Subject: GS 3
Syllabus: Disaster Management
Questions
- Disaster management needs to be planned in a decentralised manner, keeping in mind local conditions and needs. Discuss the role of local bodies in disaster management. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
- Europe in the present time is witnessing record-breaking heat waves. In light of this, highlight the factors responsible for the occurrence of heat waves and their effects on life and the economy. Also, enumerate the guidelines given by NDMA to reduce the negative impact of heat waves. (250 words, 15 Marks)
Model Structure
1. Disaster management needs to be planned in a decentralised manner, keeping in mind local conditions and needs. Discuss the role of local bodies in disaster management. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
Introduction
- Disaster Management is defined as an integrated process which includes planning, coordinating, organising and implementing measures to reduce disaster risks, prevent disaster threats and ensure preparedness to deal with any disaster.
Main Body
- Disaster Management is important in a country like India due to its vulnerability. India ranks 10th in most disaster-prone countries. There is lack of training which impacts prediction, relief and rescue operations. Also, when a disaster transcends state borders, there is an issue of coordination which impacts overall operations. Less developed supercomputing and artificial intelligence capabilities have resulted in poor warning and forecasting systems.
- In this slow response and poor community empowerment scenario, there is a need to empower local bodies for better disaster management because-
- Local bodies have better knowledge of areas of strength and weaknesses of a particular area which will help in better planning and execution.
- Tools like social audits, Jan Sunwai etc enhance community participation which helps keep interests of all groups at the forefront in the planning process.
- Better devolution of funds and functionaries will result in effective response for better disaster management in the case of natural calamities.
- Decentralized decision making will ensure transparency, efficiency, better awareness and cooperation.
- Better command and directions by state governments and timely execution by local bodies will enhance response and relief measures.
Conclusion
- Disaster management needs to be included in compulsory provisions of local bodies so that there is uniformity across states. Activity mapping can be done to incentivize this exercise and also keep a tab on progress of initiatives taken. Timely resource availability and information dissemination are other areas which need to be worked upon to ensure disaster management is proactive rather than reactive.
2. Europe in present times is witnessing record-breaking heat waves. In light of this, highlight the factors responsible for the occurrence of heat waves and their effects on life and the economy. Also, enumerate the guidelines given by NDMA to reduce the negative impact of heat waves. (250 words, 15 Marks)
Model Structure
Introduction:
- Europe is experiencing its worst-ever heatwave, with temperatures reaching record levels of more than 40 degrees Celsius have spelled misery for millions and shattered heat records, focusing attention on the impact of global warming.
Main Body:
- According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains, 37°C or more for coastal stations and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
- Following criteria are used to declare heat wave:
- Based on Departure from Normal
- Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C
- Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4°C
- Based on Actual Maximum Temperature (for plains only)
- Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C
- Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47°C
- Based on Departure from Normal
- Factors responsible for occurrence of heat waves:
- When a high pressure trough moves into an area, which forms a "cap" over the region by trapping heat.
- This environment of minimal heat circulation also reduces the chance of precipitation and rain thereby causing the heat to build-up.
- Urban heat island effect:
- The trapping of hot air between buildings.
- Limited tree cover.
- Other heat inducing factors such as fuel combustion and air conditioning.
- Global warming: led to delayed onset of monsoons and also reduced intensity of pre-monsoon showers in several parts of India.
- When a high pressure trough moves into an area, which forms a "cap" over the region by trapping heat.
- Adverse impact due to the increased frequency of heat waves:
- Health impacts:
- It can cause dehydration, cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke creating health emergencies in the region.
- It has caused nearly 3500 deaths between 2015 and 2018 in India.
- Increased temperatures also lead to acute gastroenteritis.
- Food poisoning due to spoilage of food and reduction of its shelf life.
- Impact on Agriculture:
- Low amount of moisture in soil creates drought like conditions leading to crop failures.
- It adversely impacts the health and mortality of livestock.
- Forest fire and loss of wild-life:
- In India, 6.17% of the forests are prone to severe fire damage.
- With greater heat stress, it is likely to increase.
- Loss of man-hours: Reduced productivity of the workforce and loss in wages for those involved in outdoor occupations.
- Section 144 was imposed to deal with heat waves in Bihar.
- Health impacts:
- NDMA guidelines:
- Heat waves have been classified as a natural disaster in India.
- Establish early warning and communication system:
- The State Nodal Officer should coordinate with the local IMD office.
- Gather summer season forecasts and release early warning and daily alert systems with colour codes.
- Develop inter-agency coordination: state officials and agencies need to be well trained and well informed regarding pre, during and post heat season activities.
- Capacity building/training programs for healthcare officials: so that they can effectively recognise and respond to prevent and manage heat - related medical issues.
- Public awareness and community outreach: Do’s and Don’ts during a heat wave should be available in local language and disseminated through media including social media.
- Data collection and documentation: The Ministry of Health and family welfare must collect and standardise data related to heat waves, so that a long-term strategy could be formed.
Conclusion:
- With the looming threat of climate change and global warming, the frequency of such heat waves might increase. This calls for increasing the green cover in cities and timely implementation of the strategies to control climate change.
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