Author: Areesha Beg of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat
INTRODUCTION
According to a recent data, natural disasters claimed the lives of 2391 people in India in 2020 alone. This staggering number underscores the need for effective preparedness and response strategies. Given India’s unique geo-climatic conditions ranging from the Himalayan region’s seismic activity to the coastal areas’ vulnerability to cyclone and floods, the country faces significant challenges in managing natural disasters. The geographical diversity poses significant challenges in managing and mitigating the impacts of these events. India’s tropical climate plays a crucial role in its vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly floods, which account for nearly 52% of such events. The intense monsoon rains, coupled with country’s diverse topography, create conditions resulting in severe flooding and landslides.
The devastating landslide in the Wayanad district of Kerala, which has resulted in over 350 fatalities, flooding nearby areas and leaving hundreds of people homeless, starkly demonstrates the pressing need for improved disaster management. These calamities result in huge losses, both in terms of lives and economic damage, but it is the local people who suffer the most. The impact on communities is often devastating leaving families displaced, homes destroyed and livelihood shattered. Therefore, it’s important for both central and state governments to work diligently towards enhancing India’s disaster management and adaptation system. Effective governance must involve not only improving infrastructure resilience and response mechanisms but also ensuring that local communities are equipped with necessary resources and support to withstand and recover from such disasters.
INDIAN FRAMEWORK FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT
National Disaster Management Act, 2005
Before the early 2000, India’s disaster management approach was largely reactive and lacked coordinated framework. The devastating earthquake in Gujarat on 26th January, 2001 showed significant gaps in disaster preparedness and response. The scale of destruction highlighted the need for a more organized and integrated approach to disaster management. As a result, the Government of India set up a National Committee for making recommendations on the preparation of Disaster Management plans. Following extensive deliberations, the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act in 2005. The Act established the National Disaster Management Authority as the apex body responsible for formulating and implementing policies and guidelines for disaster management in India. The Act also established State Disaster Management Authorities and District Disaster Management Authorities to ensure effective coordination at various levels.
National Disaster Management Authority
Section 3 of the Act provides for the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority headed by the Prime Minister of India. The National Disaster Management Authority was made responsible for laying down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management to ensure timely and effective response to disaster. Some of the functions of the National Disaster Management Authority as stated under the Act are:
To lay down policies on disaster management.
To guide State Disaster Management Authorities.
Coordinate with various government agencies, state authorities etc. to ensure unified and efficient disaster management approach.
Provide support to other countries which are affected by major disasters.
Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation.
National Disaster Management Plan (2016)
Formed in accordance with the provisions of the National Disaster Management Act 2005, the National Disaster Management Plan follows the guidelines provided in the National Policy on Disaster Management, 2009. The plan has a vision to make India a disaster resilient nation, achieve substantial disaster risk reduction and decrease the losses caused by natural disasters both in term of life and money by maximizing the ability to cope with disasters at various levels. This comprehensive plan for disaster management mainly focuses on areas as recommended by the Sendai Framework in accordance with the global practices. These are:
Understanding disaster risk
Enhancing disaster risk governance in order to manage disaster risk
Investing in disaster risk reduction
Improving preparedness for disasters to enable efficient response and to “Build Back Better” in terms of restoration, rehabilitation, and recovery
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
The National Disaster Response Fund established under the National Disaster Management Act was formed to provide immediate response to natural and man-made disasters across the country. The main aim of the NDRF is to manage and mitigate the impact of disaster by providing prompt and effective response service. The NDRF is comprised of battalions trained in disaster response operations. Each battalion is equipped with specialized tools and equipment for search and rescue, medical aid, and other disaster related risk.
The NDRF works in coordination with other disaster management authorities to ensure an integrated response to disaster. Primarily focused on providing prompt and effective response to disasters within India, NDRF’s commitment also extends beyond national borders. The NDRF has participated in international disaster response efforts such as the Japan Triple Disaster of 2011, the Nepal Earthquake of 2015 and the Türkiye Earthquake of 2023 showcasing its capability and readiness to assist globally.
INDIA’S PARTICIPATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
India actively engages in international disaster management efforts through various initiatives. These initiatives aim at enhancing global resilience and response capabilities. By contributing to regional and global programs such as Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and providing humanitarian assistance during crisis like the Nepal Earthquake and Turkey’s 2023 disaster, India demonstrates its commitment to global cooperation. Through its efforts, India plays a key role in fostering global disaster resilience and risk reduction. Some of the key international initiatives where India participates are:
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is an initiative by India. The organization was established in 2019 with an aim to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks. It is an international coalition of countries, UN agencies, multilateral development banks and stakeholders reflecting a broad commitment to building resilient infrastructure worldwide. It seeks to advance research and information exchange in the areas of infrastructure management, standards, funding and recovery methods. Currently the organization has 46 members with Argentina and Chile being the latest members to join in 2021.
CDRI often holds programs and workshops engaging various countries to offer technical assistance for strengthening the resilience of infrastructures. It also focuses on power, telecommunications and transportations with specific projects to promote the resilience of these sectors. With the passage of time CDRI recognized the need to promote health infrastructure resilience as witnessed by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With global warming posing a threat to Island nations, the organization focused its attention on Small Island Developing State (SIDS). The Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) launched at COP26 is an initiative proposed by CDRI for developing resilient infrastructure in island states.
CDRI represents a significant international effort to address infrastructure vulnerabilities and enhance resilience, with India playing a pivotal role in driving and supporting this global initiative
India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief program encompasses a range of activities aimed at providing immediate support and relief to communities affected by natural and man-made disaster, both within the country and internationally. The HADR program is designed to offer prompt assistance during crises, including emergency response, relief operations, and recovery efforts.
The Development Partnership Administration division of the Ministry of External Affairs manages the country’s external HADR in coordination with the Defence Ministry. In the past few years India has performed remarkably in providing humanitarian assistance to countries experiencing crises. India has been positioned as first responder in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. From 2014-2024, India has carried notable operations. Some of them are:
Operation Maitri: India launched Operation Maitri in response to the devastating earthquake which struck Nepal in 2015. Operation involved delivering essential materials such as food, water, medicines, blankets, deploying search and rescue, medical teams and evacuating injured victims.
Operation Dost: A disastrous earthquake hit Turkey in 2023, leaving thousands of people killed and many stranding homeless. In response to it, India launched Operation Dost under which it deployed equipments, life saving medicines and other relief materials.
Operation Karuna: On 18th May 2023, India launched Operation karuna to deliver relief materials to Myanmar. Myanmar was badly affected by Cyclone Mocha which developed in the Bay of Bengal. It was the strongest cyclone in the last 10 years which destroyed up to 90% of the capital city Sittwe. Indian Navy promptly delivered relief materials to the crisis area. Through the operation, India showed its commitment as a responsible neighbor and showcased its capacity for effective disaster assistance on the global stage.
IDENTIFYING GAPS
India’s approach to disaster management, both domestically and internationally, reflects its commitment to humanitarian assistance and global cooperation. The country’s involvement in international organizations and international humanitarian assistance such as Operation Karuna etc demonstrates its proactive stance in addressing challenges posed by natural and man-made disasters.
Despite commendable efforts, there are significant areas for improvement within India’s disaster management framework. The National Disaster Management Authority, while playing a central role, has faced criticism related to its ineffectiveness and coordination. Issues such as delayed responses and gaps in resource management have highlighted the need for a more robust and responsive system. NDMA was questioned about its failure to inform people about the flash floods and landslide during the Uttarakhand flooding in 2013. There were reports on delayed completion of projects such as those of Assam and Bihar where projects concerning long-term solutions for flood was delayed. The NDRF personnel also lack sufficient training, facilities and residential accommodation to tackle crisis situation properly.
India has been ranked 14 out of 21 countries in a report published by the World Meteorological Organization which calculates composite score for early warning system based on risk knowledge, observation, forecasting, warning and preparedness to respond. India’s early warning system has been considered as below average according to its performance in the report.
To enhance disaster management capabilities, India must focus on several key areas such as enhanced coordination, disaster resilient infrastructure, training and resource allocation, public awareness, advanced early warning system and proper preparedness to reduce vulnerability.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, while India as demonstrated a significant capability and commitment in disaster management, both home and abroad, addressing the existing challenges and implementing necessary improvements will be crucial for enhancing its effectiveness and ensuring a more resilient future. Gaps in coordination, infrastructure resilience, and resource management highlight the need for ongoing reforms. Addressing these deficiencies through enhanced strategies and improved practices will be crucial for bolstering India’s effectiveness in managing future disasters.
FAQs
What is Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and when was it launched?
Answer: The CDRI is an international organization initiated by India to promote and support the development of disaster-resilient infrastructure globally. It focuses on enhancing infrastructure resilience to withstand and recover from disasters. The Prime Minister of India launched CDRI during his speech at the UN Climate Action Summit on 23rd September 2019.
Who is the chairman of National Disaster Management Authority?
Answer: The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
When is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction observed?
Answer: The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed every year on October 13 to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.
What is Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?
Answer: Sendai Framework (2015-2030) is a United Nations framework on disaster risk reduction. It was adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held from March 14 to 18, 2015 in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. It is the successor Instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015.
RESOURCES
https://ndma.gov.in/Reference_Material/DMAct2005
Press ReleaseI:Press information Bureau
Home | NDRF – National Disaster Response Force
https://www.cdri.world/
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): India’s Journey from 2014 to 2024 | Vivekananda International Foundation
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Apr/24/india-ranks-low-in-early-disaster-warning
