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Introduction

India’s disaster risk reduction reflects a paradigm shift from post-disaster response to preparedness and resilience-building, emphasizing budgetary support, coordinated institutional frameworks, and global partnerships to mitigate socio-economic and environmental impacts.

Body

Transformation in India’s Disaster Management Approach

• Proactive Planning and Risk Assessment: Shift from post-disaster relief to risk mapping, hazard assessment, and scenario-based planning.
  Eg: India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) used for real-time disaster preparedness and resource mapping.
• Integration of Early Warning Systems: Use of meteorological and geospatial technologies to anticipate floods, cyclones, and droughts.
  Eg: IMD’s Cyclone Early Warning System and flood forecasting in Bihar (2023) reduced casualties.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Emphasis on ecosystem restoration to mitigate disaster impact.
  Eg: Mangrove restoration along Odisha coast to reduce cyclone damage.
• Technology-Enabled Monitoring: Use of GIS, drones, and AI to support decision-making and response.
  Eg: NDMA’s use of UAVs for post-disaster damage assessment during 2022 Assam floods.

A. Role of Public Finance

• Dedicated Contingency Funds: State and National Disaster Response Funds (SDRF & NDRF) provide timely financial resources.
  Eg: NDRF allocation of ₹1,500 crore for 2024–25 for flood and cyclone management.
• Disaster Risk Financing Mechanisms: Insurance and resilience bonds to reduce economic impact.
  Eg: Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana covering crop losses during floods and droughts.
• Funding for Infrastructure Resilience: Investment in flood embankments, cyclone shelters, and earthquake-resistant schools.
  Eg: Odisha’s cyclone-resistant schools funded under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP).
• Capacity Building and Training Programs: Budget allocations for training disaster management personnel.
  Eg: NDMA-funded training for 10,000 Panchayat-level volunteers in 2023.

B. Institutional Coordination

• National and State Coordination: NDMA and SDMAs coordinate preparedness, planning, and response.
  Eg: NDMA coordinated a multi-agency response during the 2021 Uttarakhand floods.
• Inter-Ministerial Collaboration: Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment collaborate for comprehensive risk reduction.
  Eg: Joint efforts during 2020 Bihar floods, integrating health services and relief distribution.
• Emergency Operations Centres: Real-time coordination between central, state, and local authorities.
  Eg: Odisha State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) during Cyclone Yaas 2021 ensured timely evacuation.
• Research and Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration with academic institutions for disaster risk studies.
  Eg: IIT Roorkee and NIDM are conducting hazard mapping and post-disaster evaluations.

C. International Collaboration

• UNDRR and Sendai Framework Alignment: India aligns national policies with international disaster risk reduction standards.
  Eg: National Disaster Management Plan updated in line with Sendai Framework 2015–2030.
• Bilateral Cooperation: Sharing early warning systems and technology with neighboring countries.
  Eg: India-Myanmar flood forecasting data exchange under SAARC framework.
• Participation in Global Knowledge Networks: Learning from international best practices and simulation exercises.
  Eg: NDMA collaboration with Japan and UNDRR for community-based disaster risk management training.
• Funding and Technical Support: International aid for capacity building and resilience infrastructure.
  Eg: World Bank funding for NCRMP projects in coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion

By combining scientific planning, robust financing, coordinated institutions, and international collaboration, India is improving its disaster preparedness. Continued focus on capacity-building, early warning systems, and ecosystem-based interventions will secure long-term resilience and sustainable development.

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