Disaster Management (Disaster Management Approaches) by Rajvardhan

Model Answer

Question #1. The Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) approach helps us to reduce the risk of disasters. How can this approach help in mitigating the impact of tropical cyclones? 

Answer: 

Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) is an approach where the regulatory functions of ecosystems (such as forests, wetlands and mangroves) are systematically harnessed to mitigate, prevent, or buffer against disasters.

Well-managed ecosystems, such as wetlands, forests and coastal systems, act as natural infrastructure, reducing physical exposure to many hazards and increasing socio- economic resilience of people and communities by sustaining local livelihoods and providing essential natural resources such as food, water and building materials. 

Eco-DRR is the sustainable management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems to reduce disaster risk, with the aim to achieve sustainable and resilient development.

Eco-DRR And Cyclone mitigation: 

1. Avoiding exposure: identify areas that are prone to natural calamities such as wetlands , coastal ecosystems. Then avoid developing such areas so as not to expose human lives and properties to cyclones.
   
2. Healthy ecosystem as a barrier: Healthy ecosystems can act as a barrier against cyclones and reduce their impact. For example, Coastal ecosystems (Mangroves, saltmarshes, coral reefs, barrier islands, sand dunes)protect against hurricanes, storm surges, flooding and other coastal hazards
   
3. Eco DRR has other co-benefits as well
   
   
   

Conclusion: Disaster risks associated with climate changes are becoming reality. To reduce the risks, the need for adaptation of nature and human society is increasing. For which Eco-DRR can be very effective 

Question #2. Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

Answer:

A disaster management consists of phases like prevent, mitigate, prepare, rescue, rehabilitation and recovery. Till now focus of the government authorities was on formation of new battalions for taking care of disasters once they occur.These steps focus only on response and Recovery.

In the recent years government has increased focus on proactive approach for disaster management which includes Mitigation and Preparedness.

Mitigation steps taken by the Government 

1. Dynamic and impact based cyclone warning system by IMD. Also, National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project by NDMA. 
2. Mapping of various disasters by different agencies. For example, Earthquake prone zones by BIS. 
3. Dedicated institutions like the National Fire Service College and the National Disaster Response Force Academy have been established to control situations, rather than just respond to them. 
4. NDMA guidelines for different disasters focusing on prevention and mitigation of disasters. 
5. India is also a signatory of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which gives priority to proactive actions. 

Conclusion: These steps point towards a change in the attitude of the policy makers towards the Mitigation and preparedness, instead of response and recovery. Thus it sees the Disaster management in its wholesome cycle.