Centre’s High-Level Committee Approves Disaster Mitigation Projects

A High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah sanctioned Rs 3,027.86 crore for disaster mitigation projects across various state of Indias. This initiative aims to enhance disaster management capabilities in the country. The committee reviewed proposals focusing on lightning safety, drought assistance, and forest fire risk management. It will be funded by the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).

Lightning Safety Initiatives

The committee allocated Rs 186.78 crore for lightning safety projects in ten states. The states involved include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This initiative aims to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by lightning strikes in vulnerable regions.

Drought Mitigation Assistance

A substantial portion of the budget, Rs 2,022.16 crore, was dedicated to drought mitigation in 12 critically affected states. The central government will contribute Rs 1,200 crore. The states benefiting from this assistance include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. This support is crucial for improving agricultural resilience.

Forest Fire Risk Management

The HLC also approved a scheme for managing forest fire risks, with a total outlay of Rs 818.92 crore. This initiative targets 144 high-priority districts across 19 states. The goal is to enhance forest fire prevention, preparedness, and post-fire recovery. States involved include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttarakhand.

Previous Financial Assistance

Before these recent approvals, the HLC had already sanctioned financial aid for various disaster mitigation projects. This included urban flood risk mitigation in seven major cities, GLOF risk management in four states, and landslide risk mitigation in fifteen states. Over Rs 24,981 crore was released to states in the current financial year for disaster management efforts.

Government’s Vision for Disaster Resilience

The initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a disaster-resilient India. The Ministry of Home Affairs is actively working to strengthen the disaster risk reduction system. The focus is on minimising loss of life and property during disasters through comprehensive planning and resource allocation.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of climate change on natural disaster frequency in India.
2. Discuss the role of government policies in disaster risk reduction and management.
3. Critically discuss the importance of community participation in disaster preparedness and response.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between urban planning and disaster management in major cities.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of climate change on natural disaster frequency in India.

1. Climate change leads to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and cyclones.
2. Rising temperatures contribute to more severe heatwaves and altered rainfall patterns, affecting agricultural productivity.
3. Melting glaciers and rising sea levels exacerbate flooding in coastal and riverine areas.
4. India’s geographical diversity makes it particularly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, impacting livelihoods and infrastructure.
5. Studies indicate a direct correlation between climate change and the increasing occurrence of natural disasters in India.

2. Discuss the role of government policies in disaster risk reduction and management.

1. The government implements frameworks like the National Policy on Disaster Management to guide disaster risk reduction efforts.
2. Funding through initiatives like the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) supports state-level disaster management projects.
3. Government policies promote capacity building, training, and awareness programs for effective disaster response.
4. Collaboration with local authorities and NGOs enhances community resilience and preparedness.
5. Regular updates to policies ensure they address emerging risks associated with climate change and urbanization.

3. Critically discuss the importance of community participation in disaster preparedness and response.

1. Community involvement encourages local ownership of disaster risk reduction initiatives, enhancing effectiveness.
2. Local knowledge and resources can be leveraged for better preparedness and response strategies.
3. Engaging communities in training and drills increases awareness and readiness for emergencies.
4. Participation encourages the development of tailored solutions that address specific local vulnerabilities.
5. Community networks can facilitate timely communication and resource sharing during disasters.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between urban planning and disaster management in major cities.

1. Effective urban planning incorporates risk assessments to mitigate hazards like flooding and landslides, as seen in Mumbai’s flood management initiatives.
2. Integrating green spaces and drainage systems in urban design can reduce urban heat and manage stormwater effectively.
3. Examples like Chennai highlight the need for resilient infrastructure to withstand cyclones and heavy rains.
4. Urban planning must consider population density and land use to prevent disaster escalation in densely populated areas.
5. Collaboration between urban planners and disaster management authorities ensures a comprehensive approach to city resilience.