Sendai Framework and India's Commitment to DRR

• 09 Nov 2024

For Prelims: 2015 Sendai Framework, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, CDRI, India's Commitment to DRR, G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Sustainable Development Goals 

For Mains: India’s Role in Global DRR, Initiatives for Disaster Risk Reduction, Major Challenges for India in DRR, Major committee recommendations for disaster risk reductions. 

Source: TH

Why in News?

India’s steadfast commitment in global disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts was highlighted during the G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group ministerial meeting in Belem, Brazil.. 

• The meeting emphasized India’s commitment to the 2015 Sendai Framework, aimed at reducing disaster risks and losses. 

Note:  

• The G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group, formed by G20 countries, aims to integrate risk reduction measures into public and private sector investment decisions and policy making to reduce existing risk, prevent the creation of new risk and, ultimately, build resilient economies, societies, and natural systems. 

What is Sendai Framework (2015-2030)? 

• About: A UN-backed framework that focuses on reducing disaster risks through measures such as better preparedness, disaster risk financing, and sustainable development.  
  • It was adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held in 2015 in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. 
    • It is the successor instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters.  
  • The framework recognizes that the State has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including local government, the private sector and other stakeholders. 
• Implementing Organisation: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is tasked to support the implementation, follow-up and review of the Sendai Framework. 
• Role in 2030 Agenda: The Sendai Framework works hand in hand with the other 2030 Agenda agreements, including The Paris Agreement (2015), the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development (2015), the New Urban Agenda, and ultimately the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Note: 

• The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) was the global blueprint for disaster risk reduction efforts between 2005 and 2015. It was adopted in 2005 at the second World Conference on Disaster Reduction, held in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.  
  • In 1994 the first World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction was held in Yokohama, Japan. 
• Its goal was to substantially reduce disaster losses by 2015 - in lives, and in the social, economic, and environmental assets of communities and countries. 

What Role has India Played in DRR Initiatives? 

• Global Level: 
  • Initiative at G-20: During its G-20 presidency in 2023, India initiated the formation of a Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, marking a milestone in global collaboration for disaster resilience. 
    • In its G20 Presidency, India’s enunciated its proactive approach on the issue on the basis of the five priorities 
      • Early warning systems 
      • Disaster-resilient infrastructure 
      • Disaster risk reduction financing 
      • Resilient recovery  
      • Nature based solutions 
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): India’s led CDRI focuses on building disaster-resilient infrastructure and enhancing international cooperation. 
    • It now comprises 40 countries and seven international organizations.  
  • Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements: India's participation in troika meetings with Brazil and South Africa, along with bilateral discussions with countries like Japan, Germany, and South Korea, demonstrates India’s growing influence in shaping global disaster risk reduction policies. 
  • Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC): ADPC is an autonomous international organisation focused on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific region. India took over as Chair of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) for 2024-25. 
    • It was founded by India and eight neighboring countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. 
• National Level: 
  • Disaster Management Act of 2005: The DM Act was passed by the government of India in 2005 for the efficient management of disasters and other matters connected to it’. 
    • The NDMA was formally constituted on 27th September 2006, in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 2005 with PM as its Chairperson and nine other members, and one such member to be designated as Vice-Chairperson.  
    • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is the world’s largest rapid reaction force dedicated to disaster response. It was formed in 2006 under the DM Act, 2005 with the purpose of a specialised response to natural and man-made disasters. 
  • National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) defines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders including Central Ministries/ Departments, State Governments, UT Administrations, District Authorities and local self Governments.  
    • The NDMP of 2016 was the world’s first ever national plan explicitly aligned with the Sendai Framework. The revised NDMP was introduced in 2019. 

What are the Major Challenges for India in DRR? 

• There are significant gaps in preparedness on various aspects of risk management, particularly for catastrophic disasters like major earthquakes and floods. Poor coordination between various government agencies and stakeholders can lead to inefficiencies in disaster response and recovery.  
• India’s capacity to manage disaster risk is challenged by its size and huge population. The country is likely to have the greatest exposure of any nation in the world to extreme weather and natural disasters by 2030. 
• Many regions lack the necessary infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, leading to greater damage and loss. The northeast region is most at risk from earthquakes and lacks seismically secure infrastructure and buildings. It is also vulnerable to landslides, floods and erosion. 
• There is often a lack of awareness and preparedness among the public, which hampers effective disaster response. 
  • Financial and human resources for disaster management are often insufficient, affecting the implementation of risk reduction measures.

What are the Major Committee Recommendations for Disaster Risk Reductions? 

• Standing Committee Report on Central Assistance for Disaster Management and Relief 2019: 
  • Scale of Relief: Expand State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms to cover all major disaster expenses. 
  • Disaster Mitigation Fund: A separate Disaster Mitigation Fund to be operationalised for undertaking permanent mitigation measures in disaster-prone states. 
  • Funding Mechanism: Allocate 10% of centrally sponsored funds be especially earmarked for permanent restoration of damaged structures.   
• Reforms Recommended by 2nd ARC: 
  • Suggested District Disaster Management Plan for long term mitigation and Emergency Response. 
  • Separate provision in the Constitution for Disaster. 
  • Disaster Management should be introduced as a subject in education curriculums. 
  • National Policy on Disaster Management to be introduced. 
  • State Governments should maintain primary responsibility for disaster/crisis management, with the Union Government providing support.

Drishti Mains Question 

"Discuss India's role in global disaster risk reduction, especially through the G-20 framework, and evaluate how its priorities align with the Sendai Framework 2015-30. What challenges does India face in implementing effective disaster risk reduction domestically?

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims: 

Q. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (2020)

(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey 

(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand 

(c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam 

(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea 

Ans: (a)