Recent devastating floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir have exposed critical gaps in India’s disaster management system. Despite recurring losses, relief efforts remain reactive and fragmented. Calls for a legally binding disaster relief framework are intensifying, focusing on unlocking over ₹2 lakh crore of unclaimed funds to support recovery and rebuilding.
Current Disaster Scenario in India
India faces frequent natural disasters including floods, landslides, cyclones, and earthquakes. Himalayan states are especially vulnerable due to fragile ecosystems and heavy monsoons. Punjab alone has suffered floods affecting millions, destroying crops, homes, and livestock. Climate change worsens these events, increasing their intensity and frequency. The existing relief model fails to provide timely or adequate support.
Challenges in Disaster Relief Funding
Relief funds like the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds exist but are underfunded and delayed. There is no legal mandate for prompt or proportionate disbursal of funds. Political negotiations and bureaucratic delays hamper quick relief. Meanwhile, unclaimed financial assets worth over ₹2 lakh crore lie idle in banks, insurance, and other sectors. Unlocking this money could transform disaster response.
Need for a Disaster Relief Law
A permanent disaster relief law is essential. It should mandate pre-allocated funds based on scientific risk assessments. Relief must be automatically disbursed within days through direct benefit transfers. The law must cover not only emergency aid but also long-term rehabilitation of housing, healthcare, and livelihoods. Accountability mechanisms must be institutionalised to prevent delays and mismanagement.
Lessons from Himalayan States
Himachal Pradesh and Punjab illustrate systemic failures. Despite repeated disasters, long-term investment in flood management and ecosystem protection is lacking. Poor drainage, unregulated sand mining, and human encroachment worsen impacts. These examples show the insufficiency of ad hoc relief and the urgent need for sustainable, law-backed disaster management strategies.
Limitations of the Ad Hoc Relief Model
India’s current relief approach depends on post-disaster announcements. This reactive model is unsustainable given climate change and increasing disaster frequency. Relief packages are often inadequate and delayed. Without a legal framework, states remain vulnerable and recovery incomplete. A shift to a guaranteed, timely, and adequate relief system is imperative.
Role of Central Unclaimed Property Authority
The Supreme Court has recommended creating a Central Unclaimed Property Authority (CUPA) to track and manage unclaimed funds. This body could centralise resources and facilitate their use for disaster relief. Legislation to enable this would unlock vast financial resources currently idle across sectors, providing a critical funding source for disaster preparedness and response.
Urgency of Legislative Action
Disasters spare no region or political ideology. A law ensuring automatic and adequate fund release will strengthen India’s resilience. It will provide certainty to affected citizens and reduce suffering caused by financial delays. Parliament must act swiftly to enshrine disaster relief as a legal right. This is a moral and administrative imperative in the face of growing climate threats.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the challenges faced by India’s disaster management system and suggest measures to improve its effectiveness with suitable examples.
- What are the implications of climate change on disaster frequency and intensity in India? How should disaster preparedness policies adapt accordingly?
- Explain the concept of unclaimed financial assets in India. How can their utilisation support public welfare schemes, especially disaster relief?
- Underline the importance of legal frameworks in ensuring timely disaster relief. What are the key features that such a law should include to be effective?
