PM Modi outlines 10-Point agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a comprehensive 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction during his address at the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi last month. These are:-

Integrate disaster risk management principles across all development sectors.
Ensure comprehensive risk coverage, spanning from households to multinational corporations.
Prioritize women’s leadership in disaster risk management.
Globally invest in risk mapping for a better understanding of natural and disaster risks.
Harness technology for more efficient disaster risk management.
Establish a network of universities focusing on disaster-related issues.
Utilize social media and mobile technologies for effective disaster risk reduction.
Strengthen local capacity and initiatives in disaster risk reduction.
Conduct post-disaster studies to learn and improve from each event.
Enhance international cooperation for a cohesive response to disasters.

Integrate disaster risk management principles into all development sectors

The relationship between development and disasters is intrinsic. Thoughtful development planning can mitigate disaster risks, whereas inadequate planning exacerbates them. Thus, it is crucial to integrate a disaster risk reduction approach into all developmental initiatives. The emphasis should be on crafting development strategies that actively diminish disaster risks rather than inadvertently contributing to them.

Ensure comprehensive risk coverage, spanning from households to multinational corporations

Disasters cause loss of lives and property damage, affecting everyone from households to businesses. Rehabilitation challenges persist for survivors, necessitating innovative approaches for broadened risk insurance. Significant steps have been taken to ensure financial inclusion and risk coverage, such as government schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Suraksha Bima Yojana, and Fasal Bima Yojana. To address ongoing concerns:

Establish disaster insurance for homeowners in high-risk areas.
Develop parametric insurance for weather and climate-related disasters.
Create insurance products for major infrastructure projects.

Prioritize women’s leadership in disaster risk management

Encouraging increased participation and leadership of women in disaster risk management is imperative to address the unique challenges faced by women during disasters. While commonly perceived as vulnerable, women possess significant potential to contribute to disaster risk reduction at various levels, including households, communities, and beyond. To facilitate this:

Mobilize a substantial number of women volunteers, engineers, masons, and building artisans for active involvement in post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
Promote the establishment of women’s self-help groups, fostering their engagement in livelihood recovery initiatives.
Enhance inclusivity by incorporating women into the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), while providing training for elected women representatives at the local level to strengthen their capacity for community development.

Globally invest in risk mapping for a better understanding of natural and disaster risks

Disasters transcend borders, impacting multiple countries. To effectively address this, a global understanding of natural hazards is essential. By comprehensively assessing multi-hazard risks and creating standardized maps for major threats, collaborative planning and preparedness can mitigate their impacts. This shared knowledge fosters a coordinated approach to disaster risk reduction on a global scale.

Harness technology for more efficient disaster risk management

Utilize technology to optimize disaster risk management, incorporating tools like India Disaster Resources Network (IDRN). Establish an e-platform for mapping expertise and resources, enhancing specialized disaster response, and improve early warning systems through technological applications.

Creating a network of universities and academic institutions focused on disaster-related issues can be beneficial. Each university in this network can specialize in multi-disciplinary research on topics most relevant to them, enhancing collaboration and expertise in addressing various aspects of disasters.

Take advantage of social media and mobile technologies to craft a robust strategy for Disaster Risk Management in our country. Social media’s transformative impact on disaster response is undeniable. It empowers response agencies to swiftly organize, fostering seamless communication between citizens and authorities. Harnessing the potential of platforms like Twitter and Facebook facilitates rapid information dissemination, aiding in timely responses during crises. This not only enhances coordination among various stakeholders but also enables citizens to connect effortlessly with authorities. By leveraging the dynamic nature of social media, we can create a more responsive and interconnected framework for Disaster Risk Management, ensuring a collective and effective approach to handling emergencies.

Strengthen local capacity and initiatives in disaster risk reduction

Disaster Management should tap into local strengths and community efforts. Dealing with disaster risks, especially in fast-growing economies, is a massive undertaking, where government institutions can provide support. However, the real impact happens at the local level with tailored actions. These local efforts not only decrease risks but also open doors for community development and lasting livelihoods. By focusing on local disaster risk reduction, we can also preserve valuable traditional practices and indigenous wisdom, making our response more effective and rooted in local knowledge.

Must Read: Agencies involved in Disaster Management

Conduct post-disaster studies to learn and improve from each event

Don’t miss the chance to learn from disasters! After each one, conduct studies to uncover best practices, gather lessons, and enhance policies and Disaster Management. Let’s turn challenges into opportunities for improvement!

Enhance international cooperation for a cohesive response to disasters

Disasters have significant impacts, and being ready to respond strategically is crucial. Countries worldwide face similar challenges, often requiring a united response. Coordinated efforts are vital for effective and timely responses. Preparing before disasters strikes is key, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration. Bringing countries together through international forums and protocols ensures a more effective and coordinated approach to addressing disaster risks.

Must Read: India’s Disaster Management Initiatives