Disaster Management in India- Institutional frame work, a critical analysis

Abstract:

India's unique climatic and geological circumstances make it vulnerable to a broad range of natural catastrophes, such as landslides, earthquakes, cyclones, droughts, and floods. With 60% of its land susceptible to earthquakes, over 40 million hectares at risk of floods, and 68% of its territory sensitive to drought, the country confronts serious hazards. Significant calamities such as the 1999 Odisha cyclone and the 2001 Gujarat earthquake have highlighted the critical requirement for an effective disaster management system. The dangers are further increased by recent increases in the intensity of disasters as well as by variables like high rates of poverty and growing urbanisation. About 200 million Indians may be at danger from natural disasters by the year 2050. To address these issues and put a proactive emphasis on disaster prevention and preparedness, the government formed important organisations including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM). Although Odisha's response to Cyclone Phailin serves as an example of efficient disaster management, disparities in state readiness, as demonstrated in Uttarakhand, underscore the necessity of uniform standards and capacity building. The National Disaster Response Force's (NDRF) function has been commendable, but ongoing training and resource upgrades are crucial. In order to create a safer and more resilient society, India's disaster management system must adapt to match the country's rising natural catastrophe risks. It must prioritise fair resource distribution, infrastructure resilience, and community awareness.

INTRODUCTION:

From decades India is vulnerable to a wide range of natural disasters because of its distinct climate. This vulnerability is highlighted by the frequent occurrence of landslides, earthquakes, cyclones, droughts, and floods. 68% of the nation is susceptible to drought, more than 40 million hectares might flood, 8% could experience storms, and 60% could experience earthquakes of different magnitudes. About 4,344 fatalities and 30 million injuries from disasters were reported annually between 1990 and 2000, highlighting the tremendous toll that these catastrophes have on both human life and the economy. Significant disasters like the Gujarat earthquake in 2001 and the Odisha cyclone in 1999 have highlighted the critical need for a strong disaster management system that can handle a variety of unpredictable events.

An increase in the intensity of natural catastrophes in recent times, particularly in 2013–14, which impacted half of India. The affected parties lost both money and lives. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic Change (IPCC) has forecast an increase in flood events in the Himalayan region, making it particularly exposed to climatic threats. India is among the world's most vulnerable nations to natural disasters. The nation is made even more susceptible by high rates of poverty and growing urbanisation, particularly in places with poor infrastructure. By 2050, it is estimated that 200 million people in India will be at danger of earthquakes and storms. The government is required to establish institutions to solve the problems regarding natural disasters, they are, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM). These institutions aim is to be ready for disaster response while reiterating the importance of catastrophe avoidance.

Natural Disaster Vulnerability and Management in India

India has always been susceptible to natural calamities due to its distinct climatic characteristics. Landslides, earthquakes, cyclones, droughts, and floods have all happened often. 68% of the continent is vulnerable to drought, over 40 million hectares to flooding, around 8% to cyclones, and over 60% to earthquakes of varying intensities. Between 1990 and 2000, there were approximately 4344 fatalities and 30 million annual disaster-related injuries. The amount of lost governmental, private, and communal assets has been enormous. The cyclone in Odisha in 1999 and the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat made it necessary to create a disaster management system that has capabilities to counter any kind of calamities </ref>. 

The severity of natural disasters in India is increasing, in 2013-14 alone half of India was affected by natural calamities. Climate hazards are most common in the Himalayan region, according to IPCC the floods in the Himalayan region are going to increase. India is one of the most vulnerable areas in the world for natural hazards. And also, the high level of poverty and rapid urban growth further increase the vulnerability, the sheds and buildings with poor infrastructure are most vulnerable to the calamities. It is expected that around 200 million dwellers in India will be exposed to storms and earthquakes by 2050 </ref>.

The Odisha cyclone, Gujarat earthquake and the 2004 tsunami have brought disaster management to the forefront issue of the Indian Government. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA), and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) are created to counter natural disasters. After 10 years of their establishment, they are turned from disaster management to disaster prevention. 

The Odisha government have done exemplary work in disaster management. The low loss of lives despite the severity of Philan would not have been possible without building proper infrastructure. The disaster response teams, emergency assistance, and evacuation of residents to neighbouring cyclone shelters and other designated safe structures were all swiftly launched by the Odisha government and OSDMA. Similar actions were done to move the cattle to more secure locations. Boats and helicopters were set up for relief and rescue missions. The Indian Air Force (IAF), the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), the NDRF, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Odisha State Armed Police (OSAP) worked closely together on these initiatives. </ref>

Not every Indian state is as ready as Odisha. Many crisis management authorities now in place are ineffective, and some do not exist at all. One such instance is Uttarakhand, when the floods and landslides in June 2013 overtook the authorities. Particularly during the Hindu pilgrimage season, the extraordinary rainfall resulted in rivers and glacial lakes overflowing, impacting approximately 900,000 people. In 2012, Uttarkashi saw comparable floods, but not many lessons were taken away. </ref>.

Disaster Management Institutions:

NDMA:

It was established to create a more technologically advanced, proactive, and sustainable development plan that incorporates all stakeholders and promotes a culture of prevention, readiness, and mitigation in order to create a safer and more resilient India to disasters.  </ref>

As the apex body, NDMA is tasked with establishing policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management to ensure a timely and effective response to disasters. Its responsibilities include-  </ref>

1. Establishing disaster management policies.
2. Approving the National Plan.
3. Approving plans prepared by various Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in alignment with the National Plan.
4. Setting guidelines for State Authorities to develop the State Plan.
5. Providing guidelines for Ministries or Departments of the Government of India to integrate disaster prevention and mitigation measures into their development plans and projects.
6. Coordinating the enforcement and implementation of disaster management policies and plans.
7. Recommending the allocation of funds for mitigation purposes.
8. Providing support to other countries affected by major disasters as determined by the Central Government.
9. Taking measures for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and capacity building as deemed necessary.
10. Establishing broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management.

2. NIDM:

   1. NIDM has been instrumental in placing disaster risk reduction at the front of the national agenda, first as a national centre and then as the National Institute. According to the Institute, the only way to reduce the risk of disaster is to encourage a "Culture of Prevention" that involves all relevant parties. Strategic partnerships include academic, scientific, and technical organisations in India and overseas, as well as bilateral and multilateral international agencies. NIDM works with a variety of ministries and departments at the federal, state, and local government levels. </ref>
   2. A diverse core team of experts with varying specialisations in disaster management makes up NIDM. The Institute provides cutting-edge facilities, such as classrooms, a seminar hall, and video-conferencing technology, to facilitate training and capacity building. It also features a well-stocked library with books only on catastrophe mitigation and management. The Institute offers satellite-based training in addition to in-person, online, and self-study instruction. State government personnel are provided free on-campus and on-site face-to-face training, basic accommodation, and boarding amenities. NIDM helps agencies at the federal, state, and local levels increase their capacity for disaster risk reduction and disaster management. By increasing capacity for disaster prevention and preparedness at all levels, the Institute aims to make India more resilient to natural disasters. </ref>

3. NDRF:

1. The discussion of disaster response and preparedness gained momentum in the middle of the 1990s and the following decade due to the UN adoptions of the Yokohama Strategy Plan (1994) and the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005). The Orissa Super Cyclone (1999), the Gujarat Earthquake (2001), and the Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004) all occurred at the same time, underscoring the necessity of a thorough disaster management plan. As a result, on December 26, 2005, the Disaster Management Act was passed, creating the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). </ref>
2. The establishment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for specialised disaster response was a crucial component of the Act. It was founded in 2006 with 8 battalions and has since grown to 16 battalions. Over 100,000 people were rescued during the Kosi floods in 2008, which served as the NDRF's first significant test. Since then, the NDRF has proven its skill and empathy in a number of operations, including the 2010 collapse of the Bellary building, the 2012 collapse of the Jalandhar plant, and the 2011 triple catastrophe in Japan. </ref> NDRF remained dedicated to providing humanitarian aid in 2023, particularly in the wake of the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse, the Balasore rail catastrophe, and the Turkiye-Syria earthquake. Under the Director General's direction, the NDRF is still a notable force in India today, demonstrating preparedness and capabilities in disaster response.
3. 16 battalions from the CAPF, comprising the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles, currently make up the NDRF. Eighteen self-sufficient specialised search and rescue teams, each with 47 personnel, make up each battalion. With 1,149 soldiers per battalion, these teams include structural engineers, technicians, electricians, canine units, and medical/paramedic personnel. Each of the 16 sections has the necessary tools and training to deal with a variety of man-made and natural catastrophe scenarios. </ref>

Conclusion:

Different climate conditions and many different types of terrains make India a vulnerable geographic location for natural disasters. In spite of this, a big step towards efficient disaster management has been taken with the creation of strong organisations like the NDMA, SDMAs, and NIDM. The emphasis is being shifted from reactive disaster management to proactive disaster prevention and preparedness, and these organisations are essential to this process. While the potential of well-coordinated efforts is highlighted by exemplary cases such as Odisha's response to Cyclone Phailin, disparities in disaster readiness between states—as demonstrated by the different experiences of Odisha and Uttarakhand—highlight the necessity of national standards and capacity building.

Natural disaster intensity is increasing, which makes a more integrated strategy that incorporates infrastructure resilience and community awareness necessary. This trend is compounded by variables such as high poverty rates and rising urbanisation. Millions of people might be at risk from natural disasters by 2050, which highlights the need for continuous advancements and investments in disaster management systems.

Although the NDRF has played a respectable role, it will need ongoing training and resource enhancements to successfully address a variety of crisis scenarios. Organisations such as NIDM are required to advance a preventive culture and guarantee that development planning at all governmental levels include catastrophe risk reduction.

India's disaster management system needs to change in order to meet the more difficult and complicated problems that come with natural catastrophes. India can establish a safer, more resilient society by reducing the effects of natural disasters and promoting community awareness, infrastructural resilience, and fair resource allocation.