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GS Paper: GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management.

  • What are fire safety rules, and why are there compliance challenges? | Explained 

    Why in the News?

    Recent fire tragedies at a Rajkot gaming zone and a Delhi children’s hospital that killed 40 people highlight the urgent need for stricter fire safety enforcement.

    According to the latest Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report

    • It was released by the “National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB)”
    • In 2022, 7,435 people died in over 7,500 fire accidents. This data shows that heavy casualties from fire accidents persist, with no lessons learned from the 1997 Uphaar Cinema tragedy or the 2004 Kumbakonam fire that killed 90 schoolchildren.

    What are the various laws and guidelines which stipulate rules around fire safety in buildings? 

    • National Building Code (NBC): Published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 1970, last updated in 2016.
      • Part 4 of NBC is about the details of fire safety measures, including construction guidelines, materials, and safety protocols. They are mandatory for states to incorporate NBC recommendations into local buildings.
    • Model Building Bye Laws 2016: It is issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It guides States/UTs in framing building bylaws with norms for fire protection and safety.
    • State Fire Services Act: Fire services are a state subject, and individual states have their own Fire Services Acts or building bylaws.
    • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines: Provide fire safety instructions for homes, schools, and hospitals. Include recommendations on maintaining safety spaces, exit mechanisms, dedicated staircases, and evacuation drills.

    Key Points from Fire Safety Regulations by Government:

    • Building Classification: Buildings are classified based on occupancy (e.g., Residential, Institutional, Assembly). Specific measures for high-rise buildings, educational institutes, hotels, etc.
    • Construction Material: Use of non-combustible materials. Internal walls of staircases should have a minimum 120-minute fire rating.
    • Electrical Safety: Flame retardant wiring and cabling. Separate shafts for different voltage wiring, sealed with fire-stop materials.
    • Emergency Power and Signage: Provision of emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, and public address systems. Clear exit signage and escape lighting.
    • Technological Measures: Automatic fire detection and alarm systems.Down-comer pipelines, dry riser pipelines, automatic sprinklers, fire barriers, and fireman’s lifts.

    Challenges in Fire Safety Compliance

    • Lack of Uniform Legislation: Fire safety rules exist in all States, with many drawing from the NBC. However, due to the absence of uniform safety legislation and the NBC being a “recommendatory document,“ its provisions are frequently ignored at the local level.
    • Inadequate Fire Safety Audits: Local bodies fail to conduct regular fire safety checks, leading to non-compliance.
    • Staff Shortages: Insufficient staffing in fire departments exacerbates enforcement issues.
    • Community Awareness and Preparedness: Need for better community awareness and training on fire safety protocols and emergency response.

    Judicial responses to negligence over Public Safety

    • Apex Court: The Judiciary has frequently pulled up state authorities for failure to enforce fire safety regulations. It highlighted the laxity in compliance and the need for stringent enforcement.
    • Legal Actions: Cases like the Rajkot gaming zone fire reveal the consequences of not adhering to fire safety norms. Courts have mandated regular fire safety audits and strict adherence to NBC guidelines.
    • The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) emphasized the need for building community resilience and compliance with safety norms.
    • The report on “Fires in India: Learning Lessons for Urban Safety” underscored the failure of authorities to learn from past tragedies and enforce fire safety measures.

    Way forward:

    • Building some National Standards: The National Building Code (NBC) needs to be converted from a recommendatory document to a mandatory standard across all states.
    • Regular Inspections: Mandate regular and frequent fire safety audits by local authorities.
    • Transparent Assessment: Allow third-party certified agencies to conduct independent fire safety audits to ensure unbiased assessments.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Cyclone Remal to make landfall

    Why in the News?

    • Cyclone Remal is forecasted to make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Bangladesh’s Khepupara on Sunday midnight.
    • The name ‘Remal’ originates from Oman and means ‘sand’ in Arabic.

    What are Cyclones?

    • Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical (Temperature-induced) and Temperate (extra-tropical) cyclones(airmass-induced).
    • Formation Conditions: Tropical cyclones originate in warm regions, requiring conditions such as
    1. Warm sea surface (> 27°C),
    2. Coriolis Force,
    3. Pre-existing low-pressure systems,
    4. Small vertical wind speed differences, and
    5. Upper air divergence.

    Characteristics of Tropical Cyclones:

    • They form over warm water bodies due to energy derived from the condensation of warm water within cumulonimbus clouds.
    • Wind rotation is influenced by the Coriolis force, resulting in anti-clockwise rotation in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

    Regional Movement of Cyclones:

    • In the northern hemisphere, cyclones initially move westward under earth rotation and the Easterlies.
    • As they progress towards higher latitudes, the Coriolis force deflects them rightward, towards north and later east.
    • By 30° latitude, the diminished warmth halts cyclone activity.

    Naming of Cyclones: 

    • Responsibility of RSMCs and TCWCs: The naming of cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world is carried out by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
    • Procedure in the North Indian Ocean: For north Indian Ocean including Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, the RSMC, New Delhi assigns the name to tropical cyclones following a standard procedure.
    • Agreement by WMO/ESCAP Panel: The WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones in 2000 agreed in principle to assign names to the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
    • Selection Process: Each country would sent their suggestions, based on which the Panel would finalise a list.
    • Retirement of Names: Generally, names of some storms that cause widespread damage and deaths are usually retired and are not brought back or reused later, at least for 10 years. These names are then replaced with new names.
    • Unique Policy for North Indian Ocean: Unlike in other regions, the names of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean once used, will cease to be used again.

    Destruction Caused by Cyclones:

    • Strong Winds/Squall: Cyclones cause infrastructure damage through high-speed winds.
    • Torrential Rains and Inland Flooding: Heavy rainfall leads to floods, soil erosion, and embankment weakening.
    • Storm Surge: Abnormal sea level rise inundates coastal regions, causing floods, erosion, and destruction.

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?

    (a) Sea Surface temperature are low

    (b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs

    (c) Coriolis force is too weak

    (d) Absence of land in those regions

  • A lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience

    Why in the news? 

    On April 3, Taiwan was struck by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude. This was strongest in last 25 years.

    Reason behind the earthquake in Taiwan

    • In the Taiwan region, the Philippine Sea plate is moving northwest towards the Eurasian plate at a velocity of about 7.8 cm per year, which is faster than the motion of the Indian plate. 
    • Lying 160 km off the coast of China, Taiwan was formed at a convergent boundary of the Philippine and Eurasian plates in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a country of strong earthquakes.

    Why other countries should take lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience?

    • In 1999, the Chi-Chi earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred in the central part of Taiwan and impacted the western region. It killed more than 2,430 people and left 11,305 wounded. It caused more than 50,000 buildings to collapse and partially damaged as many.
    • In 2024, Hualien earthquake killed at least 13 people and injured about 1,000. Most of the deaths were caused by earthquake-triggered rockfalls and not by toppled buildings. Despite being of nearly comparable magnitude, the 2024 earthquake has caused minimal damage compared to the 1999 earthquake.

    Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness

    • Advanced Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Taiwan boasts the most advanced earthquake-monitoring network and early warning systems, allowing for quick detection and alerting of seismic activity.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns and Drills: Widespread awareness campaigns and regular drills on earthquake safety have significantly improved the public’s understanding of earthquake risks and proper safety protocols.
    • Government Regulations and Incentives: The government constantly updates earthquake safety requirements for both new and existing buildings. Additionally, incentives such as subsidies are offered to residents to improve the quake resistance of buildings, encouraging compliance with safety standards.
    • Scientific Judgments for Seismic Risk: Utilizing knowledge of earthquake frequency and severity in different areas, Taiwan is able to make sound scientific judgments regarding seismic risk.
    • Utilization of New Technologies: Taiwan employs cutting-edge technologies such as seismic dampers and base isolation systems to enhance building resilience. For example, Taipei 101, the nation’s iconic building, features a tuned mass damper—a massive steel sphere suspended by cables within the tower—which acts as a pendulum to counteract building motion during earthquakes.

    What India can learn from Taiwan?

    • Importance of Seismic Safety Regulations: India, especially in tectonically unstable regions like the Himalayas, must prioritize seismic safety regulations in all infrastructure projects.  
    • Customized Seismic Codes: Similar to Taiwan, India should develop seismic codes tailored to specific regions based on local earthquake activity, building types, and construction materials. These customized codes can better address the unique seismic risks faced by different parts of the country.
    • Utilization of Traditional Architectural Styles: In some parts of India, traditional architectural styles may possess inherent earthquake resistivity. By rediscovering and encouraging the use of these traditional techniques, India can promote earthquake-resistant building practices that are culturally and environmentally sustainable.
    • Integration of Seismic Zonation Maps: Indian code IS 1893 already specifies seismic designs based on seismic zonation maps. It’s crucial for India to integrate these maps effectively into urban planning and construction practices to ensure that buildings are designed and located in accordance with seismic risk assessments.

    Conclusion

    Earthquakes is natural disasters with unpredictable occurrences, can have devastating effects on society. However, their impact can be mitigated through preventive measures such as early warning systems, construction regulations, and raising awareness about earthquake preparedness.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.(UPSC IAS/2021)

    Mains question for practice 

    Q Analyzing Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness following the April 3rd 7.4 magnitude earthquake, explore lessons for India’s earthquake resilience strategy.

  • On India’s ‘heat action plans’ | Explained

    Why in the news?

    Come summer, we are used to seeing heat alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for various parts of India. This year, these alerts began in February itself.

    What is a heatwave?

    • According to the IMD, the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions.
    • The IMD will declare a heatwave if the maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more in the coast, and 30 degrees Celsius or more in the hills.

    Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to tackle heatwave 

    • Aim: HAPs aim to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heat waves.
      • The National Disaster Management Authority and IMD are reported to be working with 23 States to develop HAPs.
    • Issue with Database: There is no centralized database on HAPs, but at least 23 HAPs exist at the State and city level, with a few States, such as Odisha and Maharashtra, laying out district-level HAPs.

    Key components of Heat Action Plans (HAPs)  

    Limitation 

    • Challenges related to Determining Heatwaves: While a national threshold is currently used to determine heatwaves, determining them at smaller scales such as states, districts, and cities poses a challenge due to variations in local factors like the urban heat island effect, type of roofing, and proximity to water or green bodies, as well as humidity.
    • Inconsistent Methods and Vulnerability Assessments: The methods used for vulnerability assessments in HAPs are inconsistent because of the diverse physiography of regions
    • Addressing Vulnerable Populations: While HAPs prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, targeted interventions often fail to account for varying needs based on local socio-economic and demographic factors.
    • Resource Allocation and Financing: Implementation of HAPs varies depending on local government priorities and available capacities because at the local level Fund crunch.
    • Integration and Collaboration: HAPs are currently standalone plans with limited finance, highlighting the need for integration with broader action plans promoting urban resilience and climate adaptation to pool resources effectively.

    Way Forward:

    • Determination at Local Scales: Invest in local monitoring systems that capture variations in temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors.
    • Standardizing Methods: Establish guidelines for conducting vulnerability assessments that account for diverse physiography and local context.
    • Tailoring Interventions: Conduct comprehensive community consultations to understand the unique needs of vulnerable populations in different localities.
    • Funding and Resources: Advocate for increased funding for HAPs at the national and local levels through budget allocations, grants, and public-private partnerships.
    • Integration and Collaboration: Establish inter-agency task forces or committees to coordinate HAPs with other relevant initiatives, such as urban planning, public health, and disaster management.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Why Uttarakhand govt wants to evaluate the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods

    Why in the news? 

    Recently, the Uttarakhand government has constituted two teams of experts to evaluate the risk posed by five potentially hazardous glacial lakes in the region.

    Context:

    • The Hazardous Glacial Lakes are prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the kind of events that have resulted in several disasters in the Himalayan states in recent years.
    • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has identified 188 glacial lakes in the Himalayan states that can potentially be breached because of heavy rainfall. Thirteen of them are in Uttarakhand.

    About Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs):

    GLOFs are disaster events caused by the abrupt discharge of water from glacial lakes  large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier. As a glacier withdraws, it leaves behind a depression that gets filled with meltwater, thereby forming a lake. Example: 4 october 2023 GLOFs in Sikkim.

    Factors behind the GLOFs:

    • Avalanches or Landslides: Incidents such as avalanches or landslides can also impact the stability of the boundary around a glacial lake, leading to its failure, and the rapid discharge of water.
    • Due to climate change: Rising surface temperatures across the globe, including India, have increased the risk of GLOFs. Studies have shown that around 15 million people face the risk of sudden and deadly flooding from glacial lakes, which are expanding and rising in numbers due to global warming.
    • Rapid infrastructure development in vulnerable areas has also contributed to the spike in such incidents.
    • Sizable ice chunks in the lake: GLOFs can be triggered by various reasons, including glacial calving, where sizable ice chunks detach from the glacier into the lake, inducing sudden water displacement.

    Why are GLOFs under the spotlight?

    • Increased Frequency of GLOFs: Since 1980, GLOFs have become more frequent in the Himalayan region, particularly in southeastern Tibet and the China-Nepal border area. This indicates a concerning trend of glacial melting and lake formation as per Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research in China
    • Extent of Potential Risk: The analysis by  Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research in China suggests that approximately 6,353 sq km of land could be at risk from potential GLOFs.
    • Regional Impacts: Another analysis conducted by Caroline Taylor, Rachel Carr, Stuart Dunning (Newcastle University, UK), Tom Robinson (University of Canterbury, New Zealand), and Matthew Westoby (Northumbria University, UK) indicates that GLOFs are not just a localized issue but have broader regional impacts.
      • Around 3 million people in India and 2 million in Pakistan are identified as facing the risk of GLOFs, highlighting the potential humanitarian consequences of these events.

    What is the situation in Uttarakhand?

    • Past GLOF events: Uttarakhand has experienced two major GLOF events in recent years. The first occurred in June 2013, affecting large parts of the state, particularly the Kedarnath valley, resulting in significant loss of life.
      • The second event happened in February 2021 in Chamoli district, leading to flash floods due to the bursting of a glacier lake.
    • Categorization of Glacial Lakes: Uttarakhand has 13 glacial lakes categorized into three risk levels: ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.
      • Five highly sensitive lakes fall into the ‘A’ category, including Vasudhara Tal in the Dhauliganga basin (Chamoli district), Maban Lake, Pyungru Lake, and two unclassified lakes in Pithoragarh district.
    • Size and Elevation of High-Risk Lakes: The lakes in the ‘A’ category have areas ranging from 0.02 to 0.50 sq km and are situated at elevations between 4,351 to 4,868 meters above sea level. These characteristics make them particularly vulnerable to glacial lake outburst events.
    • Impact of Rising Temperatures: A 2021 study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research (PIK) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) suggests that rising surface temperatures could worsen the situation in Uttarakhand.
      • The state’s annual average maximum temperature may increase by 1.6-1.9 degrees Celsius between 2021-2050, potentially exacerbating the risk of GLOFs.

    Conclusion: Uttarakhand government forms expert teams to assess risk from 5 hazardous glacial lakes prone to GLOFs. With rising temperatures and past disasters, urgent action is needed to mitigate potential catastrophic flooding.

  • Kallakkadal: Coastal Flooding Phenomena in Kerala

    Why in the news?

    • Coastal areas of Kerala, including Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts, are grappling with flooding caused by high sea waves, known as swell waves or Kallakkadal in Malayalam.
    • The recent swell surge occurred following a low-pressure system originating in the South Atlantic Ocean, leading to the formation of waves reaching heights of up to 11 meters.

    What is Kallakkadal?

    1. Origin and Meaning:
    • Kallakkadal refers to coastal flooding during the (April-May) pre-monsoon season.
    • It is caused by ocean swell waves on the southwest coast of India.
    • The term “Kallakkadal” originates from Malayalam, combining “Kallan” (thief) and “Kadal” (sea), denoting the sea’s unexpected intrusion akin to a thief.
    • In 2012, the term was formally approved by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
    1. Causes:
    • These waves stem from distant storms, such as hurricanes, generating significant energy transfer from the atmosphere to the water.
    • Kallakkadal typically results from strong winds in the southern Indian Ocean, generating ocean swells that travel northward towards the Kerala coast.

    Features of Kallakkadal

    • This phenomenon occurs mostly during pre-monsoon season and sometimes during post monsoon.
    • It continues for a few days.
    • It inundates the low lying coasts.
    • Initially sea recedes before the surge.
    • During high tide the run-up, water level can reach as much as 3–4 m above Maximum Water Level (MWL).

    How is it distinct from Tsunami?

    • Nature of Phenomenon: Kallakkadal, though often confused with tsunamis, arises from distant storm-generated waves, contrasting with tsunamis triggered by underwater disturbances, typically seismic activities.
    • Clarification: Understanding this distinction is crucial for implementing effective early warning systems and mitigating the impact of coastal hazards.

    PYQ:

    2017: At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at-

    (a) Bhavnagar

    (b) Bheemunipatnam

    (c) Chandipur

    (d) Nagapattinam

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Coastal areas of Kerala recently witnessed the Oceanic Swell Waves locally known as Kallakkadal. In this regard consider the following statements:

    1.    Kallakkadal typically occurs during the spring season (March-April).

    2.    These waves stem from distant storms in the southern Indian Ocean.

    Which of the given statements is/are NOT correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Karnataka approaches Supreme Court over NDRF Funds for Drought Management

    What is the news?

    • The Karnataka government has approached the Supreme Court against the Union government, seeking the release of drought relief funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
    • This disagreement marks the second major dispute after alleged ‘injustice’ in tax devolution and other allocations.

    Extent of Drought and Water Scarcity in Karnataka

    • Rainfall Deficit: During the last monsoon season, Karnataka experienced significant rainfall deficits, exacerbating the drought situation and affecting agricultural productivity.
    • Drought conditions: Karnataka faces extensive drought conditions, with 223 out of 236 taluks (mandals) declared as drought-hit areas, resulting in substantial crop loss.
    • Compensation Sought: The state has sought substantial financial assistance from the Centre, amounting to Rs 18,171 crores, to address the damages caused by drought.

    Karnataka’s Writ Petition to the Supreme Court

     

    • Legal Action: Karnataka’s petition under Article 32 of the Constitution seeks relief against the Union government’s alleged inaction in providing financial assistance for drought management.
    • Basis of Petition: The petition argues that the delay in releasing funds violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, pertaining to equality before the law and protection of life and personal liberty.

     

    What is National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)?

    • The NDRF is a statutory body constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
    • It supplements State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) of a State, in case of a disaster of severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.
    • The July 2015 guidelines states that natural calamities of cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack and cold wave and frost will qualify for immediate relief assistance from NDRF.
    • NDRF is managed in the “Public Accounts” under “Reserve Funds not bearing interest”.
    • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audits the accounts of NDRF.

    Disaster Relief for Indian states

    • Under the 2005 Disaster Management Act, there is no definition of disasters.
    • It can include any event arising from natural or man-made causes that can severely disrupt life for people, going beyond their coping capacity.
    • The 15th Finance Commission introduced a new methodology for state-wise allocations, considering factors like past expenditure, risk exposure, hazard, and vulnerability.

    Institutional Mechanism

    • States have the State Disaster Relief Funds (SDRF).
    • The Centre contributes 75% of the funds (and 90% for Himalayan and NE states) and states contribute the remainder.
    • The total amount is decided as part of the budgetary allocations and released periodically by the Centre.

    In case a state needs the Centre’s assistance, it must follow a procedure:

    1. It should detail the extent of the damage in a memorandum and submit it
    2. If this is acknowledged by Centre, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) conducts on-ground inspections to survey the damage
    3. A National Executive Team analyses the IMCT report
    4. Based on its recommendations, a High Level Committee shall approve the release of immediate relief from NDRF.

    Additionally, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the utilisation of NDRF releases.

     

    PYQ:

    2014: Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements about National Disaster response fund (NDRF):

    1. NDRF is a part of consolidated fund of India.
    2. Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audits the accounts of NDRF.

    Which among the above statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

  • ISRO’s develops 2nd Generation Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT-SG)

    Introduction

    • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has pioneered an innovative Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) to enhance the safety of fishermen at sea.
    • This second-generation DAT, known as DAT-SG, offers advanced capabilities and features, revolutionizing how emergency messages are communicated from fishing boats.

    About Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT-SG)

    • Operational Since 2010: The initial version of DAT became operational in 2010, enabling fishermen to send emergency messages through a communication satellite.
    • Central Control Station: Messages were received at the Indian Mission Control Centre (INMCC), a central control station, where alert signals were decoded to identify the distressed fishing boat.
    • Coordination with MRCCs: The extracted information was then forwarded to Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) under the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), facilitating coordinated search and rescue operations.
    • Widespread Use: Over 20,000 DATs were deployed and utilized for distress communication.

    Evolution to DAT-SG

    • Technological Advancements: ISRO leveraged advancements in satellite communication and navigation to create the second-generation DAT (DAT-SG).
    • Acknowledgement Feature: DAT-SG now includes an acknowledgement feature, providing assurance to fishermen that their distress alert has been received and that help is on the way.
    • Two-Way Communication: In addition to sending distress signals, DAT-SG can receive messages from control centers. This allows the transmission of advance alerts regarding adverse weather conditions, cyclones, tsunamis, or other emergencies, enabling fishermen to make informed decisions for their safety.
    • Enhanced Fishing Zone Information: DAT-SG also disseminates information about potential fishing zones to fishermen at regular intervals, optimizing their catch and conserving time and fuel.
    • Mobile Connectivity: DAT-SG can be connected to mobile phones via Bluetooth, and messages can be displayed in the fishermen’s native language using a dedicated mobile app.

    Central Control and Coordination

    • Sagarmitra Network: The central control station, INMCC, employs a web-based network management system called Sagarmitra. This system maintains a database of registered DAT-SGs and facilitates real-time access for MRCCs.
    • Real-time Coordination: Sagarmitra enables Indian Coast Guard personnel to swiftly respond to distress calls without delay, enhancing search and rescue operations.
    • Operational 24/7: DAT-SG services are available round-the-clock, ensuring continuous support to fishermen facing emergencies at sea.

    Also read:

    Nabhmitra: Satellite-Based Safety Device for Fishermen

  • IIT-D develops India’s first National Landslide Susceptibility Map

    Introduction

    • In the wake of severe monsoon-triggered landslides, IIT Delhi has developed its first National Landslide Susceptibility Map.

    About National Landslide Susceptibility Map

    • High-Resolution Mapping: The map offers a detailed (100 sq. m resolution) overview of landslide susceptibility across India, including previously unrecognized areas.
    • Revealing New Risk Zones: It highlights traditional high-risk areas and uncovers new regions of concern, broadening the scope of landslide monitoring.
    • Innovative Analysis Method: An ensemble machine learning approach was utilized to enhance prediction accuracy and address data gaps in uncharted regions.
    • Advantages of Ensemble Models: This method effectively combines multiple models to provide a more reliable estimation of landslide risks.

    Data Gathering and Analytical Process

    • Extensive Data Compilation: Researchers collated data on around 150,000 landslide incidents from various sources, including the Geological Survey of India.
    • Identifying Contributing Factors: The team pinpointed 16 critical factors influencing landslide susceptibility, utilizing tools like GeoSadak for remote data collection.

    Implications for Disaster Management

    • Tool for Stakeholders: The map serves as a critical resource for government bodies, disaster management authorities, and organizations focused on landslide mitigation.
    • Enhancing Preparedness and Planning: It will facilitate vulnerability assessment, infrastructure planning, and implementation of mitigation measures.

    Need for such map

    • Persistent Hazard: Landslides, affecting a small but significant portion of India, pose a recurrent threat, especially in hilly regions.
    • Challenges in Management: The localized and sporadic nature of landslides has historically hindered effective tracking and prediction, underscoring the need for a comprehensive mapping solution.

    Future Directions and Public Accessibility

    • Developing an Early Warning System: Building on the map, efforts are underway to create a comprehensive Landslide Early Warning System.
    • Infrastructure Vulnerability Cartogram: A cartogram to identify susceptible infrastructure is also in progress.
    • Public Access and Engagement: The map and its data will be accessible through a web interface, promoting public interaction and awareness.

  • Floods and a ‘preventive measure’ that needs review

    Floods and a 'preventive measure' that needs review - The Hindu

    Central idea 

    Dr. Mani Sivasubramanian emphasizes the long-lasting impact of decisions made after Cyclone Michuang in Chennai, particularly regarding electricity cutoffs. The central idea revolves around the need for accountability in decision-making during crises, highlighting the delicate balance between safety measures and potential hazards for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. The way forward involves a hierarchical approach, periodic reviews, and fixing responsibility for sub-optimal decisions.

    Key Highlights:

    • Dr. Mani Sivasubramanian, a heart surgeon, author, and social entrepreneur, discusses the long-lasting impact of decisions made after Cyclone Michuang in Chennai.
    • Emphasizes the importance of accountability for decisions with visible and hidden consequences.
    • Raises concerns about the practice of prolonged electricity cutoffs after a natural disaster, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly.

    Key Challenges:

    • Balancing the need for safety measures, such as electricity cutoffs during cyclones, with potential hazards like accidents and security concerns.
    • The complexity of decision-making during a crisis, requiring a dynamic and evolving approach.
    • Striking a balance between conservative choices and potential complications due to inaction.

    monsoon, monsoons, floods, flood evacuation, WHO, WHO India, World Health Organization, COVID-19, flood precautions, COVID appropriate behaviours

    Key Terms:

    • Decision accountability
    • Electricity cutoff
    • Vulnerable populations
    • Dynamic balance
    • Cataclysmic disaster
    • Intellectual and analytical judgment

    Key Phrases for good marks in mains:

    • “Consequences of choices should be accounted for.”
    • “Power disruption poses significant hazards, especially for the elderly.”
    • “Decision-making in a crisis is an extreme test of judgment and personal strength.”
    • “Potential cost of mistakes looms large in a decision-maker’s mind.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “There is no objectively ‘safe’ choice; it is a constantly evolving, dynamic balance.”
    • “A bureaucrat should justify and document decisions in real-time for review.”
    • “Complex decision-making should not become a contest of cheap populism.”

    Key Statements:

    • Decision-makers should justify and document choices in real-time.
    • Accountability is crucial, especially when decisions impact millions.
    • Calls for a hierarchy-based approach in decision-making during crises.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Mentions the 2015 floods in Chennai as a reference to the consequences of decision-making during natural disasters.

    Key Facts:

    • In 2021, Tamil Nadu had 13.8 crore people over the age of 60 years.
    • Chennai metropolitan area’s population is estimated to be over 12 million.

    Key Data:

    • 500,000 people in Chennai are above 60 years old, and over 50,000 are aged 80 or above.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Acknowledges the complexity of decision-making during a natural disaster.
    • Emphasizes the need for a balance between safety measures and potential hazards.
    • Advocates for accountability and periodic reviews of decisions.

    Way Forward:

    • Suggests a hierarchy-based approach with scaled levels of responsibility.
    • Proposes involvement of more than one person in major decision-making.
    • Calls for periodic reviews by an oversight team to challenge and reverse questionable choices.
    • Highlights the importance of fixing responsibility for sub-optimal decisions.