Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC 2020, 15 Marks, )

भारत सरकार द्वारा आपदा प्रबंधन में हाल ही में शुरू किए गए उपायों पर चर्चा करें जो पहले की प्रतिक्रियात्मक दृष्टिकोण से अलग हैं।

Introduction

Disaster management in India has traditionally followed a reactive approach, focusing on relief and rehabilitation after a disaster occurs. However, in recent years, the Government has taken several measures to shift towards a more proactive and holistic approach to disaster management.

As per Gilbert F. White, Disaster management involves understanding and reducing the risk of disasters through land-use planning, resource allocation, and community engagement.

Explanation

Recent Measures in Disaster Management vs Earlier Reactive Approach in India

Aspect

Recent Measures in Disaster Management

Earlier Reactive Approach

Focus

Proactive and Preventive Measures

Reactive and Response-Centric Approach

Policy Framework

Comprehensive and Integrated Policies

Fragmented and Ad-hoc Policies

Community Engagement

Emphasis on Community Participation

Limited Community Involvement

Technology Integration

Incorporation of Advanced Technologies

Reliance on Traditional Methods

Early Warning Systems

Strengthened and Timely Warning Systems

Limited and Inconsistent Warnings

Capacity Building

Investments in Training and Capacity

Limited Training and Skill Development

Risk Assessment and Planning

Robust Risk Assessments and Planning

Limited Pre-Planning and Risk Analysis

Infrastructure Resilience

Focus on Building Resilient Infrastructure

Reactive Repairs and Reconstruction

International Collaboration

Active Collaboration and Information Sharing

Limited International Cooperation

Post-Disaster Recovery

Comprehensive Recovery Strategies

Ad-hoc Recovery Measures

Policy Implementation

Emphasis on Effective Implementation

Implementation Gaps and Delays

Conclusion

The Government of India has taken significant steps to depart from the earlier reactive approach to disaster management. The introduction of new measures demonstrate a proactive and holistic approach towards disaster management. These measures aim to minimize the impact of disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of the population.

Aspect	Recent Measures in Disaster Management	Earlier Reactive Approach
Focus	Proactive and Preventive Measures	Reactive and Response-Centric Approach
Policy Framework	Comprehensive and Integrated Policies	Fragmented and Ad-hoc Policies
Community Engagement	Emphasis on Community Participation	Limited Community Involvement
Technology Integration	Incorporation of Advanced Technologies	Reliance on Traditional Methods
Early Warning Systems	Strengthened and Timely Warning Systems	Limited and Inconsistent Warnings
Capacity Building	Investments in Training and Capacity	Limited Training and Skill Development
Risk Assessment and Planning	Robust Risk Assessments and Planning	Limited Pre-Planning and Risk Analysis
Infrastructure Resilience	Focus on Building Resilient Infrastructure	Reactive Repairs and Reconstruction
International Collaboration	Active Collaboration and Information Sharing	Limited International Cooperation
Post-Disaster Recovery	Comprehensive Recovery Strategies	Ad-hoc Recovery Measures
Policy Implementation	Emphasis on Effective Implementation	Implementation Gaps and Delays