India faces diverse natural hazards requiring a multi-faceted disaster risk reduction (DRR) approach. The Home Ministry (MHA) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) lead efforts from prevention to post-disaster recovery. The strategy follows the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction (2016) and aligns with financial and scientific advances.
Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Framework
The 15th Finance Commission (2021) allocated ₹2.28 lakh crore ($30 billion) over five years for DRR. It expanded focus beyond relief to prevention, mitigation, preparedness, capacity building, and reconstruction. Funding is distributed as 30% for pre-disaster activities (10% preparedness, 20% mitigation) and 70% for post-disaster response (40%) and reconstruction (30%). This marks a shift from reliance on multilateral debt to a planned budget-to-project approach.
Priority Areas and Institutional Coordination
Five priority areas guide DRR efforts – assessing India’s multi-hazard risks, integrating science into finance, avoiding programme overlap, enhancing inter-ministerial and Centre-State coordination, and establishing light regulatory processes. Cross-institutional appraisal committees evaluate hazard-specific projects. Reconstruction packages worth ₹5,000 crore are underway in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, and Kerala.
Preparedness and Capacity Building Initiatives
Significant funds support modernising fire safety infrastructure (₹5,000 crore). Two volunteer groups, Apda Mitra and Yuva Apda Mitra, with 2.5 lakh members, strengthen community readiness. The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) expands training and research, launching a standard course covering 36 disaster management streams. Capacity building aims to embed practical disaster knowledge at the panchayat level.
Mitigation and Nature-Based Solutions
Mitigation projects worth ₹10,000 crore focus on innovative, nature-based solutions to climate-induced hazards. The National Cyclone Mitigation Programme (2011-22) reduced coastal vulnerability via early warning systems, shelters, and embankments. Current efforts encourage revitalising urban water bodies and green spaces, glacial lake monitoring, bio-engineering for slope stability, and forest fire prevention through landscape management.
Early Warning and Community Engagement
Advanced early warning systems and the Common Alerting Protocol provide timely alerts in regional languages. Training institutions such as NIDM, NDRF Academy, and the National Fire Service College train public servants in hazard science and policy. Mock drills and school safety programmes raise awareness and preparedness among communities and children.
International Collaboration and Leadership
India leads global DRR initiatives through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and engagements at the G-20, SCO, BIMSTEC, and IORA. International cooperation enhances knowledge exchange and capacity building. India’s approach integrates scientific advice and sustainable solutions to manage its complex hazard profile amid climate change.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of India’s disaster risk reduction strategy, discuss the role of financial planning in enhancing disaster resilience.
- Examine the significance of nature-based solutions in mitigating climate change impacts on disaster management.
- Analyse the importance of community participation and capacity building in disaster preparedness and response.
- Critically discuss the impact of international cooperation on national disaster risk reduction policies and practices.
