NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION - GEOGRAPHY

News: Rescue efforts of India in Turkey, Syria lauded: Modi

 

What's in the news?

       Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 3rd Session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR).

 

Highlights of the 3rd session of NPDRR:

1. Theme: Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate.

2. Disaster prone areas:

       As many as 26 States and Union Territories were disaster-prone, and more than 50% of the population has been affected by natural disasters such as cyclones, tsunamis, heatwaves and floods.

3. Fund support to disaster management:

       13,700 crore is the Centre’s share, while ₹32,000 crore is to be contributed by States.

4. Common alert system:

       354crore has been allocated for a common alert system, through which people can be alerted of any impending disaster.

5. AAPDA Mitra Yojana:

       One lakh youth are being trained under the AAPDA Mitra Yojana.

       ₹370 crore has been allocated for Aapda Mitra Yojana and that the youth have also been given an insurance package.

       About the scheme:

       It is a Central Sector Scheme that was launched in May 2016.

       NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) is the implementing agency.

       It is a programme to identify suitable individuals in disaster-prone regions who can be trained to be first responders in times of disasters.

 

Indian Tradition on Disaster Resilience:

       The concept of Local Resilience to the disaster was a familiar one in Indian tradition and it is clearly visible in the wells, architecture and the old cities.

       Example: Bhunga houses of Kutch that survived earthquakes to a large extent.

       After the devastating earthquake of 1819, the people of Kutch came up with an innovative circular design of bhungas to minimise the damage to their lives as well as properties.

       They are traditional houses, a unique type of round mud hut walled with thatched roof.

       PM Modi stressed the need to evolve local models of housing and town planning as per new technologies.

 

National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction:

       Established in 2013.

       NPDRR is a multi-stakeholder platform constituted by the Government of India to facilitate dialogue, sharing experiences, views, ideas, action-oriented research & explore opportunities in the area of Disaster Risk Reduction.

       The output from the National Platform will offer a strategic direction and a road map for the formulation of the future National Action Plans on DRR.

 

Functions:

       To advise on coordination between the Central and State Governments/UT Administrations, local self-governments and civil society organisations for Disaster Risk Reduction.

       To advise suo-moto or on a reference made by the Central Government or any other State Government or a Union territory Administration on any question pertaining to disaster management.

       To go through the reviewing process of the National Disaster Management Policy.

       Assist the government in coordination with state and local government administrations, civil society and local self-governments in disaster risk reduction.

 

Organisational structure:

       The NPDRR is chaired by the Union Home Minister and headed by the Minister of State in charge of Disaster Management in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

       The Vice-Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority is also a part of the organisational structure.

       The Special Secretary responsible for the Disaster Management Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs acts as the convener of the NPDRR.

 

Go back to basics:

Disaster Risk Reduction:

       It is aimed at preventing new and reducing existing disaster risk and managing residual risk, all of which contribute to strengthening resilience and therefore to the achievement of sustainable development.

       DRR strategies and policies define goals and objectives across different timescales and with concrete targets, indicators and time frames.

 

Important measures for the DRR:

1. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030:

       It is a global, agreed policy of disaster risk reduction and is set out in the United Nations endorsed Sendai Framework adopted in March 2015 in Sendai Japan.

2. Prime minister's 10point agenda on disaster risk reduction.

3. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure:

       It was launched in 2019, at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York.

       It aims to increase the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.