The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) oversee both pre- and post-disaster phases in India, guided by the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction (2016).

Evolving Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

• 15th Finance Commission Approach: The 15th Finance Commission (2021) adopted a comprehensive approach, integrating fiscal planning with technological and practical advances in disaster risk reduction (DRR).
• Allocation of Funds: A total of ₹2.28 lakh crore was allocated over five years, shifting the focus from post-disaster relief to prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and capacity building.
• Financial Distribution: The allocated funds were distributed as follows: Preparedness and Capacity Building – 10%, Mitigation – 20%, Response – 40%, and Reconstruction – 30%.

Measures Undertaken for Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) In India

• Priority Areas for Nature-Based DRR: The 15th Finance Commission identified key priority areas to institutionalise resilience within public finance and planning:
  • Evaluating and prioritising multi-hazard challenges across regions.
    Integrating scientific mitigation and reconstruction concepts into public finance.
  • Avoiding duplication with ongoing programmes.
  • Ensuring Centre–State–institutional synergy.
  • Establishing light-touch regulatory processes to streamline implementation.
• Reconstruction and Mitigation Efforts: ₹5,000 crore sanctioned for Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, and Kerala to restore infrastructure after disasters.
  • Mitigation Investments: ₹10,000 crore allocated for innovative, nature-based projects that build long-term climate resilience.
• National Cyclone Mitigation Programme (2011–22): Under these mitigation programmes, the NDMA urges States and urban authorities to:
  • Revitalise water bodies and green spaces to mitigate urban floods; 
  • Use remote sensing and site-specific automated weather stations to assess the size of at-risk glacial lakes continually; 
  • Stress bio-engineering solutions for slope-stabilisation in landslide prevention in high-risk zones; 
  • Rejuvenate water bodies called beels along the Brahmaputra; and focus on break lines, water body rejuvenation and fuel evacuation to prevent forest fires.
• Strengthening Pre-Disaster Preparedness and Capacity Building: ₹5,000 crore allocated for upgrading firefighting infrastructure and systems nationwide.
  • Volunteer Networks: Creation of Apda Mitra and Yuva Apda Mitra networks, engaging 2.5 lakh trained volunteers in community-level response.
  • Geo-Spatial Training and Research: Establishment of geo-spatial training labs and expansion of faculty-led research at National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).
  • Grassroots Capacity Development: Launch of a 36-stream standardised curriculum to mainstream disaster management across panchayats.
• International Coordination and Leadership: India leads the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
  • Multilateral Engagement: Active participation in G-20, SCO, BIMSTEC, and IORA to promote global disaster resilience cooperation.
  • Knowledge Exchange: Collaboration with public, private, academic, and scientific institutions to develop sustainable, nature-based DRR solutions.

Conclusion

India’s disaster management approach reflects a shift from reactive relief to proactive resilience. Through fiscal innovation, institutional coordination, India is de-risking its multi-hazard profile and advancing towards climate-resilient, sustainable development.

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