Disaster Mitigation Funding Approved for 15 States

The Government of India has recently taken important steps to enhance disaster management across the country. A high-level committee, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has approved a substantial financial package aimed at disaster mitigation and capacity building. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to creating a disaster-resilient India. The funding will focus on various projects in 15 states, addressing diverse risks from landslides to urban flooding.

Overview of Approved Funding

The committee has sanctioned ₹1,000 crore for disaster mitigation projects. This funding will support various initiatives across 15 states. Additionally, ₹115.67 crore has been allocated for training civil defence volunteers nationwide. This dual approach aims to enhance both infrastructure and human resources in disaster management.

State-wise Financial Allocation

The financial distribution is as follows: – Uttarakhand – ₹139 crore – Himachal Pradesh – ₹139 crore – Maharashtra – ₹100 crore – Karnataka – ₹72 crore – Kerala – ₹72 crore – Tamil Nadu – ₹50 crore – West Bengal – ₹50 crore – Northeastern States – ₹378 crore (covering Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura) This strategic allocation is designed to tackle specific regional vulnerabilities.

Focus on Urban Flooding and Glacial Risks

The committee has also approved urban flood risk mitigation projects in seven cities, with an investment of ₹3,075.65 crore. Furthermore, ₹150 crore has been earmarked for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk management in four states. These projects reflect a proactive stance towards managing the increasing frequency of urban flooding and glacial risks due to climate change.

Government Initiatives and Vision

This funding initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a disaster-resilient India. The Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing various measures to strengthen the disaster risk reduction system. More than ₹21,476 crore has been allocated to states this year alone. This includes funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF), and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).

Capacity Building for Civil Defence

Training and capacity building of civil defence volunteers is essential for effective disaster response. The ₹115.67 crore allocation aims to prepare volunteers across states and Union territories. This initiative will enhance local preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring communities are better equipped to handle disasters.

Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction

The government’s comprehensive approach focuses on reducing the loss of life and property during disasters. By strengthening the disaster risk reduction system, the government aims to create a more resilient infrastructure. This is crucial in the face of increasing natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the significance of the National Disaster Mitigation Fund in enhancing disaster management in India.
2. Critically discuss the role of civil defence volunteers in disaster preparedness and response in India.
3. Analyse the impact of climate change on urban flooding and the measures taken by the government to mitigate these risks.
4. Estimate the effectiveness of financial allocations in improving disaster resilience across various states in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the significance of the National Disaster Mitigation Fund in enhancing disaster management in India.

1. The National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) provides crucial financial support for disaster risk reduction projects.
2. NDMF funding helps states implement infrastructure improvements to withstand natural disasters.
3. It facilitates training programs and capacity building for local disaster management authorities.
4. The fund supports projects addressing specific vulnerabilities, such as urban flooding and landslide risks.
5. Overall, the NDMF enhances collaboration between central and state governments in disaster management efforts.

2. Critically discuss the role of civil defence volunteers in disaster preparedness and response in India.

1. Civil defence volunteers serve as first responders during disasters, providing immediate assistance to affected communities.
2. They undergo training that equips them with skills in rescue operations, first aid, and emergency management.
3. Volunteers play a vital role in disseminating information and raising awareness about disaster preparedness in local areas.
4. They assist in coordinating relief efforts and managing resources during emergencies.
5. Empowering volunteers enhances community resilience and encourages a culture of preparedness among citizens.

3. Analyse the impact of climate change on urban flooding and the measures taken by the government to mitigate these risks.

1. Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of rainfall, leading to higher risks of urban flooding.
2. Urbanization exacerbates flooding due to inadequate drainage systems and loss of natural water absorption areas.
3. The government has approved urban flood risk mitigation projects with important financial investments to address these challenges.
4. Measures include enhancing drainage infrastructure, creating flood management systems, and implementing early warning systems.
5. These initiatives aim to improve urban resilience and reduce the socio-economic impact of flooding on communities.

4. Estimate the effectiveness of financial allocations in improving disaster resilience across various states in India.

1. Financial allocations enable states to implement targeted disaster mitigation projects based on regional vulnerabilities.
2. Increased funding leads to improved infrastructure, which directly enhances community preparedness and response capabilities.
3. States can utilize funds for training programs, thus building a skilled workforce for disaster management.
4. Effective use of allocated funds has been linked to reduced loss of life and property during disasters in several regions.
5. Regular assessments of funded projects help ensure accountability and optimize future allocations for maximum impact.