India’s Current Strategy for managing a Disaster



Published on 01 Feb 2025

  • Pre-disaster Phase

    • Risk Assessment: Identifying potential hazards like earthquakes, floods, cyclones, tsunamis, landslides, etc. Conduct vulnerability assessments to understand the susceptibility of different regions to specific hazards and plan accordingly.

      • Example: Scheme for Sustainable Reduction in Disaster Risk in 10 Multi-Hazard Districts.

    • Disaster Management Plans: Developing and updating comprehensive disaster management plans for different types of hazards in adherence with DMA 2005.

      • Example: National Disaster Management Policy 2009

    • Capacity Building: Conducting regular training programs for first responders, disaster response teams, and volunteers.

      • Example: Self-Study Programme on Disaster Risk Management by NIDM.

    • Hazard Zone Mapping: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to map hazard-prone areas. Integrating hazard maps into urban planning and infrastructure development.

      • Example: India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) and India Disaster Knowledge Network (IDKN)

    • Early Warning Systems: Implementing technology-based systems for timely dissemination of warnings and alerts to vulnerable populations.

      • Example: Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) of Odissa.

    • Community Engagement: Involving local communities in identifying risks and developing localized early warning systems. Promoting community-based disaster risk reduction and management initiatives.

      • Example: NDRF is conducting a School Safety Programme (SSP) to prepare the children of a community to deal with disasters.

    • Legislation and Policy: Developing and updating relevant legislation and policies for disaster risk reduction and management.

      • Example: Formulating NDMA guidelines in compliance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

    • Resource Allocation: Allocating resources and funds for disaster preparedness and mitigation activities at national and regional levels.

      • Example: National Disaster Response Fund.

  • During a Disaster

    • Emergency Response: Activating emergency response mechanisms promptly, involving police, fire services, medical teams, and other relevant agencies.

    • Search and Rescue: Deploying search and rescue teams to locate and evacuate trapped individuals.

      • Example: Use of NDRF, Army etc.

    • Communication and Information Dissemination: Utilizing various communication channels, including mass media, social media, and mobile apps, to disseminate real-time information to the public.

      • Example: National Disaster Management Services implemented by BSNL.

    • Interagency Coordination: Ensuring seamless coordination among various government departments, disaster response agencies, and NGOs.

      • Example: Incident Command System 

    • Medical Assistance: Setting up medical camps and temporary healthcare facilities to provide medical aid to the affected population.

      • Example: Use of drones for delivery of medicines.

    • Evacuation and Shelter Management: Organizing safe and orderly evacuation of affected communities to designated shelters.

    • Damage Assessment: Conducting rapid assessments to evaluate the extent of damage and the immediate needs of affected areas.

      • Example: Utilizing GIS and satellite imagery for remote damage assessment in inaccessible regions.

    • Psychological Support: Providing psychosocial support to individuals and communities traumatized by the disaster.

      • Example: Work done by DISHA in Kerala during Covid 19. 

  • Post-disaster Phase

    • Rehabilitation and Reconstruction: Formulating and implementing plans for the recovery and reconstruction of affected infrastructure and communities.

      • Example: Build back better Programme

    • Capacity Building and Training: Conducting workshops and training programs for communities to enhance their resilience and disaster response capabilities.

      • Example: Aapda Mitra Scheme

    • Livelihood Restoration: Supporting affected communities in restoring their livelihoods through financial aid and vocational training.

      • Example: Infrastructure projects continued during Covid-19 which ensured employment of many labourers.

    • Lessons Learned: Conducting comprehensive evaluations of the disaster response to identify strengths and weaknesses.

      • Example: Adopting the ‘Room for the River’ project in flood-prone areas in India. 

    • Infrastructure and Ecosystem Restoration: Repairing damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, to restore normalcy.

      • Example: Rebuild Kerala initiative.

    • Social Welfare and Support: Providing support to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.

      • Example: Use of PM CARES fund.

Tags:
Disaster Management

Keywords:
India’s Current Strategy for managing a Disaster disaster disaster management disaster management cycle India Disaster Resource Network NDMA India and disaster National Disaster Response Fund

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Disaster and Disaster Management