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

GS 3

Disaster Management

2020

15 Marks

Recent data shows India's disaster management approach has transformed from reactive relief-focused strategies to proactive risk reduction measures, aligning with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework.

Disaster Management Cycle Circular Diagram Overview

Legislative and Institutional Framework

Disaster Management Act, 2005: Established comprehensive legal framework with NDMA as apex body replacing earlier ad-hoc arrangements
National Disaster Management Plan 2019: Aligned with Sendai Framework 2015-2030 focusing on disaster risk reduction rather than just response
State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF): Created alongside NDRF for decentralized disaster response covering all 28 states
District Disaster Management Authorities: Empowered local bodies for grassroots-level preparedness and response
National Crisis Management Committee: Reformed for better inter-ministerial coordination during emergencies

Early Warning and Technology Integration

System	Coverage	Key Features
IDRN (Integrated Disease Surveillance)	Pan-India	Real-time disease outbreak monitoring
Cyclone Warning Division	Coastal areas	72-hour advance cyclone predictions
IMD Weather Alerts	National	Color-coded warnings via mobile/TV
SACHET platform	Multi-hazard	AI-based risk assessment tool

Common Alerting Protocol (CAP): Standardized alert messaging across 12 languages through mobile networks
ISRO's MOSDAC: Satellite-based real-time disaster monitoring and damage assessment

Community-Based Risk Reduction

Aapda Mitra Scheme (2016): Trained over 1 lakh community volunteers across 350 disaster-prone districts
School Safety Programme: Implemented in 32,000+ schools focusing on earthquake and fire safety drills
Community-Based Disaster Risk Management: Operational in 169 most vulnerable districts with local participation
Tsunami Ready Programme: UNESCO recognition for 4 Indian communities (Odisha, Andhra Pradesh)
Self-Help Group Integration: 63 lakh SHGs mobilized for disaster preparedness activities

Infrastructure and Preparedness Measures

National Emergency Response Centres: Established in all 28 states with 24x7 operations capability
Pre-positioned Relief Materials: Strategic reserves maintained at 71 locations nationwide
Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure: National Infrastructure Pipeline incorporating climate-resilient design standards
Building Codes 2016: Mandatory seismic and wind-resistant construction norms for all new buildings
Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems: Integrated approach covering floods, cyclones, heatwaves, and landslides

This paradigm shift reflects India's commitment to "Build Back Better" philosophy, emphasizing prevention over cure through the PM-STIAC recommendations and National Disaster Management Plan 2019 guidelines.

Answer Length

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