{"id":56144,"date":"2025-10-06T19:09:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T13:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=56144"},"modified":"2025-10-07T11:01:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T05:31:12","slug":"indias-direction-for-disaster-resilience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/editorial-analysis\/06-10-2025\/indias-direction-for-disaster-resilience","title":{"rendered":"India\u2019s Direction for Disaster Resilience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Disaster Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India is moving beyond reactive relief efforts to a <strong>proactive, multi-layered strategy<\/strong> that integrates <strong>prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and recovery, <\/strong>reflecting a growing recognition of the complex risks posed by climate change, urbanization, and natural hazards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India\u2019s Disaster Preparedness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s approach to disaster preparedness has evolved into a robust, multi-tiered framework led by the <strong>Union Home Ministry (MHA)<\/strong>, with the <strong>National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)<\/strong> at its core.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s strategy emphasizes prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response\u2014ensuring that resilience is not just reactive but deeply embedded in national development, anchored in the <strong>Disaster Management Act of 2005.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>NDMA and the Disaster Management Act, 2005<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The NDMA, established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, operates through<strong> five key divisions:<\/strong> Policy &amp; Plans, Mitigation, Operations &amp; Communications, Information &amp; Technology, and Finance &amp; Administration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its vision is to build a safer and disaster-resilient India through:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A technology-driven, multi-hazard, and multi-sectoral strategy;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empowerment of stakeholders at all levels\u2014central, state, district, and community;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integration of <strong>disaster risk reduction (DRR)<\/strong> into development planning;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Shift in Policy: From Relief to Resilience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Financial Architecture for Resilience<\/strong>: The <strong>15th Finance Commission<\/strong>\u2019s allocation of \u20b92.28 lakh crore ($30 billion) over five years marks a pivotal moment in aligning public finance with <strong>DRR.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rather than focusing solely on post-disaster relief, the Finance Commission divided funding across:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preparedness and Capacity Building (10%);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mitigation (20%);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Response (40%);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reconstruction (30%);<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It ensures that resilience is embedded into every stage of disaster management\u2014from early warning systems to rebuilding efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Building the Budget-to-Project Pipeline: <\/strong>The Commission identified <strong>five priority areas<\/strong> to ensure efficiency and accountability in DRR financing:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prioritising multi-hazard challenges<\/strong> across India\u2019s diverse regions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integrating scientific mitigation concepts<\/strong> into fiscal planning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoiding duplication<\/strong> with existing central or state schemes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strengthening inter-ministerial and Centre-State coordination.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishing light-touch regulatory mechanisms<\/strong> for timely project implementation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By 2025, <strong>inter-ministerial and Centre-State appraisal committees<\/strong> were operational for all region- or hazard-specific projects, ensuring a transparent and science-driven approach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Progress in Reconstruction and Mitigation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reconstruction Initiatives: <\/strong>Over the past two years, the MHA approved <strong>\u20b95,000 crore<\/strong> in reconstruction packages for <strong>Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, and Kerala<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These projects focus on rebuilding climate-resilient infrastructure and assessing damages caused by extreme precipitation events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nature-Based Mitigation Programmes: <\/strong>Under the <strong>20% mitigation fund<\/strong>, projects worth <strong>\u20b910,000 crore ($1.2 billion)<\/strong> have been approved to promote <strong>nature-based and sustainable solutions<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These efforts built upon the <strong>National Cyclone Mitigation Programme (2011\u201322)<\/strong>, which successfully reduced coastal vulnerability through cyclone shelters, embankments, and early warning systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Initiatives include:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Revitalising water bodies and green spaces<\/strong> to mitigate urban flooding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monitoring glacial lakes<\/strong> using remote sensing and automated weather stations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Applying bioengineering techniques<\/strong> for slope stabilization in landslide-prone areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rejuvenating beels<\/strong> (wetlands) along the Brahmaputra River.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preventing forest fires<\/strong> through fuel evacuation and water body restoration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strengthening Preparedness and Capacity Building<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Institutional and Community Training: <\/strong>Preparedness and capacity-building funds (\u20b95,000 crore) have focused on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Modernising fire safety infrastructure.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Training 2.5 lakh volunteers<\/strong> under the <em>Apda Mitra<\/em> and <em>Yuva Apda Mitra<\/em> programmes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expanding research and training<\/strong> through the <strong>National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NIDM now offers a <strong>standardized curriculum<\/strong> across <strong>36 streams<\/strong> of disaster management, with the goal of mainstreaming DRR education down to the <strong>panchayat level<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expanding the Knowledge Network: <\/strong>The <strong>327-member university network<\/strong>, along with the <strong>NDRF Academy<\/strong> and <strong>National Fire Service College<\/strong>, plays a crucial role in training public servants, conducting mock exercises, and promoting hazard-specific awareness and school safety programmes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Coastal Resilience and Vulnerable Communities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At the ICDRI 2025 summit, India spotlighted the v<strong>ulnerability of coastal regions and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With nearly 90% of global trade moving by sea and coastal GDP projected to double by 2030, the stakes are high.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India is supporting SIDS with <strong>resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and water security measures,<\/strong> while advocating for a global digital repository of best practices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enhancing Early Warning and Communication Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Technological innovation has dramatically improved India\u2019s <strong>early warning capabilities<\/strong>, reducing casualties and improving community preparedness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>multi-media Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)<\/strong> delivers timely alerts in regional languages, ensuring last-mile communication even in remote areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>International Cooperation and Global Leadership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s commitment to the <strong>UN\u2019s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction<\/strong> is evident in its international advocacy.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leadership in <strong>G-20, SCO, BIMSTEC<\/strong>, and <strong>IORA<\/strong> initiatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During the <strong>G-20 presidency,<\/strong> India spearheaded the creation of the <strong>first Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group,<\/strong> focusing on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Early warning systems;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disaster-resilient infrastructure;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financing for DRR;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resilient recovery;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nature-based solutions;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These platforms help India <strong>exchange best practices<\/strong> and <strong>develop global frameworks<\/strong> for climate resilience and sustainable risk management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s approach to disaster risk reduction represents a <strong>paradigm shift<\/strong> \u2014 from reactive disaster response to <strong>proactive resilience-building<\/strong>. Through robust financial planning, scientific integration, and international cooperation, India is constructing a <strong>future-ready DRR ecosystem<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By emphasizing community participation, nature-based solutions, and technological innovation, the nation is progressively <strong>de-risking its complex hazard landscape<\/strong> and positioning itself as a <strong>global leader in climate resilience<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Daily Mains Practice Question<\/strong><br><strong>[Q]<\/strong> Critically examine India\u2019s evolving approach to disaster resilience. How does the shift from reactive relief to proactive risk reduction reflect broader changes in governance, finance, and community engagement?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/indias-direction-for-disaster-resilience\/article70128332.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Source: TH<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/UPSC-Editorial-Analysis-6-October-2025.PDF.pdf\">Download PDF<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India is moving beyond reactive relief efforts to a proactive, multi-layered strategy that integrates prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and recovery, reflecting a growing recognition of the complex risks posed by climate change, urbanization, and natural hazards.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":56173,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-56144","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorial-analysis"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/10\/indias-direction-for-disaster-resilience.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56144","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56144"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56144\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56170,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56144\/revisions\/56170"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56173"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56144"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56144"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56144"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}