INSTA Mains 2023 Exclusive Disaster Management

INSTA MAINS 2023
EXCLUSIVE
DISASTER
MANAGEMENT
INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)
NOTES
Table of Contents
1. WHAT IS DISASTER MANAGEMENT?............................................................................ 2
2. WORLD BANK: TOOLKIT TO SUPPORT COUNTRIES AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS ........... 3
3. HEADQUARTERS AGREEMENT (HQA) BETWEEN INDIA AND CDRI ................................ 3
4. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DISASTER MANAGEMENT .................................................. 4
5. GLOBAL REPORT ON INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT 2023 (GRID-2023).............................. 5
6. FOREST FIRE................................................................................................................ 6
7. COMBATING FOREST FIRES IN UTTARAKHAND ............................................................ 7
8. HOW TO MAKE INDIA PREPARED FOR EARTHQUAKES? ............................................... 8
9. WHY TURKEY IS PRONE TO DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKES? ......................................... 9
10. WHY DO LANDFILLS CATCH FIRE AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THEM? .............. 10
11. GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF) ............................................................... 11
12. SUSPENSION BRIDGES AND THE TRAGEDY IN MORBI ............................................. 12
13. CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT REPORT ON NATURAL DISASTERS........ 13
14. POST DISASTER NEEDS ASSESSMENT (PDNA) ......................................................... 13
15. EARLY WARNING SYSTEM (EWS) ............................................................................ 14
16. ASSAM FLOODS ..................................................................................................... 15
17. HEATWAVES .......................................................................................................... 16
18. CYCLONE MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................... 17
19. LANDSLIDES........................................................................................................... 19
20. NUCLEAR DISASTER ............................................................................................... 21
21. ROLE OF G20 IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT ............................................................ 22
22. DAM SAFETY IN INDIA............................................................................................ 23
23. NEW ESCAP STUDY ON NATURAL DISASTERS ......................................................... 24
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1. What is Disaster Management?
The Disaster Management Act of 2005 defines Disaster Management as an integrated process of
planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing measures which are necessary for:
1. Prevention of threat of any disaster
2. Reduction of risk of any disaster or its consequences
3. Readiness to deal with any disaster
4. Promptness in dealing with a disaster
5. Assessing the severity of the effects of any disaster
6. Rescue and relief
7. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
Organisations related to Disaster Management Framework at the National Level:

1. National Disaster Management Authority of India (NDMA).
2. National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP).
3. SDMA.
4. District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
Policies/initiatives:
1. India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
2. India is one of the participating countries and works closely with the United Nations
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).
3. National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) defines the roles and responsibilities of various
stakeholders including Central Ministries/ Departments, State Governments, UT
Administrations, District Authorities and local self-Governments.
4. National Disaster Management Services (NDMS) was conceived by NDMA during 2015-16 for
setting up of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Network connecting MHA, NDMA, NDRF
etc. to provide the failsafe communication infrastructure and technical support for Emergency
Operation Centre (EOC) operations across the country.
5. Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (LRMS) envisages financial support for site specific
Landslide Mitigation Projects.
About the Disaster Management Act, 2005:

● The stated object and purpose of the DM Act is to manage disasters, including preparation of
mitigation strategies, capacity-building and more.
● It came into force in India in January 2006.
● The Act provides for “the effective management of disasters and for matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto.”
● The Act calls for the establishment of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), with
the Prime Minister of India as chairperson.
● The Act enjoins the Central Government to Constitute a National Executive Committee (NEC)
to assist the National Authority.
● All State Governments are mandated to establish a State Disaster Management Authority
(SDMA).
Powers given to the Centre:

Power bestowed by DM Act on Central Government and NDMA are extensive.
● The Central Government, irrespective of any law in force (including over-riding powers) can
issue any directions to any authority anywhere in India to facilitate or assist in the disaster
management.
● Importantly, any such directions issued by Central Government and NDMA must necessarily
be followed by the Union Ministries, State Governments and State Disaster Management
Authorities.
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NOTES
● In order to achieve all these, the prime minister can exercise all powers of NDMA (S 6(3)). This
ensures that there is adequate political and constitutional heft behind the decisions made.
2. World Bank: Toolkit to Support Countries After Natural Disasters

The World Bank Group has announced a comprehensive toolkit to support countries in
responding to natural disasters and other crises.
Need for the toolkit: It is needed to help countries respond effectively to the increasing
frequency and impact of natural disasters and crises. The toolkit allows for building resilience,
sharing knowledge, and ensuring swift response and recovery, ultimately contributing to poverty
reduction and a more sustainable world.
Features:
Toolkit Features Impact on Disaster-Facing Countries
Pause in debt Provides relief to countries by allowing them to focus on urgent
repayments needs instead of loan repayments during crises or catastrophes.
World Bank Group will launch Climate Resilient Debt Clauses.

These will provide a pause in debt repayments for the most
vulnerable countries in times of crisis or catastrophe.
Redirecting financing Offers countries the flexibility to quickly redirect funds for
emergency response, ensuring immediate access to cash for
disaster management and recovery efforts.
Linking crisis Helps governments build advanced emergency systems,
preparedness and enhancing their preparedness to respond to crises effectively
financing from day one.
Backstopping Supports development projects by providing private sector
development projects support in crisis preparedness and response, enabling
with private-sector businesses to sustain operations, protect jobs, and promote
support long-term sustainability in disaster-struck areas.
Building enhanced Enhances catastrophe insurance options, such as Cat Bonds, and
catastrophe insurance offers the integration of catastrophe insurance into lending
without debt products. Provides resources for disaster-struck countries
without adding to their debt burden.
Conclusion:
This toolkit empowers disaster-facing countries by providing relief, flexibility, and resources
needed to respond effectively and recover from natural disasters and crises.
3. Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between India and CDRI

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA)
between the Government of India (Gol) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
(CDRI).
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI):
About CDRI is a global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies,

multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academic
institutions.
Objective It aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and

disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.
NOTES
Launched by It was launched by the PM of India during the UN Climate Action Summit
(New York) in 2019. It is seen as India's attempt to obtain a global
leadership role in climate change and disaster resilience matters
Upgradation In 2022, the Cabinet approved the recognition of CDRI as an International

Organisation and for the signing of HQA for granting CDRI exemptions,
immunities and privileges as contemplated under the UN (Privileges and
Immunities) Act, 1947
Significance of Ratification will provide CDRI an independent and international legal

HQA agreement persona so that it can carry out its functions internationally, more
efficiently.
4. A holistic approach to disaster management

Context: The 3rd Session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR)
was held in New Delhi.
• It deliberated on 10-point agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction given by Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Sendai Framework
• Theme: “Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate”
PM’s 10-Point Agenda:
1. Importance of Local Resilience in Disaster Risk Reduction E.g.
o Prime Minister’s 10-Point Agenda: Building local capacities and initiatives
o Kutch (Gujarat): Bhunga houses of Kutch survived the earthquake to a large
extent
o Kerala: Traditional houses known as "Nalukettu," are built with sloping roofs to
prevent waterlogging during floods.
o Local Disaster volunteers: e.g. Apada Mitra, Yuvak Mandal and Sakhi Mandal
2. Need for Development Sectors to Imbibe Principles of Disaster Risk Management
3. Importance of Risk Coverage for All
4. Women’s Leadership and Greater Involvement in Disaster Risk Management
5. Investment in Global Risk Mapping
6. Leveraging Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction
7. Developing a Network of Universities to Work on Disaster-Related Issues
8. Utilizing social media and Mobile Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction
9. Learning from Disasters through Post-Disaster Studies
10. Need for Greater Cohesion in International Response to Disasters E.g., in wake of the
recent Earthquake in Syria and Turkey, United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT)
activated its emergency GIS mapping service
Disaster It is aimed at preventing new and reducing existing disaster risks and managing
Risk residual risk, all of which contribute to strengthening resilience and therefore to
Reduction the achievement of sustainable development.
Initiatives for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Global India’s Initiatives:
NOTES
• Sendai Framework (2015): Successor • Coalition for Disaster Resilient
instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Infrastructure Society (CDRIS):
Action (HFA) To increase the resilience of
• Global Platform for Disaster Risk infrastructure systems to climate and
Reduction, 2022 disaster risks
• Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems • National Disaster Management Plan
(CREWS) (Under the World 2016 (NDMP): To coordinate response to
Meteorological Organization): It provides natural or man-made disasters and for
access to early warnings in the Least capacity-building in disaster resiliency
Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small and crisis response.
Island Developing States (SIDS). • India aims to achieve zero mortality in
• Sectoral Guide on Climate Information & all disasters in collaboration with state
Early Warning Systems (by Green Climate governments and response agencies
Fund): It identifies investment • The Disaster Management Act, 2005,
opportunities in him impact sector for seeks to mainstream disaster risk
DRR reduction into development planning
5. Global Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID-2023)
Key Highlights of the Report:

Highlight Details
Total Number of Over 71million IDPs across 110 countries and territories at the end of
IDPs 2022, a 20% increase in a year
NOTES
Weather-Related 98% of disaster displacements in 2022 were triggered by weather-related
Displacements events; floods and storms caused 6 out of 10 disaster displacements
Pakistan and Pakistan had the highest number of disaster displacements in 2022,
India followed by China and Afghanistan, while India ranked fourth
La Niña’s The prolonged three-year La Niña phenomenon contributed to the rise in
Influence weather-related disasters, especially floods, leading to widespread
disasters across the globe
Regional Sub-Saharan Africa experienced the highest-ever displacement due to
Displacement disasters in 2022. South Asia witnessed double the annual average of
Patterns disaster displacements
Actions needed Unconditional cash assistance for supporting the immediate needs of
IDPs; Developing IDPs’ livelihoods and skills; Importance of building
resilience and preparedness at an individual, community, and national
levels; addressing the impacts of climate change and investing in
adaptation measures are crucial to mitigate future displacements
Conclusion:
There is a need for India to formulate policies and strategies that are focused on migration,
promote inclusive growth and development, and reduce distress-induced migration.
6. Forest Fire
Causes of Natural: Such as lightning, high Man-made: When a source of fire
Forest fire atmospheric temperatures, and like naked flame, cigarette, or bidi
dryness (low humidity) offer favourable comes into contact with
circumstances. inflammable material.
Types of ● Surface fire: Spread along the surface litter (leaves, twigs, dry grasses) on
forest fire: the forest floor.
● Ground fire: Fires in the subsurface organic fuels, such as duff layers
under forest stands, burn underneath and are often ignited by surface
fires.
● Crown fire: A crown fire is one in which the crown of trees and shrubs
burn, often sustained by a surface fire.
Pros & Cons of Pros: Cons:
Forest Fires ● Helps in the evolution of forests (such ● Forest fires can have
as dry deciduous forests and lasting negative impacts
savannahs) on biodiversity (loss of
● Landscape/disease management: flora, fauna, ecological
indigenous people like the Soligas have services), the economic
used controlled forest fires to reduce stability of many
incidences of tick-borne diseases) communities that live in
● Controls the growth of invasive species forests, etc.
Vulnerability:
● ~65% of Indian forests are prone to occasional/frequent forest fire events.
● Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh were the most impacted states and
Gadchiroli, Kandhamal, and Bijapur were the most impacted districts.
● The youngest mountain ranges of the Himalayas/chirr (Pine) forests (Western > Eastern as
E. Himalayas grow in high rain density) are the most vulnerable stretches of the world.
● There has been a 10-fold increase in forest fire incidences in the last two decades.
● According to the MoEFCC, the country reported 3,45,989 forest fire incidents during (Nov
2020 and June 2021) and the state of Odisha reported 51,968 - the highest in India.
NOTES
Impact of It might lead to more wildfire-inducing ‘hot lightning’ strikes.
climate Hot lightning or long continuing current strikes (which can last up to a third
change of a second) are more likely to ignite wildfires than typical lightning strikes.
Preparedness Forest fires are usually seasonal. Hence, fires can be prevented in the
and mitigation summer -
measures: ● Through the removal of forest litter all along the forest boundary ("Forest
Fire Line").
● By creating firebreaks/ ditches in the forests.
● The FSI is using satellite imaging technology -
○ To set up fire alert systems (MODIS, SNPP) and analyse fire-
affected forest areas
○ To better understand the ecology of forest fires for restoration
and fire prevention efforts
7. Combating forest fires in Uttarakhand

The chir pine belt of Uttarakhand, India, faces significant forest fire challenges.
What is Chir Pine Belt?

It refers to an area characterized by the dominance of chir pine trees (Pinus roxburghii). It is
found primarily in the state of Uttarakhand. The high presence of chir pine trees in this belt also
contributes to the susceptibility to forest fires in the area.
Factors contributing to forest fire challenges in the Chir Pine Belt of Uttarakhand:
Factors Description
High forest density Uttarakhand accounts for 1.6 per cent of India’s total geographical
area. But in terms of forest cover, the state accounts for 45 per cent, in
contrast to national forest cover of just 21.67 per cent.
High presence of Chir pine dominates the forest composition in the region. Pine trees are
pine trees rich in organic polymers, making them vulnerable to forest fires.
Dry biomass Pine needles and other plant-based litter create fuel for fires. Dry
biomass increases the risk of fire outbreaks.
Vulnerability of The forest ecosystem in the region is dominated by narrow-leaved
narrow-leaved species like Pinus, Picea, and Abies. These species are susceptible to
species fires when exposed to low temperatures and humidity.
Human-made fires Timber smugglers often set intentional fires to divert attention and
facilitate illegal activities. Developmental activities and unchecked
land-use patterns contribute to human-induced fire hazards.
Climate conditions Uttarakhand experiences low rainfall and high temperatures. The
ample availability of dry biomass during the summer season increases
fire risks. Also, Strong winds contribute to the rapid spread of fires
across the forests.
Measures to Combat Forest Fires in the Chir Pine Belt of Uttarakhand:

Measures Description
Plantation of suitable broad- Introduce species like oak and rhododendron with lower fire
leaved species susceptibility. Diversify the forest composition and reduce the
overall fire risk.
Construction of watch Install watch towers to detect forest fires at an early stage.
towers for early detection Facilitate prompt response and intervention to control fire
incidents.
Deployment of fire watchers Assign personnel as fire watchers in vulnerable areas. Regular
surveillance to detect and report fires promptly.
NOTES
Creation and maintenance of Clear vegetation creates fire lines and fire breaks as barriers.
fire lines
Use of remote sensing Utilize technology to detect active forest fires from space.
technology and satellite data Enable early identification and timely response to fire
incidents.
Exclusive recruitment of Employ trained personnel equipped with modern firefighting
forest fire-fighting staff technologies. Ensure specialized teams are available for fire
suppression.
Joint Forest Management Promote community involvement and cooperation in forest
(JFM), Van panchayats, and management. Utilize electronic, social media, radio, and
communication television for awareness. Raise awareness and encourage
responsible forest practices.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has suggested measures for fire control in
Himalayan regions such as Early detection and reporting; Fireline creation; Community
involvement; Training and capacity building; Use of technology and Firefighting teams.
A few measures taken are:

National Policy on Forest Fire (finalized by the government); National Plan for forest fire
management; National Forest Fire Danger Rating System; Firefighting tools and machinery (e.g.
Fire Beaters, Pulaskis Tools, Forest Fire Showel, etc.); Forest Fire Prevention & Management
Scheme (FFPMS, 2017)
Conclusion:
Addressing and mitigating forest fires in the Himalayan region requires a comprehensive
approach that includes early detection, community involvement, capacity building, technology
utilization, and effective collaboration between various stakeholders. By implementing these
measures, the risk and impact of forest fires can be significantly reduced, protecting the
invaluable biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.
8. How to make India prepared for earthquakes?

Context: The Delhi HC asked the state government to file a status report and action
plan on the structural safety of buildings in Delhi.
Data Nearly 59% of the Indian landmass is vulnerable to earthquakes.
India’s current ● Operates primarily at the scale of structural details
policy on ● National Building Codes: Includes specifying dimensions of the structural
earthquake members - columns, beams, etc.
preparedness: ● National Retrofitting Programme 2014: Under the programme, the RBI
directed banks to deny loans for buildings that do not meet the
earthquake-resistant design.
Issues with ● It ignores the buildings that were constructed before such codes were
the policy: published in 1962
● It assumes infallibility in the processes of enforcement - relying only on
penalisation and illegalities
● It treats earthquakes as a problem of individual buildings - in complete
isolation from their urban context.
● None of the urban renewal programmes - including the Smart Cities
Mission - have devised an urban policy for earthquake preparedness
Best practices
NOTES
Japan has invested heavily in San Francisco The Gujarat Programmes like
technological measures is the world's government: the ongoing Urban
(skyscrapers with most famous Immediately adopted 20 meetings: An
counterweights, small houses earthquake- (after the 2001 Bhuj excellent
on flexible foundations, prone city earthquake) new town opportunity for
public infrastructure with which planning schemes that international
automated triggers) by implemented widened roads and knowledge
cultivating an industry around policy created routes for exchange on
earthquake mitigation and changes evacuation and relief earthquake
fostering expertise. similar to work. preparedness.
Japan
Way ahead:
● Earthquake preparedness needs to act -
○ In the realm of policy and not just legal enforcement.
○ At the scale of building details as well as that of cities.
● A comprehensive policy to create a system of retrofitting existing structures and enforcing
seismic codes with more efficiency. Such a policy should include measures -
○ To create a system of tax-based or development rights-based incentives for
retrofitting one’s building up to seismic codes.
○ To ensure better enforcement of seismic codes through a similar model.
● Generate earthquake vulnerability maps with the percentage of vulnerable structures in
the area, the availability of evacuation routes, the location of nearest relief services, etc.
A policy on earthquake preparedness will require a visionary, radical and transformative
approach. It would be unwise to wait for another earthquake to learn how to be better
prepared for one.
9. Why Turkey is prone to devastating earthquakes?

Three earthquakes measuring -- 7.8, 7.6, and 6.0 -- magnitude on the Richter scale had
devastated Turkey and Syria.
Why is Turkey prone to Earthquakes?

• In the region of Turkey, Syria, and
Jordan, tectonics are dominated by
complex interactions between the
African, Arabian, and Eurasian
tectonic plates, and the Anatolian
tectonic block.
• Other factors:
o Red Sea Rift, the spreading
centre between the African
and Arabian plates;
o Dead Sea Transform, a
major strike-slip fault that
also accommodates Africa-
Arabia relative motions;
o North Anatolia Fault, a right-
lateral strike-slip structure in
northern Turkey
accommodating much of the translational motion of the Anatolia block westwards
with respect to Eurasia and Africa;
o Cyprian Arc, a convergent boundary between the African plate and the Anatolia
block.
NOTES
What are aftershocks and why do they occur?
• Aftershocks are a sequence of earthquakes that happen after a larger main shock on a fault.
They occur near the fault zone where the main shock rupture occurred and are part of the
“readjustment process” after the main slip on the fault.
• They become less frequent with time, they can continue for days, weeks, months, or even
years for a very large main shock.
How do Satellites help in Rescue and Recovery efforts during an Earthquake?

• Satellite imaging enables humanitarian aid by mapping the condition of roads, bridges, and
buildings, and – most crucially – identifying populations trying to escape potential
aftershocks.
• Radar satellites operate at night and through clouds, image landslides and even very small
changes in altitude.
• Generating Maps for rescue workers, flood alert maps for the public, and mapping of burnt or
flooded areas with damage estimates for decision-makers.
• Reconstruction after disasters: Satellite technologies help residents benefit from earthquake-
resistant construction, the creation of safe gathering places or relocating living areas to safe
locations.
India’s Proactiveness in Disaster Relief:

• Turkey (2023): India has sent an Army medical team, National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF)
personnel, and medical supplies
• Nepal (2015): The NDRF deployed 16 of its urban search and rescue (USAR) teams, which
comprised more than 700 rescuers in the country
• Japan (2011): In the aftermath of the 2011 Tsunami, India also sent 46 members of the
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to search and rescue in the town of Onagawa.
• Sri Lanka (2004, Operation Rainbow): Despite being the victim of the 2004 Tsunami itself,
India sent its forces to carry out rescue operations, called “Operation Rainbow”, in Sri Lanka
hours after the Tsunami struck the country.
Conclusion
“It is not the disaster, but the lack of preparedness for the disaster that kills”. Thus, disaster
preparedness is one of the most vital components of disaster management.
10. Why do landfills catch fire and what can we do about them?
Context: The Kochi landfill site around Brahmapuram that caught fire was a stark
reminder that Indian cities need to be prepared for more such incidents as
summer approaches. Recent incidents: Ghazipur, Delhi’s Bhalswa, and Chennai’s
Perungudi
What triggers landfill fires?
● A landfill site is a site for the disposal of waste materials
● The landfill sites in India are not scientifically planned. The efficiency of waste processing
is only 30-40%, while India’s municipalities are collecting over 95% of the waste generated
in cities.
● The wastes are not segregated due to which the landfill sites receive mixed wastes which
include organic waste/ignitable material/plastics.
○ Higher temperature + flammable material = a chance for the landfill to catch fire.
● The anaerobic decomposition (breakdown of organic waste in the absence of oxygen)
generates methane gas and heat.
● As soon as the methane gas comes in contact with oxygen, the combustible materials at
the dumping site catch fire easily.
NOTES
Challenges: ● The landfill fires take time to exhaust
● The fires emit greenhouse gases
● Multiple ignition points
● Lack of constant water supply
● The danger involved in climbing the tall mounds of garbage.
Is there a permanent solution?
Closing landfills in a scientific Clear the piles of waste through bioremediation, i.e.,
manner (SoPs including managing excavate old waste and use automated sieving machines
the methane emissions). This to segregate the flammable refuse-derived fuel (RDF)
solution is unsuitable in the Indian from biodegradable material.
context as the land can’t be used • The recovered RDF (plastics, rags, and clothing) can
again for other purposes. be used as fuel in cement kilns, and the biosoil can
be given to farmers to improve their soil.
Immediate measures to manage landfill fires:
● Divide a site into blocks depending on the nature of the waste.
● Blocks with fresh waste should be separated from blocks with flammable material.
● Different blocks should be separated using a drain or soil bund and a layer of soil should
cap each block → turned regularly for aeration → helps cool the waste heap.
● The most vulnerable part of the landfill should be capped with soil.
● Sites should be equipped with water tankers with sprinklers
● The municipality should have a plan of action in advance
● Waste-processing workers should have response training, etc.
Way ahead:
● The Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 state that only non-recyclable, non-
biodegradable, and non-combustible waste should go to a sanitary landfill.
● The problem needs to be addressed at two levels - at the level of public policy (domain of
the government), and of the public itself (reducing waste generation/disposal, segregating
waste).
Best practice (Indore) - "India's Cleanest City" for the sixth consecutive year:
● MP’s largest city/state's commercial capital, with a population of 35 lakh, is garbage bin-free,
even though it generates 1,200 tons of dry waste and 700 tons of wet waste daily.
● While segregation of garbage into ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ categories is common, in Indore it happens
in six categories at a collection point.
11. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

● A GLOF is a sudden release of
water from a lake fed by
glacier melt
● Threatens people’s lives,
livelihoods and regional
infrastructure.
● In the Hindu Kush Himalaya
(HKH), GLOF events can be
traced back to the failure of
moraine-dammed glacial
lakes.
● The pressure on the dam,
water seeping through the
structure, fragmentation of the source glacier, landslides, etc., can trigger a GLOF.
● The frequency of GLOFs is expected to increase due to climate change.
NOTES
Recent findings:
● The majority of the globally exposed population is located in the region of high mountain
Asia and more than 50% in India, Pakistan, Peru and China.
● The population exposed to GLOFs increases with distance from a glacial lake.
● Rapid deglaciation over the past has led to the growth of many large glacial lakes.
● Increase in the population living in close proximity to glacial lakes between 2002 to 2022.
Situation in India:
● According to the ICIMOD, Himalayan glacial lakes increased by about 9% in number, and 14%
in the area.
● The best-studied glacier is north India's Chhota Shigri, which has lost three times its mass.
● The rapid onset of GLOFs means there is insufficient time to effectively warn downstream
populations.
Way ahead:
● Studying glaciers through satellite observations.
● Learning past events and their dynamics will help in disaster risk reduction and climate
change adaptation in the region.
Conclusion: Improvements are urgently needed in designing early warning systems alongside
evacuation drills and other forms of community outreach.
12. Suspension bridges and the tragedy in Morbi

The century-old cable suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi, collapsed into the river, sending
hundreds plunging into the water.
Technical reasons for the collapse of the 19th Century pedestrian bridge are:
1. Overcrowding
2. Crowd-induced vibrations
3. End of the ‘service life’
How to mitigate such kinds of disasters: Safe and Sustainable Tourism

• Tourist and pilgrimage centres around the country should carry out safety and
environmental audits to ensure that crowd management and safety protocols are in place.
• Development of new centres where large numbers of people are expected should account
for such contingencies.
• The rapid pace of road and infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive areas such
as the Himalayas should be in accordance with topographic limitations.
• Tourism promotion campaigns must include creating safety awareness among visitors and
local officials.
NOTES
• More must be done to regulate the flow of travellers according to the infrastructure capacity
of particular destinations.
Way forward:
• Any bridge opened for public transport should conform to prescribed standards and
specifications and is safe in all respects to be carrying passenger traffic.
• There should be a mechanism to audit the development work of bridges across the country.
• There should be proper guidelines detailing the dos and don’ts.
13. Centre for Science and Environment report on natural disasters

According to a recent CSE report, India saw natural disasters almost every day in the first 9
months of 2022.
Key highlights of the report:

• India recorded extreme weather events (include heatwaves, cold waves, cyclones, lightning,
heavy rainfall, floods and landslides) on 242 of the 273 days from January 1 through
September 30, 2022.
• Most affected state: Madhya Pradesh
• Loss and Damage:
1. Deaths: highest in Himachal Pradesh (359), followed by Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
2. Lightning and storms were spread over 30 states and claimed 773 lives.
3. Heat waves claimed 45 lives.
4. Damage: Assam reported the highest number of damaged houses and animal deaths.
• Worst hit Regions: central and north-western India reported the highest number of days (198
and 195 respectively) with extreme weather events.
• In terms of human lives lost, central India topped the list with 887 deaths, followed by East
and North East India (783 deaths).
• Reasons: Global warming-induced changes in the atmospheric and water system around the
world.
14. Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)

15th Finance commission for the first time made a provision for recovery and reconstruction in
the national disaster management budget, which is at the core of the Post Disaster Needs
Assessment (PDNA).
What is PDNA?
The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) is an internationally accepted methodology for
determining the physical damages, economic losses, and costs of meeting recovery needs after a
natural disaster through a government-led process.
For E.g. a number of farmers’ income affected per damaged acre of land and livelihoods lost is
calculated.
● PDNA was first adopted during the Kerala floods of 2018 and again during the cyclone in
Odisha in 2019.
● Until now it was only limited to massive disasters that needed international funding from
World Bank, Asian Development Bank and United Nations.
● But now the Disaster Management Authorities are working towards applying PDNA for all
disasters.
● It is now being done simultaneously in 8 states Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka,
Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha and Meghalaya.
Methodology:
NOTES
Significance of PDNA:
● Helps get recovery and rehabilitation right after a disaster.
● It adds a recovery and resilience component to disaster management.
● Aims to encourage building back better.
● A holistic recovery programme that promotes equity and inclusion.
Organization and Funding:

● The PDNA will be a state government led activity and funds required should be sourced from
the state with contributions from national ministries
● The State Revenue/Disaster Management Department will be responsible for the overall
organization and conduct of PDNA.
States reaction: State Disaster Management Authorities opine that PDNA makes more sense for
states that are flood and cyclone prone whereas droughts should be taken care of by agriculture
and irrigation departments.
Conclusion:
In the wake of the recent increase in the frequency of natural disasters due to various reasons like
Global warming, PDNA is a good step forward. But the provision of adequate finances and
adequate training of authorities to carry out PDNA should be taken care of for effective
implementation.
15. Early Warning System (EWS)

An Early Warning System (EWS) can be defined as a set of capacities needed to generate and
disseminate timely and meaningful warning information of the possible extreme events or
disasters (e.g. floods, drought, fire, earthquake and tsunamis) that threatens people‘s lives. The
purpose of this information is to enable individuals, communities and organizations threatened to
prepare and act appropriately and in sufficient time to reduce the possibility of harm, loss or
risk.
Elements of Early Warning system

• Risk Knowledge: Risk assessment provides essential information to set priorities for
mitigation and prevention strategies and designing early warning systems.
• Monitoring and Predicting: Systems with monitoring and predicting capabilities provide
timely estimates of the potential risk faced by communities, economies and the environment.
• Disseminating Information: Communication systems are needed for delivering warning
messages to the potentially affected locations to alert local and regional governmental
agencies. The messages need to be reliable, synthetic and simple to be understood by
authorities and public.
• Response: Coordination, good governance and appropriate action plans are a key point in
effective early warning. Likewise, public awareness and education are critical aspects of
disaster mitigation.
NOTES
Role of early warning systems
• They prevent loss of life, as well as reducing the economic impact of natural hazards.
o Increasing the availability of multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk
information is one of seven global targets set by The Sendai Framework for Disaster
Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
o Warning to fishermen on coasts to not venture into seas.
• Disaster preparedness: Knowing about an impending danger can save lives and property. The
cost of damage due to disaster in India, every year is estimated to be $87 billion due to
cyclones, floods and droughts. This can be prevented to a great extent.
• Protecting critical infrastructure: This is especially true for Onshore windmills, nuclear plants
close to coast, critical bridges in border areas that are at risk of damage due to disasters. It
will impact the security and safety of the nation.
• Diplomacy: India’s Tsunami warning centre in the Indian ocean under the aegis of INCOIS,
has been helpful in disseminating information for littoral states of Indian ocean. This has
helped in increasing soft power diplomacy and achieve leadership of India in the Indo-Pacific.
• Saving biodiversity and wildlife: Many endangered Rhinos in Assam were rehabilitated due to
risk of flooding of Brahmaputra. In turn it can save the whole ecosystem and the biodiversity
of the place.
Conclusion
A complete and effective early warning system comprises four inter-related elements, spanning
knowledge of hazards and vulnerabilities through to preparedness and capacity to respond. Best
practice early warning systems also have strong inter-linkages and effective communication
channels between all of the elements. These must be the basis for a good early warning system
for various kinds of disasters.
16. Assam Floods

Why floods are common in Assam?
• Brahmaputra is braided and unstable in its entire reach in Assam except for a few places. The
main reasons behind the instability of the river are high sedimentation and steep slopes.
• High percentage of flood prone region: 31.05 lakh hectares of the total 78.523 lakh hectares
area of the state is prone to frequent floods. And the reasons behind this high flood prone
area percentage are both man-made and natural.
• EARTHQUAKES/LANDSLIDES: Assam and some other parts of the northeastern region are
prone to frequent earthquakes, which causes landslides. The landslides and earthquakes send
in a lot of debris in the rivers, causing the river bed to rise.
• BANK EROSION: Assam has also faced bank erosion around the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers
as well as their tributaries. It is estimated that annually nearly 8000 hectares land is lost to
erosion. Bank erosion has also affected the width of the Brahmaputra river, which has
increased up to 15 km.
• DAMS: Among the man-made reasons, the key cause of floods in Assam region is releasing of
water from dams situated uphill. Unregulated release of water floods the Assam plains,
leaving thousands of people homeless every year.
• Guwahati’s topography — it’s shaped like a bowl — does make it susceptible to water
logging.
• Unplanned expansion of the urban areas has led to severe encroachments in the wetlands,
low lying areas, hills and shrinkage of forest cover.
• The river also changes course frequently and it’s virtually impossible to contain it within
embankments. The pressure of the surging water takes a toll on these walls.
How governments have tried to handle the situation? Where have they failed?
NOTES
Floods are a recurrent feature during the monsoons in Assam. In fact, ecologists point out that
flood waters have historically rejuvenated croplands and fertilised soil in the state’s alluvial
areas.
● But it’s also a fact that for more than 60 years, the Centre and state governments have
not found ways to contain the toll taken by the raging waters.
The state has primarily relied on embankments to control floods. This flood control measure was
introduced in Assam in the early 1950s when the hydrology of most Indian rivers, including the
Brahmaputra, was poorly understood.
But, several of the state’s embankments were reportedly breached by the floods this year.
What needs to be done now?

1. Studying the river and the impact of climate change is a must to understand why the state
gets flooded every year.
2. Water flow information shared by China on the Brahmaputra with India, for which India
pays a certain amount, should also be shared with the public, as this will help in
understanding the river better and therefore help people better prepare for floods.
3. More accurate and decentralised forecasts of rain can help in improving preparedness.
Weather reports should be made available on district level and should be accessible to public.
Need for these measures:

As the economy of Assam is largely dependent on natural resources, what happens with
agriculture and forests has direct effects on the livelihood of its people. During floods, water
becomes contaminated, and climate change has a direct impact on the water resources sector by
increasing the scarcity of freshwater, which is a constant problem in summer.
17. Heatwaves
Heat wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum
temperature that occurs during the pre-monsoon (April to June) summer season.
According to Indian Meteorological Department, Heat wave is considered if maximum

temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains, 37°C or more for coastal
stations and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
India has been in the grip of what seems like an eternity of heatwaves.
Impacts of Heatwaves
On human health:
• Extreme heat can lead to dangerous, even deadly, consequences, including heat stress and
heatstroke.
• Severe heat stroke can lead to multiple organ failure, seizures, and death.
• Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing morbidities are particularly vulnerable.
• Heat wave also cause death of cattle and wildlife besides affecting animals in various zoos in
India.
Social:
• Heatwaves are associated with increased rates of heat stress and heat stroke, worsening
heart failure and acute kidney injury from dehydration.
• Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing morbidities are particularly vulnerable.
• Promote the spread of diseases like cholera and dengue fever across endemic areas.
• Increased poverty due to failure of crops and reduced economic activities.
Economic:
NOTES
• The Lancet countdown on health and climate has reported that India was particularly
affected by the rising frequency of heatwave events and lost about 75 billion hours of work, a
significant part of it in the agricultural sector.
• India lost nearly 75 billion hours of labour in 2017 as a result of rising temperatures.
• This made sustained work increasingly difficult and negatively affecting workers’ output.
• The agriculture sector experienced the largest increase in labour loss.
• Almost 153 billion hours of labour were lost globally in 2017 due to heat, an increase of 62
billion hours from the year 2000.
• Agriculture sector was more vulnerable compared to the industrial and service sectors
because workers there were more likely to be exposed to heat.
• Since 1990, every region of the globe has become steadily more vulnerable to extreme
increases of heat.
Way forward:
• In 2016, the National Disaster Management Agency prepared guidelines for state
governments to formulate action plans for the prevention and management of heat waves,
outlining four key strategies:
o Forecasting heat waves and enabling an early warning system
o Building capacity of healthcare professionals to deal with heat wave-related
emergencies
o Community outreach through various media
o Inter-agency cooperation as well as engagement with other civil society organizations
in the region.
• Scientific Approach:
o Climate data from the last 15-20 years can be correlated with the mortality and
morbidity data to prepare a heat stress index and city-specific threshold.
o Vulnerable areas and population could be identified by using GIS and satellite imagery
for targeted actions.
• Advance implementation of local Heat Action Plans, plus effective inter-agency coordination
is a vital response which the government can deploy in order to protect vulnerable groups.
• This will require identification of “heat hot spots”, analysis of meteorological data and
allocation of resources to crisis-prone areas.
• The India Cooling Action Plan must emphasize the urgency and need for better planning,
zoning and building regulations to prevent Urban Heat Islands.
• Provision of public messaging (radio, TV), mobile phone-based text messages, automated
phone calls and alerts.
• Promotion of traditional adaptation practices, such as staying indoors and wearing
comfortable clothes.
• Popularisation of simple design features such as shaded windows, underground water storage
tanks and insulating housing materials.
18. Cyclone Management

Cyclone is a region of low atmospheric pressure surrounded by high atmospheric pressure
resulting in swirling atmospheric disturbance accompanied by powerful winds. They occur mainly
in the tropical and temperate regions of the world.
Increasing incidence of cyclones

• Although the North Indian Ocean (NIO) Basin (including the Indian coast) generates only
about 7% of the world’s cyclones, their impact is comparatively high and devastating,
especially when they strike the coasts bordering the North Bay of Bengal.
• On an average, five to six tropical cyclones form every year, of which two or three could be
severe.
NOTES
• More cyclones occur in the Bay of Bengal than the Arabian Sea and the ratio is approximately
4:1. This is now changing due to impact of climate change.
• Research evidence shows more cyclones forming over the Arabian Sea when compared to
the Bay; overall there were eight storms of concern to India in 2019, and five last year,
Amphan being a super cyclone.
• India has faced around 170 storms since 1970, which is the fourth highest after the United
States, the Philippines and China in the same duration.
India’s preparedness to handle cyclones

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has responsibility of formulating National
Guidelines for Management of Cyclones and India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the
nodal agency for providing cyclone warning services to communities and important officials in
affected areas.
• The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP), to be implemented with financial
assistance from the World Bank, is envisaged to have four major components:
o Component A: Improvement of early warning dissemination system by strengthening
the Last Mile Connectivity (LMC) of cyclone warnings and advisories.
o Component B: Cyclone risk mitigation investments.
o Component C: Technical assistance for hazard risk management and capacity building.
o Component D: Project management and institutional support.
• These components are highly interdependent and have to be implemented in a coherent
manner.
• Its aim is to undertake suitable structural and non-structural measures to mitigate the effects
of cyclones in the coastal states and UTs of India.
• The NDMA had come up with its National Guidelines of Management of Cyclones in 2008.
• The basic premise of these guidelines is that the mitigation has to be multi-sectoral.
Challenges posing the Cyclone Management in India

• On an average, five to six tropical cyclones form every year, of which two or three could be
severe.
• More cyclones occur in the Bay of Bengal than the Arabian Sea and the ratio is approximately
4:1. This is now changing due to impact of climate change.
• There is an over-emphasis on a total evacuee figure, particularly in states such as Odisha.
• There exists an inadequate focus on response aspects other than evacuation, such as
measures to minimise crop damage, assistance for quick harvest, adequate relief and timely
distribution of post-cyclone assistance such as for damaged houses, etc.
Way forward
Short term measures:
• Provide cyclone forecasting, tracking and warning systems
• Construction of cyclone shelters, cyclone resistant buildings, road links, bridges, canals, drains
etc.
• Establishing Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS), and Capacity building for coastal
communities.
• Mock drills, and training of local population and police by NDRF and SDRF
• Plantations of strong rooted trees, canopies, mangroves and proper vegetation cover which
act as first line of defence.
• Proper drainage system throughout the city to discharge the water as soon as possible to
avoid flood like conditions
• Use of NAVIC and RESOURCESAT-2 for disseminating coastal information and helping in
disaster management.
• Implementation of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project.
NOTES
Long term measures:
• The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) should be implemented with financial
assistance from the World Bank
• The NDMA had come up with its National Guidelines of Management of Cyclones in 2008.
• The basic premise of these guidelines is that the mitigation has to be multi-sectoral.
• Developing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) frameworks for addressing the
sustainability and optimal utilisation of coastal resources as also cyclone impact minimisation
plans.
• Ensuring cyclone resistant design standards are incorporated in the rural/ urban housing
schemes in coastal areas
• Implementing coastal flood zoning, flood plain development and flood inundation
management and regulatory plans.
• Coastal bio-shields spread, preservation and restoration/ regeneration plans.
• There is a need for private sector participation in designing and implementing policies, plans,
and standards.
• Need of Disaster Management program to be inclusive including women, civil society, and
academia.
Conclusion
Cyclone Disaster Management encompasses mitigation and preparedness measures for cyclones.
Installing disaster-resilient power infrastructure in the coastal districts, providing concrete houses
to poor and vulnerable households, and creating massive community awareness campaigns are
essential.
19. Landslides
A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope.
Landslides are a type of “mass wasting,” which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and
rock under the direct influence of gravity.
The impacts of the landslides are:

• Every year, landslides in the region kill dozens of people and cause widespread damage to
several villages such that they have now become almost unfit for habitation.
• They create blockades in the road network and river system, which in turn, cause floods.
• The terraced farm fields have been destroyed that cannot be easily renovated or made
productive again.
• The road network remains closed for long periods causing indescribable hardship to the
villagers who get their basic supplies and provisions from the neighbouring areas.
• Water sources are disrupted and choked by debris from landslides.
• The river sediment load is increased considerably, causing irregular courses and frequent
breaching of the banks- resulting into unexpected floods.
• The water channels are affected from the up hillside due to which the villagers are devoid of
water for irrigation purposes. This adversely affects agriculture production in the region.
Measures undertaken to control landslides

• National Landslide Risk Management Strategy which addresses all the components of
landslide disaster risk reduction and management was released in 2019.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has done a national landslide susceptibility Mapping for
85% of the entire 4,20,000 square km landslide-prone area in the country.
• The areas have been divided into different zones according to the propensity of the
disaster.
• Improvement in early warning systems, monitoring and susceptibility zoning can reduce the
damage caused by landslides.
NOTES
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines on Landslide Hazard
Management (2009):
o Delineating areas susceptible to landslide hazards
o Encouraging implementation of successful landslide remediation and mitigation
technologies.
o Developing institutional capacity and training for geoscientists, engineers, and
planners is necessary for the effective management of the landslide hazard.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), a premier institute that provides
Capacity Building support to various National and State level agencies in the field of Disaster
Management & Disaster Risk Reduction has been set up.
Reasons why impact of landslides are still high despite the above measures
• Lack of correct data and poor data collection strategies.
• The CAG reported the lack of communication systems which aggravated the problems. For
instance, during the Uttarakhand landslides
• The issue of coordination and administration at different levels is still lingering.
• Poor predictability: The appropriate interpretation of the meteorological forecast is still
lacking.
• Lack of awareness among the people.
• Faulty evacuation strategies in landslide-prone areas
• Limited resources & Financial constraints
• Use of obsolete technology for landslide management.
• The inappropriate hill area development including unscientific construction of roads, tunnels,
hydroelectric projects do a lot of damage to the natural balance of the structures.
• Illegal encroachment of the rivers is still not contained through appropriate actions.
• Weak environmental impact assessment regime is in part responsible for increases problems.
• There is a lack of scientific analysis of landslide events and inventory of data analysis which
makes mistakes recurring.
Way forward
Structural measures:
• Stopping Jhum cultivation.
• Store Excess water in catchments areas to reduce the fury of flash floods, recharge the
ground water and improve the environment. Dig runoff collection ponds in the catchments.
• Grow fuel / fodder trees in all of the common lands.
• Plantation in barren areas, especially on slopes, with grass cover is an important component
of integrated watershed management programme.
• Grazing should be restricted. The grasses of industrial importance should also be planted so
that there is some economic return to the farmers as well.
• Use the surface vegetative cover to protect the land from raindrop’s beating action, bind the
soil particles and decrease the velocity of flowing water.
• Construction of engineering structures like buttress beams, retaining walls, geogids, nailings,
anchors to stabilise the slopes.
Non-structural measures:
• Environmental Impact Assessment of the infrastructure projects before commencing the
work.
• Declaration of eco-sensitive zones where mining and other industrial activities are banned.
Eco-tourism should be promoted.
• Hazard mapping of the region to identify the most vulnerable zones and take measures to
safeguard it.
NOTES
• Local Disaster Management force for quick relief and safety of the people affected by
landslides.
• Teaching people about landslides & ways to mitigate.
• Constructing a permanent assessment team comprising scientists & geologists for better
mitigation and adaptation techniques.
• Involving the local people for sustainable development of Himalayas
Conclusion
Himalayas are of vital importance to India in terms of climate, monsoon, water source and a
natural barrier safeguarding the peninsula. The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
Ecosystem under NAPCC is a step ahead to address a variety of issues Himalayas is facing today.
20. Nuclear Disaster

Nuclear Energy plays a critical role in achieving sustainable economic and social development.
Modern civilization heavily depends on energy for daily activities. Energy is like a lifeline for the
sustenance and progress of the entire world. Nuclear energy plays a vital role in the world
economy by generating jobs, income and facilitating trade on a massive scale.
Some nuclear disasters across globe:

• In 2011, multiple reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant suffered severe accidents
after an earthquake and a tsunami.
• The Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine in 1986 is the worst nuclear power plant accident ever in
terms of death toll and cost.
• The Kyshtym Nuclear disaster was a radiation contamination incident that occurred on 29
September 1957 at Mayak, a Nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in the Soviet Union. It measured
as a Level 6 disaster on the INES, making it the third most serious Nuclear disaster ever
recorded behind the Chernobyl Disaster and Fukushima Daiichi Disaster (both Level 7).
Potential of nuclear energy as a source of clean energy:

• Thorium and Uranium reserves: India has vast reserves of Thorium that can fuel India’s
nuclear energy provided appropriate technology. India’s thorium deposits, estimated at
360,000 tonnes, and natural uranium deposits at 70,000 tonnes. The country’s thorium
reserves make up 25% of the global reserves.
• Energy poverty: The per capita consumption of electricity is very low at about 1,181 kWh per
annum, about half of the world average and way below that of advanced countries. There
exist shortages in energy and peak power in the range 10-15%.
• Energy demand: Nuclear energy is a critical part for India’s future energy security. As we
know India’s annual energy demand is expected to rise to 800 GW by 2032, it is very
important to consider every source of energy in the optimum energy mix.
• Energy efficiency: Quantities of nuclear fuel needed are considerably less than thermal power
plants. For instance, 10000 MW generation by coal will need 30-35 million tons of coal, but
nuclear fuel needed will be only 300-350 tons.
• Economic growth: Rapid economic growth is also critical to achieve developmental objectives
and poverty alleviation. A sustained economic growth of about 8 to 10% is needed over the
next few decades. As electricity is a key driver for economic growth, it is necessary that there
is a massive augmentation in electricity capacity, apart from transmissions and distribution
systems.
• Decrease in Energy Supply: Energy supply has been negatively affected by changing weather
patterns. As water reservoirs decreases due to lower precipitation and increased evaporation,
capacity for electricity production from hydropower and other water-intensive generation
technologies may decline.
• Climate change: Due to its emission-free nature, nuclear energy can contribute to global
efforts under the Paris Agreement. India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the
NOTES
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has outlined goals to
reduce the carbon emissions intensity of its economy by 33-35% by 2030 as well as increase
the clean energy electricity capacity to 40% of the total installed capacity in the same period.
Vulnerabilities of nuclear energy and nuclear reactors:

• In the case of Nuclear Reactors, there is a concern over their safety. The 2011 Fukushima
Daiichi accident in Japan is a testimony to the havoc that can be created by a nuclear leak.
• A nuclear disaster might leave large swathes of land uninhabitable — as in Chernobyl — or
require a prohibitively expensive clean-up — as in Fukushima, where the final costs may
eventually exceed $600 billion.
• Nuclear power generation is not as clean as it is often considered. This is demonstrated in the
case of Kudankulam. People have been protesting for decades as they worry that the hot
water dispatched from the plant will affect the marine life of the surrounding water sources
and subsequently their livelihood.
• Nuclear power plants are capital intensive and recent nuclear builds have suffered major cost
overruns. An illustrative example is the V.C. Summer nuclear project in South Carolina (U.S.)
where costs rose so sharply that the project was abandoned — after an expenditure of over
$9 billion.
• Also, to build nuclear reactors, it requires huge amounts of land. This would displace local
communities who may not want to leave. Further, it is not easy to rehabilitate them and
provide them with appropriate compensation.
• Pursuant to this, the nuclear industry came to a standstill except in Russia, China and India.
However, a revival was seen with global warming becoming ever more apparent.
• In 2020, a windstorm caused the Duane Arnold nuclear plant in the U.S. to cease operations.
The frequency of such extreme weather events is likely to increase in the future.
• The commercial nuclear supply can lead to proliferation of Nuclear weapons. The fast
breeder reactors have a risk of the turning of inert uranium to plutonium, and then using the
plutonium as fuel. However, plutonium is a nuclear explosive which can be used for
developing a bomb.
• The recent reports that China is building two more fast reactors have immediately provoked
international concerns about China’s possible weapons plutonium production.
Conclusion
Nuclear power can help to improve energy security. For a rapidly developing economy such as
India, it can make a vitally important contribution to growth. Besides, nuclear power can also
reduce the impact of volatile fossil fuel prices and mitigate the effects of climate change. India
needs to come up with a durable energy strategy to meet present and future energy demands of
its population and industries.
21. Role of G20 in Disaster Management

• The G20 nations, with a population of 4.7 billion, have large exposure and vulnerability to
natural disasters.
• In the current World Risk Index, four out of the top 10 vulnerable countries are G20 nations.
Disaster risk reduction

• Disaster risk reduction measures can play an important role in preventing losses.
• Reducing risk can be achieved by better economic and urban development, protection of
the environment, reduction of poverty and inequality, etc.
• Disasters can set back development gains.
• Hence, risk reduction is an important strategy if a country’s economic ambitions are to be
realised.
NOTES
• Setting up early warning systems, undertaking periodic risk assessments, constructing
disaster-resilient infrastructure, etc, are important strategies.
Role of G20
• India has highlighted the importance of disaster risk reduction by initiating a new workstream
in G20.
• The five priorities outlined in the first meeting of the working group were
o coverage of early warning systems to all,
o focus on disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure,
o improving financing frameworks for national disaster risk reduction,
o improving systems and capabilities for response to disasters and
o application of ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk.
• The midterm review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030 mentions the importance of G20’s efforts in the implementation of the
Sendai Framework.
Financing disaster risk reduction

• The financing through government budgets are not independent of a country’s fiscal position.
• Creating reserve funds, dedicated lines of credit and tapping resources globally should be
explored.
• Infrastructure, such as roads, rails, airports, and electricity lines need to be resilient to
disasters and may require more funds incrementally.
Dealing with extensive risk and intensive risk

• Differential strategies to deal with extensive risk and intensive risk should be worked out.
• Extensive risk includes risk of losses from frequent but moderate impacts and intensive risk is
from low frequency and high impact events.
• A large portion of the losses accumulate from extensive events.
• Dispersed events such as heatwaves, lightning, local floods, and landslides cause enormous
losses.
Way Forward
• Access to early warning systems should be treated as global public goods.
• The UN Secretary General’s initiative on early warning for all should be the guiding principle.
• We must view disaster risk reduction as a multi-tiered, multi-sectoral effort.
• Bringing convergence of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation efforts.
22. Dam Safety in India

• The mismanagement of dams has led to disastrous floods.
• Understanding their role in floods would pave the way for enhancing our readiness.
• A parliamentary panel has expressed concerns over the safety of aging dams in the country.
Present Status
• Dams are one of the vital elements for the growth of the country’s economy.
• In India dams have played an important role in fostering rapid and sustained agricultural
and rural growth.
• Substantial investment has been done in building dams and related infrastructure.
• India is ranked third in the world in terms of building large dams.
• About 1,100 large dams have already reached 50 years of age and some are older than 120
years.
• The number of such dams will increase.
NOTES
• 80% of the nation’s large dams face the prospect of becoming obsolete as they will be 50
years to over 150 years old.
• We have noticed the mismanagement of dams has led to disastrous floods.
• The Centre legislated the Dam Safety Act in 2021 to provide for surveillance, inspection, O&M
of a specified dam.
Consequences of ageing of dams

• As dams age, soil replaces the water in the reservoirs. Therefore, the storage
capacity reduces.
• Studies show that the design of many of our reservoirs is flawed.
• Study shows that India’s iconic Bhakra dam is 139.86% higher than originally assumed.
• Similarly, the actual siltation rate observed for the Hirakud, Maithan and Ghod dams are way
higher
• Therefore, the storage space in Indian reservoirs is receding at a faster rate.
• Reservoirs are poised to become extinct in less than a few decades with untold consequences
already under way.
• The lack of communication between dam operators among states has always been a
longstanding issue when it comes to flood mitigation.
Concerns / Challenges
• Dam safety has always been an issue in the country which in the past reported as many as 36
dam disasters.
• There is no mechanism to assess the viable lifespan and performance of dams
• Some of the dams in India are over 300 years old, but they have not been decommissioned.
Way Forward
• Jal Shakti ministry must take suitable measures for evolving a "viable mechanism to assess the
lives and operations of the dams"
• Since the dam safety is dependent on many external factors, the environmental angle in this,
needs to be taken.
• There is a need to strengthen the state irrigation department and the Central Water
Commission.
• It should be ensured that the inspection of dams is done by the respective state governments.
• State governments should follow the dam safety manual with precision.
• Especially, where human settlements are scattered all around, the building of dams has to be
regulated as per the guidelines.
• Creation of buffer zone has to be done to protect land near dams from encroachment.
• Dam safety and proper village, town and city planning have to be integrated.
• Hence, ensuring “dam safety” should be a continuous exercise.
23. New ESCAP Study on Natural Disasters

According to a new study by the ESCAP, most countries in Asia-Pacific (AP) are inadequately
prepared to manage the rising challenges of extreme weather events and natural disasters.
Highlights of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) study:
● The Asia-Pacific (AP) region accounts for more than half of the world’s GHGs.
● Over the past 60 years, temperatures in the AP region have increased faster than the global
mean.
● Extreme, unpredictable weather events and natural hazards (like Tropical cyclones,
heatwaves, floods and droughts) have become more frequent and intense.
Impact:
NOTES
● Damaging people’s health, immense loss of life and displacement.
● Food systems here are being disrupted, economies damaged and societies undermined.
● Leading cause of poverty and inequality across the region by disproportionately burdening
poor and marginalised groups.
Most vulnerable: China, India, Japan, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation
are projected to suffer the greatest losses under the worst-case climate scenario.
Challenges:
● The AP region is one of the most rapidly developing regions of the world, with a significant
proportion of the global population.
● The region is also home to most of the world’s low-lying cities and vulnerable small island
states.
● Overlapping crises of climate change and climate-induced disasters are increasingly
threatening development in AP -
○ Undermining hard-won development gains.
○ Imperils Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
● Lack of necessary data as well as means to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.
● The current financing is insufficient to meet the region’s requirements for investment in
climate action or to contain global warming at 1.5°C.
Steps needed:
The emissions gap in three key sectors - energy, transport, and international trade and
investment - needs to be closed.
1. Energy:
● A rapid increase in renewable energy by restructuring national energy systems, new
technical capacities, etc.
● The need for cross-border electricity grids to increase the share of renewable energy.
● Energy efficiency codes must be aligned with net-zero goals to reduce carbon footprint in the
building sector.
● Climate-proofing energy systems.
2. The transport sector: Should be shifted to a low-carbon pathway by reducing transport

distance through integrated land use, planning, shifting to sustainable transport modes, as well as
improving vehicle and fuel efficiency.
3. International trade:
● Integrate climate considerations into regional trade agreements.
● Trade must be climate-smart.
● The private sector must be encouraged to work towards a low-carbon pathway and
sustainability should be ingrained into business operations.
Some best practices:
NOTES

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INSTA MAINS 2023

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

Organisations related to Disaster Management Framework at the National Level:

About the Disaster Management Act, 2005:

Powers given to the Centre:

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

2. World Bank: Toolkit to Support Countries After Natural Disasters

World Bank Group will launch Climate Resilient Debt Clauses.

3. Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between India and CDRI

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI):

About CDRI is a global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies,

Objective It aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

Upgradation In 2022, the Cabinet approved the recognition of CDRI as an International

Significance of Ratification will provide CDRI an independent and international legal

4. A holistic approach to disaster management

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

5. Global Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID-2023)

Key Highlights of the Report:

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

7. Combating forest fires in Uttarakhand

What is Chir Pine Belt?

Measures to Combat Forest Fires in the Chir Pine Belt of Uttarakhand:

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

A few measures taken are:

8. How to make India prepared for earthquakes?

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

9. Why Turkey is prone to devastating earthquakes?

Why is Turkey prone to Earthquakes?

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

How do Satellites help in Rescue and Recovery efforts during an Earthquake?

India’s Proactiveness in Disaster Relief:

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

11. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

12. Suspension bridges and the tragedy in Morbi

How to mitigate such kinds of disasters: Safe and Sustainable Tourism

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

13. Centre for Science and Environment report on natural disasters

Key highlights of the report:

14. Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

Organization and Funding:

15. Early Warning System (EWS)

Elements of Early Warning system

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

16. Assam Floods

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

What needs to be done now?

Need for these measures:

According to Indian Meteorological Department, Heat wave is considered if maximum

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

18. Cyclone Management

Increasing incidence of cyclones

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

India’s preparedness to handle cyclones

Challenges posing the Cyclone Management in India

INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

The impacts of the landslides are: