The Kerala government has been granted permission to utilise ₹120 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for rehabilitation efforts following the devastating landslides in Wayanad. This decision comes after a suo motu case was registered in the Kerala High Court. The Union government acknowledged the severe nature of the disaster, allowing funds to be released for immediate use.
Background of the Wayanad Landslides
Wayanad, located in Kerala, experienced severe landslides that resulted in damage and displacement. The landslides occurred due to heavy rainfall and geological instability in the region. The Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) classified the disaster as one of severe nature, necessitating urgent relief measures.
Disaster Response Framework
The SDRF is important financial resource for states to respond to natural disasters. The fund is governed by guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs. States can utilise these funds for immediate disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts. The State Executive Committee, formed under the Disaster Management Act, has the authority to allocate these funds.
Union Government’s Role
The Union government plays a very important role in disaster management. It provides financial assistance and support through various schemes. In this case, the government approved the release of ₹120 crore specifically for Wayanad. This financial aid is intended to facilitate quick recovery efforts for the affected communities.
Additional Funding Sources
Beyond the SDRF, the Kerala government has access to multiple funding sources for rehabilitation. These include the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Funds and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) also offers assistance for recovery and reconstruction.
Judicial Oversight
The Kerala High Court has been actively involved in monitoring the disaster response. The court’s observations brought into light the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The approval of the fund release demonstrates the collaborative efforts between the judiciary and government to address the disaster’s impact effectively.
Implications for Future Disaster Management
The events surrounding the Wayanad landslides tell the importance of robust disaster management frameworks. The ability to access multiple funding sources enhances the state’s capacity to respond to disasters. Future policies may need to incorporate lessons learned from this incident to improve resilience against natural calamities.
Community Involvement
Effective disaster management requires active community participation. Local communities play a vital role in recovery efforts. Their involvement ensures that rehabilitation measures are aligned with the needs of those affected. This approach encourages a sense of ownership and accelerates the recovery process.
Conclusion
The allocation of funds for the Wayanad landslide rehabilitation reflects a comprehensive approach to disaster management. It marks the collaboration between state and central governments, judicial oversight, and community involvement in recovery efforts.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of the State Disaster Response Fund in managing natural disasters in India.
- Estimate the impact of climate change on the frequency of landslides in hilly regions of India.
- Point out the various funding sources available for disaster management in India. Discuss their significance.
- What are the key responsibilities of the Union government in disaster management? How do they coordinate with state governments?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of the State Disaster Response Fund in managing natural disasters in India.
- The SDRF provides essential financial support for immediate disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts.
- It is governed by guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs, ensuring structured usage of funds.
- State Executive Committees, formed under the Disaster Management Act, have the authority to allocate SDRF resources.
- It enhances the capacity of states to respond promptly to disasters, reducing recovery time.
- However, challenges include bureaucratic delays and limitations in fund allocation for long-term recovery.
2. Estimate the impact of climate change on the frequency of landslides in hilly regions of India.
- Climate change leads to increased rainfall intensity, which can trigger landslides in vulnerable hilly areas.
- Melting glaciers and altered weather patterns contribute to soil instability and geological changes.
- Higher temperatures can increase the frequency of extreme weather events, exacerbating landslide risks.
- Human activities, such as deforestation and urbanization, further increase vulnerability to landslides.
- Adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial to manage the risks associated with climate change-induced landslides.
3. Point out the various funding sources available for disaster management in India. Discuss their significance.
- State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) provides immediate relief and rehabilitation funding at the state level.
- National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) offers additional support for larger-scale disasters requiring federal assistance.
- Member of Parliament Local Area Development Funds enable localized disaster response initiatives.
- Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) aids in long-term recovery and infrastructure rebuilding.
- These funding sources are as they ensure a multi-tiered approach to disaster management, enhancing resilience.
4. What are the key responsibilities of the Union government in disaster management? How do they coordinate with state governments?
- The Union government is responsible for formulating national disaster management policies and frameworks.
- It provides financial assistance and resources through funds like the NDRF and SDRF for disaster response.
- Coordination with state governments is facilitated through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
- Regular training and capacity-building programs are conducted to prepare state agencies for effective response.
- Collaboration with local authorities ensures that strategies align with ground realities and community needs.
