Disaster and Disaster Management

Disaster and disaster management is a critical topic within the UPSC syllabus, encompassing the understanding of natural and man-made disasters, their impact, and the measures required for effective disaster management. Here is a comprehensive explanation covering the types of disasters, their impacts, disaster management framework in India, key policies, and initiatives.

Types of Disasters

• Natural Disasters:
  • Geological Disasters: Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and tsunamis.
  • Hydro-Meteorological Disasters: Floods, cyclones, hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves.
  • Biological Disasters: Epidemics, pandemics, and infestations (e.g., locust swarms).
• Man-Made Disasters:
  • Industrial Disasters: Chemical spills, nuclear accidents, and industrial explosions.
  • Environmental Disasters: Pollution (air, water, soil), deforestation, and climate change.
  • Technological Disasters: Cyber-attacks, infrastructure failures, and accidents.
  • Conflict-Related Disasters: Wars, terrorism, and civil unrest.

Impact of Disasters

• Human Impact: Loss of life, injuries, displacement, and psychological trauma.
• Economic Impact: Damage to infrastructure, loss of livelihoods, disruption of economic activities, and financial losses.
• Environmental Impact: Degradation of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and long-term ecological changes.
• Social Impact: Disruption of communities, increased vulnerability of marginalized groups, and social unrest.

Disaster Management Framework in India

• Prevention and Mitigation: Measures to reduce the risk of disasters and mitigate their impacts.
  • Land-use Planning: Ensuring safe construction practices and avoiding high-risk areas.
  • Structural Measures: Building dams, levees, and earthquake-resistant structures.
  • Non-Structural Measures: Early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and disaster education.
• Preparedness: Planning and preparing for effective response.
  • Emergency Plans: Developing and regularly updating disaster response plans.
  • Training and Capacity Building: Conducting drills, training first responders, and building community resilience.
  • Resource Allocation: Ensuring availability of resources like food, water, medical supplies, and emergency shelters.
• Response: Immediate actions taken during and after a disaster to ensure survival and minimize damage.
  • Rescue Operations: Conducting search and rescue missions.
  • Relief Efforts: Providing immediate assistance like food, water, shelter, and medical aid.
  • Coordination: Ensuring effective coordination among various agencies and stakeholders.
• Recovery: Long-term efforts to restore normalcy and rebuild affected communities.
  • Reconstruction: Rebuilding infrastructure and homes.
  • Rehabilitation: Restoring livelihoods, providing psychosocial support, and ensuring long-term community development.
  • Risk Reduction: Incorporating disaster risk reduction measures in recovery plans to build back better.

Institutional and Legal Framework in India

• Disaster Management Act, 2005: Provides the legal framework for disaster management in India. It established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The apex body responsible for laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management. Chaired by the Prime Minister.
• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Responsible for disaster management at the state level, headed by the Chief Ministers.
• District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs): Responsible for disaster management at the district level, headed by the District Collectors.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): An institute for training and capacity building in disaster management.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): A specialized force for disaster response and rescue operations.

Key Policies and Initiatives

• National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM): Provides a framework for disaster management in India, emphasizing a holistic and integrated approach.
• National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): A comprehensive plan outlining measures for all phases of disaster management.
• Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF): Provides immediate relief to disaster-affected individuals and families.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): An insurance scheme to protect farmers against crop losses due to natural disasters.
• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: An international framework adopted by India to reduce disaster risk and enhance resilience.

Challenges in Disaster Management

• Coordination and Communication: Ensuring effective coordination among various agencies and timely communication during disasters.
• Infrastructure and Resources: Inadequate infrastructure and resources to manage large-scale disasters.
• Capacity Building: Need for continuous training and capacity building of stakeholders, including communities.
• Technological Gaps: Limited use of advanced technologies for early warning, monitoring, and response.
• Climate Change: Increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change.