Approach:
- Intro on Sendai Framework.
- Pointwise mention the initiatives taken by India post-Sendai.
- Conclusion
The 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted by UNGA in 2015 embedded disaster risk management in 8 out of 17 SDGs, which highlight the significance of disaster preparedness. After it, Sendai Framework was adopted during the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. It consists of four major priority areas and seven targets to be met by 2030 which is to prevent creation of new disaster risks and also to substantially reduce disaster risks. The four priority areas include: Understanding Risk; Strengthening Risk Governance; Investing in disaster resilience; Improving capacities for disaster response. On these lines India also charted out its initiatives to tackle the disasters in effective way. These include:
- India has successfully hosted the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) and adopted ‘New Delhi Declaration’ and ‘Regional Action Plan for implementation of the Sendai Framework’. The conference also commemorated the first World Tsunami Awareness Day to spread awareness on tsunami. Outcomes of the AMCDRR will guide the implementation of the Sendai Framework in Asia and the Pacific.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is strengthened in terms of state-of-the-art training and equipment.
- Government has approved the creation of National Disaster Response Reserve (NDRR) through a revolving fund of Rs. 250 crores to be operated by the NDRF.
- The government expressed to share India’s expertise and help other countries in disaster response as it did during Japan Earthquake in 2011 and Nepal earthquake of 2015.
- The government is making efforts to promote regional cooperation by hosting the SAARC Disaster Management Centre to reduce disaster risks in the region and promoting knowledge sharing among the SAARC countries.
- In an effort to augment capacity building, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) has signed a MoU with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for financial assistance and academic cooperation for establishment of a Centre for Excellence in Disaster Research and Resilience Building at JNU.
- The Government has implemented the recommendations of 14th Finance Commission and allocated funds towards State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
However, several issues which need to be addressed include establishment of National Disaster Mitigation Fund, development of communications systems including satellite bases communication network for disaster management, binding guideline to states for disaster preparations, cutting edge technology, equipment and training to NDRF personnel.
Overall India is on the path of development of comprehensive disaster management systems which need to reinforce by political will and administrative commitment. The Sendai framework has reemphasized that State has the primary role in reducing the disaster risk. It also calls upon private sector to be involved in disaster preparedness and mitigation.