Answer:

Introduction:

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) was adopted at the Third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan, in 2015. As a nation prone to various natural calamities, India’s commitment to this framework is critical to reducing disaster-induced losses.

Body:

Progress Made by India:

• National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP):
  • India launched the NDMP in 2016, which is fully aligned with the Sendai Framework.
  • The NDMP focuses on disaster prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery.
• Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms:
  • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities have been revitalized.
  • For instance, NDMA’s initiatives such as ‘School Safety Programme’ address the target of increasing disaster awareness.
• Early Warning Systems:
  • Significant investments in early warning systems, especially for cyclones.
  • The accurate predictions and timely evacuations during cyclones like ‘Fani’ (2019) resulted in minimizing fatalities to a commendable extent.
• Capacity Building and Training:
  • Establishment of institutions like the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) for training, research, and documentation.
  • Regular mock drills are conducted across states to assess and improve response mechanisms.
• Investment in Infrastructure:
  • The construction of cyclone shelters along the eastern coast has proven pivotal in safeguarding lives during cyclones.
  • Focus on building ‘disaster-resilient’ infrastructure, such as earthquake-resistant buildings.

Challenges in Achieving Sendai Targets:

• Geographical Diversity: 
  • India’s diverse topography, from flood-prone plains to earthquake-sensitive zones, complicates the standardization of disaster response mechanisms.
• Coordination Between Centre and States: 
  • While disaster management largely remains a state subject, coordination for resources and expertise often poses challenges.
• Urban Planning and Encroachments: 
  • For example, The floods in Chennai (2015) were exacerbated by unplanned urban development and encroachments on water bodies.
• Financial Constraints: 
  • While the Sendai Framework emphasizes risk-proofing infrastructure, the significant investment required poses challenges for a developing nation like India.
• Public Awareness and Preparedness: 
  • Despite initiatives, in many rural and even urban areas, there’s a lack of awareness about disaster-preparedness measures.
• Climate Change and Rising Uncertainties: 
  • Rising sea levels, changing rainfall patterns, and increased cyclonic activities due to climate change pose unforeseen challenges.

Conclusion: 

While India has made commendable progress in aligning its disaster risk reduction strategies with the Sendai Framework, achieving its targets requires overcoming intrinsic challenges. With the growing uncertainties of climate change and urban pressures, a multipronged approach encompassing policy, public awareness, and technology becomes imperative.