Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 29 October 2025

Content

1. Relief, rehabilitation
2. Cities are Critical for India Today

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Relief, rehabilitation

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 Why in News ?

• Cyclone Montha (October 2025):
  • Formed over the Bay of Bengal and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm (October 27–28, 2025).
  • Affected Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh — Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Srikakulam, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts.
  • 10,000+ people evacuated in Kakinada and Konaseema regions (Andhra Pradesh).
  • NDRF and state teams deployed under a “Red Alert” in southern Odisha.
  • Though weaker than past super cyclones (1977, 1999), it rekindled the debate on climate resilience and preparedness along India’s east coast.

Relevance

• GS-1 (Geography): Cyclone formation, Bay of Bengal climatology, coastal vulnerability.
• GS-2 (Governance): Disaster management systems, centre-state coordination, institutional preparedness.
• GS-3 (Environment & Disaster Management): NDMA, NCRMP, IMD forecasting, climate adaptation measures.
• GS-3 (Economy): Economic losses, insurance, livelihood rehabilitation, climate-resilient infrastructure.

Practice Question

• India’s east coast has evolved from being a zone of repeated disaster to a model of cyclone preparedness. Examine the key factors behind this transformation and the gaps that remain in ensuring long-term coastal resilience.(250 Words)

Historical Context

• Cyclone Season:
  • Peaks in October–November when sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal exceed 28°C and upper air divergence favors cyclone formation.
• Historical Data:
  • Between 18th and 20th centuries, 12 major cyclones hit India — 9 occurred during Oct–Nov (IMD, 2021).
• Notable Past Disasters:
  • 1977 Andhra Pradesh Cyclone: Landfall near Nizampatnam (Nov 19); ~10,000 deaths.
  • 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone: Landfall near Paradip (Oct 29); ~10,000 deaths; wind speed ≈260–270 km/h; storm surge up to 7 meters.
  • 2018 Cyclone Gaja (Tamil Nadu): Massive loss of cattle and poultry in Nagapattinam & Thanjavur districts.

India’s Cyclone Geography

• East Coast (Bay of Bengal):
  • Accounts for >70% of India’s cyclones (IMD, 2023).
  • States most affected: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.
• West Coast (Arabian Sea):
  • Fewer but increasing cyclones due to warming seas (IMD and IITM Pune studies, 2024).
  • East coast remains more vulnerable due to shallow continental shelf, deltaic plains, and higher population density.

Causes for East Coast Vulnerability

• Warm Bay of Bengal waters (28–31°C) → high latent heat energy.
• Low vertical wind shear during Oct–Nov → sustained cyclonic intensity.
• High coastal population density: >250 people/km² in coastal districts (Census 2011).
• River deltas (Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna): prone to flooding and storm surges.
• Socio-economic exposure: dependence on agriculture, fisheries, and informal livelihoods.

Current Preparedness Framework

• National Level:
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) — Policy, coordination, and capacity building.
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD): Real-time forecasting via INSAT-3D/3DR, Doppler Weather Radars, and IMD’s Cyclone Warning Division (CWD).
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Rapid deployment units in all cyclone-prone states.
  • National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP):
    • Implemented by NDMA and World Bank.
    • Focus: Early warning systems, evacuation shelters, coastal embankments, capacity training.
• State-Level Initiatives:
  • Odisha: State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) — model of zero-casualty preparedness (post-1999).
  • Andhra Pradesh: Strengthened real-time monitoring and community-based disaster response (APSDMA).
  • Tamil Nadu: Cyclone shelters, coastal bio-shield (mangrove restoration).

Recent Successes

• Reduced Mortality:
  • From 10,000 deaths (1999) → <100 in severe cyclones like Fani (2019) and Yaas (2021) due to timely evacuations.
• Community Resilience:
  • Use of mobile alerts, panchayat-level preparedness, and satellite early warning systems.
• Infrastructure Readiness:
  • 400+ multi-purpose cyclone shelters, 1,500+ trained community task forces (Odisha, 2024 data).

Continuing Challenges

• Economic Losses:
  • Average annual cyclone damage: ₹28,000–30,000 crore (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2023).
• Livelihood Disruption:
  • Fisherfolk, agricultural laborers, and informal workers suffer prolonged income loss.
• Animal Losses:
  • Example: Cyclone Gaja (2018) killed 46,000+ cattle and 1.5 lakh poultry birds.
• Infrastructure Damage:
  • Rural roads, power lines, and communication networks repeatedly destroyed.
• Climate Change Factor:
  • Bay of Bengal warming at ~0.20°C/decade (IPCC, 2023) → more intense but short-lived cyclones.

Technological and Policy Innovations

• IMD Upgrades: 24×7 Cyclone Warning Centres in Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam.
• Satellite Tools: INSAT-3D, SCATSAT-1 for wind vector analysis.
• Digital Early Warning: Common Alert Protocol (CAP) for simultaneous alerts via SMS, radio, and TV.
• Resilient Infrastructure Mission (2023): Mainstreaming disaster-resistant design in coastal housing.
• Mangrove & Shelterbelt Programmes: Under National Coastal Mission to reduce storm surge impact.

Way Forward

• Comprehensive Coastal Zone Management: Integrate ecological buffers (mangroves, dunes) with engineered defenses.
• Cyclone Insurance Schemes: Tailored risk coverage for small farmers and fisherfolk.
• Decentralised Power Backup: Solar microgrids for cyclone shelters and emergency services.
• Post-disaster Livelihood Restoration: Rapid assistance for livestock, fisheries, and small traders.
• Strengthening Data Integration: Combine IMD forecasts with ISRO GIS mapping for micro-level evacuation plans.

Conclusion

India’s east coast, though historically the epicentre of cyclonic destruction, has emerged as a global model of disaster preparedness. From the devastation of 1999 Odisha to the efficient evacuation in Cyclone Montha (2025), the transformation underscores the power of early warning, community participation, and adaptive governance. Yet, as climate variability intensifies, India must now shift focus from saving lives to safeguarding livelihoods — ensuring resilient coastal development, sustainable resource use, and inclusive recovery.

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Cities are Critical for India Today

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Context

• Urbanization is central to India’s economic transformation.
• India aims to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047; cities will be the engines of this growth.
• Urban areas already contribute ~63% of India’s GDP (World Bank, 2023), projected to rise to ~75% by 2047.
• The article highlights the need for better urban planning, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive growth to realize India’s economic and climate goals.

Relevance

• GS-1: Urbanization, population dynamics, and spatial planning.
• GS-2: Governance, urban local bodies, decentralization, and policy implementation.
• GS-3: Infrastructure, environment, sustainable growth, and climate resilience.

Practice Question

• “India’s growth story will be written in its cities.” Examine the economic and environmental significance of urbanization in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.(250 Words)

Why in News ?

• Aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, focusing on green, inclusive, and sustainable urbanization.
• Reflects ongoing debates around the National Urban Policy (NUP) and reforms in master planning led by NITI Aayog and NIUA.
• Comes amid increasing climate vulnerability of cities (heatwaves, flooding) and urban governance challenges (housing, transport, land use).

Basic Concepts

Urbanization

• Shift of population from rural to urban areas driven by economic opportunities.
• India’s urban population: 31% (2011 Census) → projected ~40% by 2036 (MoHUA, 2023).
• Urban expansion requires infrastructure, jobs, and governance systems.

Urban Planning

• Process of designing land use, infrastructure, and social systems for city growth.
• India’s planning often follows top-down, static “master plan” models — outdated and misaligned with demographic changes.

Key Issues Highlighted

a) Outdated Planning Processes

• Master plans in India are rigid, decades-old, and fail to adapt to dynamic migration and economic patterns.
• Many cities operate without updated land-use plans; some follow 1960s-era frameworks.

b) Disconnect Between Land Use and Economic Planning

• Urban planning rarely integrates job growth projections or industrial needs.
• Example: Industrial corridors developed without matching housing or transit infrastructure.

c) Fragmented Governance

• Urban governance is spread across multiple parastatals (e.g., transport, water, waste boards) → coordination failure.
• Weak municipal institutions lack fiscal and administrative autonomy.

d) Infrastructure and Mobility Gaps

• Inadequate public transport and overdependence on private vehicles → congestion, pollution, productivity loss.
• Urban transport contributes ~20% of GHG emissions in major Indian cities.

e) Land Scarcity and Informality

• 40% of urban population lives in informal housing (UN-Habitat, 2023) due to high land prices and poor zoning flexibility.
• Encroachment and slum growth reflect failure of affordable housing policies.

f) Climate and Sustainability Challenges

• Cities face increasing floods, heat islands, and air pollution.
• Urban India contributes ~70% of CO₂ emissions and consumes ~80% of commercial energy.

Data and Facts

• 1/3 of India’s population expected to live in urban areas by 2036 (~600 million people).
• India needs $840 billion in urban infrastructure investment by 2036 (NIP, 2022).
• GHG reduction target: net-zero by 2070 → cities must lead through green mobility, energy-efficient housing, and waste management.
• Job linkage: 70% of future non-farm jobs likely to emerge in cities.

Authors’ Core Arguments

a) Planning Must Begin with Jobs

• Urban plans should start from projected job creation, then align housing, infrastructure, and transport accordingly.
• Economic activity is the foundation of sustainable urban growth.

b) Need for ‘Composite Planning’

• Integrate land use + economic + social + environmental planning instead of siloed approaches.
• Example: Linking industrial zones with affordable housing and transport.

c) Decentralization and Local Capacity

• Empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to handle data-driven, adaptive planning.
• Strengthen municipal finances through property tax reforms and user charges.

d) Regional Integration

• Cities cannot be planned in isolation — need regional linkages (peri-urban, rural-urban continuum).
• Example: NCR planning needs coordination across Haryana, UP, and Delhi.

e) Climate-Resilient Urban Growth

• Prioritize compact, transit-oriented, and resource-efficient urban design.
• Incorporate Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and climate adaptation infrastructure.

Way Forward

1. Shift from Master Plans to Strategic Urban Plans
   1. Replace 20-year rigid plans with 5–10-year rolling plans using real-time data.
   1. Employ GIS-based zoning, predictive modelling, and participatory planning.
2. Institutional Reform
   1. Strengthen 73rd–74th Amendment implementation; devolve functions, funds, and functionaries to ULBs.
   1. Create metropolitan planning committees with clear accountability.
3. Urban Finance Reform
   1. Expand municipal bond markets, integrate PPP models, and improve property tax coverage.
   1. Rationalize land monetization and value capture mechanisms.
4. Sustainability Focus
   1. Promote green buildings, EVs, and renewable-powered infrastructure.
   1. Enhance urban flood resilience and waste-to-energy systems.
5. People-Centric Urban Governance
   1. Ensure inclusion of migrants, slum dwellers, and informal workers in housing and social welfare schemes.
   1. Digital governance for service delivery (e.g., AMRUT 2.0, SBM-U 2.0, Smart Cities Mission).

Broader Significance

• Economic: Cities will be the key to achieving India’s $30T economy by 2047.
• Social: Urban governance quality will determine equality, opportunity, and living standards.
• Environmental: Urban design choices will define India’s net-zero trajectory.
• Political: Urban voters (~450 million by 2047) will shape democratic priorities.

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