Building a resilient India

Disasters do not discriminate. They strike with little warning, leaving devastation in their wake. The past decade has underscored the need for more than just reactive measures to calamities. Climate change, rapid urbanization, and unpredictable pandemics demand a proactive, technology-driven strategy. India, having faced numerous catastrophes, has long recognized this need, but often lacked the legislative agility to mitigate risks beforehand.

The passage of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, marks a decisive shift. It signals India’s transition from an era of post-disaster relief to a preemptive framework aimed at minimizing damage before calamities strike. More importantly, it demonstrates a commitment to decentralizing disaster governance, empowering state and local authorities, and ensuring that resilience is built from the ground up. Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized that this amendment strengthens disaster preparedness by integrating national and regional efforts, ensuring faster and more effective responses.

India’s disaster preparedness has come a long way since the devastating 2005 Mumbai Floods, which saw over 1,000 lives lost and brought the financial capital to a standstill. The unprecedented rainfall of 944 mm in just 24 hours overwhelmed drainage systems, highlighting the urgent need for improved urban flood management. In contrast, Cyclone Biparjoy in 2023 resulted in near-zero casualties, a solid metric depicting the change in the country’s preparedness. However, the rising frequency of extreme weather events highlights the need for further institutional reform. The amendment to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, directly addresses this urgency. By incorporating lessons from past disasters, aligning with global best practices, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, India aims to enhance its disaster response mechanisms.

A key feature of the amendment is the establishment of the Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) under state governments, acknowledging the unique vulnerabilities of India’s rapidly growing cities. This decentralized approach ensures that disaster preparedness is not dictated solely by the central government but is deeply integrated into state and local governance structures. Additionally, the creation of national and state-level disaster databases will strengthen data-driven policymaking, leading to more targeted and effective interventions.

Disaster management in India has historically focused on relief and rehabilitation—stepping in after calamities have already caused havoc. The Narendra Modi government, through this amendment, is championing a shift towards risk reduction as a priority. The integration of artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring, mobile-based alert systems, and community-driven disaster preparedness reflects a commitment to a preventive, rather than reactive, approach. Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that the government’s goal of achieving zero casualties in disasters is no longer just aspirational but an achievable target, thanks to strategic planning and advanced forecasting technologies.

India’s leadership in disaster resilience extends beyond its borders. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has played a pivotal role in international humanitarian assistance. From Operation Maitri in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake to Operation Dost in Turkey and Syria in 2023, and the recent Operation Brahma in Myanmar, India has consistently stepped up to support disaster-stricken nations, embodying the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. To further strengthen its role, India is actively modernizing the NDRF in line with global benchmarks. By equipping the force with state-of-the-art technology, advanced training, and enhanced coordination mechanisms, the government aims to make disaster response more efficient and adaptive to evolving challenges.

Financial commitment to disaster management has also seen a significant increase. The budget allocation for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has risen from ?38,000 crore (2004–2014) to ?1.24 lakh crore (2014–2024), while the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) allocation has tripled. These investments highlight a growing realization that disaster preparedness is not an expenditure but an imperative.

Technology-driven solutions have also been at the forefront of India’s preparedness efforts. Innovations like the ‘Mausam’ weather app, ‘Meghdoot’ for rainfall forecasts, ‘Flood Watch’ for flood alerts, and ‘Damini’ for lightning warnings have played crucial roles in disseminating timely information to vulnerable populations. These tools not only save lives but also reduce economic losses by enabling better preparedness.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Effective implementation of the amended law will require seamless coordination between central and state governments, improved capacity-building at the grassroots level, and greater public participation. Community-led disaster preparedness programs must be scaled up, and technology must be made accessible even in remote regions. Importantly, disaster preparedness is not just the responsibility of the government. Citizens are the first responders in any emergency, and awareness campaigns must emphasize sensitization, training, and community participation. Ensuring that individuals understand their role in disaster response can significantly reduce casualties and economic losses.

As climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events, disaster resilience must be a national priority. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is a crucial step in that direction, but its success will be measured not just in policy changes but in lives saved and communities safeguarded. A resilient India is not built in the aftermath of a disaster—it is built before the next crisis strikes. The time to act is now.

(The author is a retired IPS officer)