provide financial resources for disaster preparedness and response.
• Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund: Mobilized for COVID-19 and other emergencies.
• Insurance Schemes: Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provide financial protection to farmers against climate-induced risks.

6. International Collaboration

• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030): India aligns its policies with global best practices.
• BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise: Enhances regional cooperation in disaster response.
• UNDRR Partnership: India actively contributes to global disaster risk reduction efforts.

Challenges in Implementation

• Capacity Gaps: Limited trained personnel at the local level.
• Funding Constraints: Insufficient allocation for disaster mitigation in state budgets.
• Coordination Issues: Overlap of responsibilities among multiple agencies.
• Technology Penetration: Limited access to early warning systems in remote areas.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Local Capacities: Expand training programs like Aapda Mitra and integrate disaster management into school curricula.
• Increased Budgetary Allocation: Prioritize funding for mitigation and preparedness.
• Leveraging Technology: Promote AI, IoT, and blockchain for real-time disaster monitoring and response.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage private sector involvement in building resilient infrastructure.
• Community Awareness: Conduct regular awareness campaigns to foster a culture of preparedness.

Conclusion

India’s transition from a reactive to a proactive disaster management approach reflects its commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods. By integrating technology, community participation, and climate resilience, India is building a robust framework aligned with the Sendai Framework and SDG 13 (Climate Action). However, sustained efforts in capacity building and resource mobilization are essential to address emerging challenges and ensure disaster resilience.