Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) requires a comprehensive approach that integrates scientific advancements with indigenous and traditional knowledge (ITK). For centuries, indigenous communities have developed locally adaptive strategies to withstand natural disasters, demonstrating resilience.

Body

Role of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge in Disaster Risk Reduction

• Early Warning Systems and Disaster Prediction
  • Indigenous communities use natural indicators to predict disasters:
    • Lepcha Tribe of Sikkim observes animal behavior, cloud formations, and wind patterns to forecast landslides and floods.
• Sustainable Infrastructure and Adaptive Architecture
  • Flood-Resistant Housing:
    • Mishing Community of Majuli Island, Assam builds chang-ghars (stilt houses) elevated above expected flood levels, reducing damage during monsoons.
    • Bamboo and cane construction in flood-prone areas ensures flexibility and structural strength.
  • Earthquake-Resilient Housing:
    • Bhutia Community of Sikkim constructs wooden houses with interlocking beams, allowing flexibility during seismic activities.
• Natural Resource Management and Disaster Mitigation
  • Mangrove Afforestation:
    • Sundarbans communities have traditionally protected mangrove forests, which act as natural barriers against cyclones and storm surges.
  • Terrace Farming and Flood Control:
    • Zabo farming system in Nagaland combines water conservation and soil retention, reducing landslide risks during heavy rainfall.
  • Traditional Water Harvesting:
    • Johads (small earthen ponds) in Rajasthan help mitigate drought impacts by improving groundwater recharge.

Integration of Indigenous Knowledge with Scientific Approaches for Effective Disaster Management:

• Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Indigenous knowledge, passed down through generations, provides valuable insights into environmental patterns.
  • When integrated with modern technology, it enhances disaster preparedness and response.
  • Example: In Bangladesh and Odisha, local fishermen observe wave patterns and wind directions, which, when combined with meteorological data, improve cyclone prediction accuracy.
• Combining Traditional and Modern Engineering for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure: Merging traditional wisdom with modern techniques strengthens disaster resilience.
  • For instance, Chang-ghars (stilt houses) in Assam can be combined with modern flood-resistant materials like reinforced bamboo and composite wood for stronger yet sustainable structures.
• Enhancing Sustainable Ecosystem-Based Disaster Management: Restoring natural ecosystems with the help of indigenous communities strengthens climate resilience.
  • Traditional stepwells (Baolis) in Gujarat and Rajasthan can be restored and linked to modern rainwater harvesting techniques to combat droughts and water scarcity.
• Policy Integration and Local Governance
  • Recognition of Indigenous Practices in Disaster Policies: NDMA can institutionalize traditional practices into national DRR frameworks.
  • Training and Capacity Building: Governments and NGOs can train communities to document and refine their indigenous practices with scientific validation, ensuring wider adoption.

Conclusion

Indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction through early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable resource management building upon the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.