Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Matters for Global Disaster Preparedness

Disasters are becoming more frequent and intense worldwide. Whether it’s earthquakes, floods, cyclones, or wildfires, the damage they cause can be catastrophic—not just in terms of lives lost but also in the destruction of critical infrastructure like roads, power grids, and communication networks. This is where the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) steps in.

For UPSC aspirants, CDRI is an important topic under Disaster Management, a crucial part of the syllabus. Since it is an Indian initiative with a global impact, it strengthens India’s leadership in disaster resilience and sustainable development—key themes in international relations and governance.

Why is Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in the News?

Recently, CDRI conducted a study in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to develop a Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF) for the telecom sector.

Why does this matter? Because telecommunications are the backbone of modern economies and societies. Any disruption due to disasters can have far-reaching consequences, impacting emergency response, businesses, and everyday communication.

According to CDRI, India is particularly vulnerable:

58% of land is prone to earthquakes
12% to floods
15% to landslides
10% to forest fires
5,700 km of its 7,516 km coastline is at risk from cyclones and tsunamis Clearly, making infrastructure disaster-resilient is not a choice but a necessity.

What is the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure?

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched by India in 2019 as an international platform to help nations strengthen their infrastructure against disasters. It brings together:

National Governments
UN agencies and development banks
Private sector organizations
Research and knowledge institutions

To ensure that existing and new infrastructure is resilient to climate change and disaster risks, while promoting sustainable development.

Why is it Important?

Infrastructure Damage Has a Global Impact: In today’s interconnected world, infrastructure is not just a national asset but a global one.

International power grids supplying electricity across borders
Highways & railways connecting multiple nations
Telecommunications & data networks linking businesses and governments

If a disaster hits one part of this network, the entire system can collapse, leading to economic losses and social disruptions far beyond the disaster-affected area.

CDRI Focuses on Best Practices, Not Just Funding: Unlike some international agencies that finance projects, CDRI does not fund infrastructure projects. Instead, it:

Identifies and promotes best practices
Helps nations build capacity to tackle disasters
Works towards standardizing designs, regulations, and processes to make infrastructure more resilient

Disaster Resilience is Cost-Effective: According to CDRI estimates, every $1 invested in making infrastructure disaster-resilient in low- and middle-income countries can save over $4 in future disaster-related losses.

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Major Initiatives

Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS)

Launched by PM Narendra Modi at COP26 in 2021, this initiative focuses on helping Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are the most vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels threaten their very existence, and some have already lost up to 9% of their GDP in single disasters.

Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF)

Announced at COP27 in Egypt (2022), this fund—set up with support from UNDP and UNDRR—is dedicated to strengthening disaster resilience, especially in developing countries and island nations.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024:

Why was it Introduced?

India’s disaster management laws were first formalized in the Disaster Management Act, 2005, following the devastating 2004 tsunami. This Act led to the creation of:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) (headed by the Prime Minister)
State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) (led by Chief Ministers)
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) (for research & training)

Over time, however, challenges emerged—especially in urban areas, where rapid growth has increased vulnerabilities. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to update and strengthen India’s disaster response framework.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Urban Disaster Management Authorities

Each city will have an Urban Disaster Management Authority, led by the municipal commissioner
Recognizes that cities face unique risks (e.g., urban flooding, building collapses)

State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) Now Mandatory

Earlier, states had the option to not create an SDRF
The amendment makes it compulsory for all states

National Crisis Management Committee Gets Legal Status

This ensures faster decision-making during crises

National Disaster Database

NDMA will maintain a centralized database with information on:

Disaster assessments

Fund allocations & expenditures
Preparedness & mitigation plans

Minimum Standards of Relief

NDMA will establish clear guidelines on the minimum level of assistance to be provided to disaster victims

Final Thoughts

The world is becoming more interconnected, and so are the risks. Disasters no longer affect only one country or region—their impact can ripple across borders, economies, and communities.

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is a visionary initiative that places India at the center of global efforts to protect critical infrastructure and build resilience against disasters. At the same time, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 shows India’s commitment to updating its disaster response framework in a rapidly changing world.

For UPSC aspirants, these topics are not just about memorizing facts but understanding the broader implications of disaster management policies, both nationally and internationally.

Want to stay ahead in your UPSC preparation? Keep an eye on disaster management initiatives like CDRI & the Disaster Management Bill, as they are crucial for Mains, Essay, and even Interview discussions!

Question for Mains

Future disaster and its management depend on our ability to understand and evaluate environmental consequences of human actions and technologies. Critically analyze
Today, the severity of a disaster is often determined not by its actual impact, but by the media coverage it receives? Comment