Q18. Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from the ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’?

Model Answer:

Introduction

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) has become increasingly important in India due to the country's vulnerability to various natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and droughts. The approach to DRR has evolved over the years, particularly with the adoption of international frameworks like the Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030) and the earlier Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015). 

Body

Measures Taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction

Before the Sendai Framework

  1. Policy Frameworks and Legislation:some text
    • Disaster Management Act, 2005: This act established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to streamline disaster management efforts.
    • National Policy on Disaster Management (2009): This policy is aimed at a proactive approach, emphasizing prevention, preparedness, and mitigation strategies.
  2. Capacity Building: Training programs were conducted for government officials, volunteers, and communities to enhance awareness and skills related to disaster management.
  3. Risk Assessment and Mapping: Initiatives were undertaken to conduct vulnerability assessments and create hazard maps to identify risk-prone areas.
  4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Various campaigns were launched to raise awareness about disaster preparedness among communities, including drills and simulation exercises.
  5. Institutional Framework: Establishment of institutions like the NDMA and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to facilitate coordinated disaster response efforts.

After the Sendai Framework

  1. Alignment with Sendai Goals: Post-2015, India's DRR efforts have been realigned with the Sendai Framework's priorities for action, focusing on understanding risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience, and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response.
  2. National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): The NDMP, released in 2016, integrates the Sendai Framework’s priorities, emphasizing multi-hazard risk assessments, community engagement, and resilience-building.
  3. Data and Technology: The adoption of technology in disaster management, such as early warning systems, remote sensing, and GIS, has improved disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
  4. Community-Based Approaches: Increased emphasis on community participation in disaster risk management, enhancing local capacities to manage risks effectively.
  5. Integration into Development Planning: Efforts to incorporate DRR into national and state development plans, ensuring that development activities consider potential disaster risks.

‍Differences between the Sendai Framework and the Hyogo Framework for Action

  1. Focus and Approach:some text
    • Hyogo Framework (2005-2015): Focused on reducing disaster losses through a structured approach with five priorities: governance, risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.
    • Sendai Framework (2015-2030): Takes a more holistic approach, emphasizing understanding disaster risk, strengthening governance, investing in resilience, and focusing on accountability and partnerships.
  2. Timeframe: The Hyogo Framework had a ten-year timeframe (2005-2015), while the Sendai Framework extended over 15 years (2015-2030), allowing for long-term strategies and planning.
  3. Inclusivity and Participation: The Sendai Framework places greater emphasis on the role of local communities and stakeholders in disaster risk management, advocating for their active involvement in all stages of DRR.
  4. Risk Reduction Targets: The Sendai Framework sets specific global targets for reducing disaster mortality, the number of affected people, economic losses, and damage to critical infrastructure, making it more quantifiable compared to the Hyogo Framework.
  5. Interconnectedness with Other Global Goals: The Sendai Framework recognizes the interlinkages between disaster risk reduction and sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and other global agendas like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Conclusion

India has taken significant steps to enhance its disaster risk reduction measures, especially after adopting the Sendai Framework, which builds on the foundations laid by the Hyogo Framework. The shift towards a more inclusive, comprehensive, and risk-informed approach reflects a growing recognition of the complexities of disaster management in a rapidly changing world. 

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly

Read more blogs