International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025

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June 09, 2025

International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025

Prime Minister Modi addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 via videoconferencing.

About the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI)

  • DRI refers to infrastructure systems (buildings, roads, power grids, etc.) designed to withstand, adapt to, and recover quickly from natural and man-made disasters (e.g., cyclones, earthquakes, floods).  
  • Global Initiatives on Disaster Risk Infrastructure:
    • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Launched by India (2019).
    • UN’s “Early Warnings for All”: Goal to protect every person by 2027.  
    • OECD’s Resilient Infrastructure Policy: Guides G20 nations on adaptive transport networks.  
    • Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030)

International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025

  • ICDRI is the flagship annual international conference of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
  • It serves as a global platform for policymakers, experts, practitioners, and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices on disaster-resilient infrastructure.
  • It supports countries in building robust infrastructure systems through research, capacity building, and technical assistance.
  • 2025 was the 7th edition of ICDRI, first hosted in Europe (Nice, France) in collaboration with the French government.  
  • Theme: “Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions”—focusing on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal communities vulnerable to climate change.  

India’s Five Key Priorities

  • Education: Integrate disaster resilience into higher education to build a skilled workforce.  
  • Global Digital Repository: Document best practices for post-disaster rebuilding.  
  • Innovative Financing: Ensure developing nations access funds for resilient infrastructure.  
  • SIDS as “Large Ocean Countries”: Special attention to their unique vulnerabilities.  
  • Early Warning Systems: Strengthen coordination for timely disaster response.  

About Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

  • Launched in 2019 by the Prime Minister of India at the UN Climate Action Summit, New York.
  • It is a multi-stakeholder global partnership aimed at promoting the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks.
  • Headquarter: The CDRI Secretariat is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
  • Members:  46 member countries and 8 partner organizations.
  • Functions: 
    • It aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030).
    • Contributes to achieving SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
    • Addresses the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in developing and climate-sensitive regions.
  • CDRI’s Initiatives:
    • IRIS Program: CDRI’s Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) program was launched in COP26, Glasgow, 2021, to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 
    • Global Infrastructure Resilience Index (GIRI):  Measures resilience in major infrastructure sectors, such as power and energy, transport, telecommunications, and water.
    • Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF):  Launched in 2022 to support technical assistance and capacity building in member countries. 
    • International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI):  Annual flagship event. It is a platform for knowledge exchange among policy makers, engineers, researchers.
    • Global Infrastructure Resilience Program (GIRP): Technical program under CDRI for knowledge dissemination.

Significance of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

  • Saving Human Lives: Resilient infrastructure (e.g., earthquake-resistant buildings, cyclone shelters) reduces fatalities during disasters. 
  • Mitigating Economic Losses: Disasters cause $2.3 trillion annually in indirect losses (e.g., supply chain disruptions, lost productivity). 
  • Climate Change Adaptation: DRI addresses intensifying hazards like floods (permeable pavement), wildfires (fire-resistant materials), and hurricanes (elevated structures).  
  • Coastal & SIDS Vulnerability: Small Island Developing States (SIDS), termed “Large Ocean Countries” by India, face existential threats. 
  • Sustainable Development & Equity: Resilient infrastructure ensures continuity of critical services (healthcare, education) for marginalized groups.  
    • Developing nations, which suffer 46% GDP losses from disasters (vs. 0.23% in North America), benefit from DRI financing (e.g., Green Climate Fund).  

Indian Government Initiatives in Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

  • PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan (2021): A digital platform integrating infrastructure planning of 16 ministries.
    • Promotes coordinated infrastructure development with disaster and climate resilience as a core objective.
  • National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), 2016: First-ever national plan aligned with the Sendai Framework.
    • Focus on risk reduction in critical infrastructure sectors (energy, transport, water, telecom). Promotes Build Back Better in post-disaster reconstruction.
  • BIS Standards for Disaster Resilience: The Bureau of Indian Standards has developed structural codes (e.g., IS 1893 for earthquake-resistant design).
    • Mandated for construction in seismically vulnerable zones. Includes codes for cyclone, landslide, and flood-prone regions.
  • AMRUT 2.0 and Smart Cities Mission: Urban infrastructure upgraded with resilience to climate risks (stormwater drainage, early warning systems).
    • Smart Cities integrate disaster management systems, e.g., Command and Control Centres.
  • Jal Jeevan Mission & Namami Gange: Focus on resilient water infrastructure, especially in drought/flood-prone areas.
    • River rejuvenation efforts include disaster mitigation components.
  • Disaster Resilient Power Systems: Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) includes underground cabling and smart meters for disaster resilience.
  • Climate Resilient Infrastructure under NAPCC: Missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change (e.g., National Mission on Sustainable Habitat) promote resilient urban planning.
  • Capacity Building and Risk Assessment Tools: National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) conducts training and policy advisory.
    • Tools like CRISP (Climate Resilient Infrastructure Services Program) promote municipal-level resilience planning.

Challenges in Adopting Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (DRI)

  • High Costs of Construction: Retrofitting existing infrastructure or building new resilient systems requires substantial investment. 
    • For example, flood-resistant construction can cost 30-50% more than conventional methods.  
  • Funding Gaps: Developing nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) struggle to secure funds. Only 5% of global disaster funding is allocated for pre-disaster resilience.  
  • Weak Regulatory Frameworks & Enforcement:  Many regions lack enforceable building codes for resilience.
    • In India, unauthorized constructions and outdated regulations exacerbate risks.  
  • Policy Fragmentation: Disjointed policies across sectors (e.g., urban planning, energy, transport) hinder cohesive DRI implementation.  
  • Technological & Material Limitations:  Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) steelmaking requires >67% Fe-content iron ore, which is scarce and costly.  
  • Social & Institutional Resistance: Policymakers and communities often prioritize short-term gains over long-term resilience. 
    • Urban sprawl and slums in Mumbai and Delhi in hazard-prone areas persists due to political and economic pressures.  
  • Climate Uncertainty & Risk Assessment: Rising frequency of compound disasters (e.g., floods + landslides) complicates resilience planning.  

Way Forward

  • Strengthen Policy & Governance Frameworks: Integrate DRI compliance into national building codes (e.g., India’s Disaster Management Amendment Act 2025 mandates resilience in urban planning).  
  • Localized Disaster Management:  Empower District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) for decentralized action.  
    • Establish Urban Disaster Management Authorities in high-risk cities (e.g., Mumbai’s flood-resilient Coastal Road project).  
  • Leverage Technology & Innovation: Expand India’s tsunami alert system (benefiting 29 countries) to cover floods, cyclones, and landslides.  
    • Use AI-driven risk modeling (e.g., Hyderabad’s flood prediction tools).  
  • Enhance Financing & Investment: Combine public funds with private capital (e.g., CDRI’s $50M fund for Small Island States).  
    • Subsidize low-carbon DRI technologies (e.g., India’s ₹4.55B green steel pilots using hydrogen).  
  • Focus on High-Risk Regions:  Treat Small Island States as “Large Ocean Countries” with tailored solutions (e.g., CDRI’s IRIS program for 25 SIDS).  
    • Invest in nature-based solutions (mangroves, coral reefs) to mitigate storm surges in coastal and island nations.  
  • Build Capacity & Global Collaboration: Integrate DRI courses into universities. Train community first responders (e.g., India’s Aapda Mitra volunteers).  
    • Expand CDRI’s membership (54+ nations) to include more African and island nations.  

Conclusion

The path to DRI adoption requires policy coherence, cutting-edge tech, sustainable financing, and inclusive governance. India’s CDRI leadership and global partnerships are shaping a resilient future, especially for vulnerable coastal and island nations.  

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030):

  • The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) is a 15-year global agreement adopted by the UN in 2015 to reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience. 
  • It succeeds the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015) and aligns with other global agendas like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Key Components of the Sendai Framework:  

  • Four Priorities for Action; The framework identifies four priority areas to guide disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts:  
    • Understanding Disaster Risk: Focuses on risk assessment, including vulnerability, exposure, and hazard analysis.  
    • Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance: Promotes policies, laws, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.  
    • Investing in DRR for Resilience: Encourages public/private investments in structural (e.g., flood barriers) and non-structural (e.g., early warnings) measures.  
    • Enhancing Preparedness & “Build Back Better”: Aims to improve response systems and integrate DRR into post-disaster recovery.  
  • Role of UNDRR: The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction coordinates global progress tracking via the Sendai Framework Monitor.  
  • Link to SDGs: Explicitly tied to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).  

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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