Since its launch, PM-AASHA has significantly benefitted farmers, contributing to the procurement of 195.39 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of agricultural commodities, valued at ₹1,07,433.73 crore, from over 99 lakh farmers.
Procurement Details:
In the Rabi 2023-24 season, 6.41 LMT of pulses, valued at ₹4,820 crore, were procured from 2.75 lakh farmers. This included:
2.49 LMT of Masoor
43,000 metric tonnes of Chana
LMT of Moong
In addition, 12.19 LMT of oilseeds, valued at ₹6,900 crore, were procured from 5.29 lakh farmers.
In the ongoing Kharif season, the government has procured 5.62 LMT of Soyabean, valued at ₹2,700 crore, benefiting 2.42 lakh farmers.
About the PM-AASHA Scheme
Details
Launched in 2018, PM-AASHA is an umbrella scheme encompassing various components to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce.
Aims and Objectives
Ensuringfair pricesfor farmers by providing price support when market prices fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Stabilize the prices of essential commodities, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
Addressing price fluctuations and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for crops like pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Type: Central Sector Scheme (Fully funded by the Centre).
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Fund Allocation: Rs. 35,000 crore during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (up to 2025-26).
Central Nodal Agencies (CNA):
Guarantees to lender banks for extending cash credit facilities to agencies like NAFED (National Agricultural Co-operative Marketing Federation of India Limited) and NCCF (National Co-operative Consumer’s Federation of India Limited) for MSP procurement.
Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) will procure pulses at market price from pre-registered farmers on eSamridhi Portal of NAFED and eSamyukti Portal of NCCF when prices exceed MSP.
Key Components:
Price Support Scheme (PSS):
The PSS is the core component of PM-AASHA, operating through state governments to procure notified commodities at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) levels.
It provides financial relief to farmers when market prices fall below MSP, offering remunerative prices and promoting investment in agriculture.
The government fixes the MSP for 24 crops at 1.5 times the Cost of Production (CoP) to ensure a fair income for farmers.
Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS):
Under PDPS, farmers are provided direct payments if the market prices of oilseeds fall below the MSP.
It helps bridge the gap between MSP and market prices, ensuring that farmers still get a fair return.
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS):
The MIS provides financial assistance to states for price stabilization of perishable agricultural commodities like Tomato, Onion, and Potato, which are not covered under MSP.
This scheme helps manage price volatility and benefits both farmers and consumers by stabilizing prices.
PYQ:
[2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:
(a) Digital security infrastructure
(b) Food security infrastructure
(c) Health care and education infrastructure
(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure
The Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North Eastern Region (NER) funded from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) aims to provide mobile coverage to uncovered villages and National Highways.
About theComprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP):
Overview
CTDP aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure in India’s North Eastern Region (NER) by improving mobile and broadband access.
The plan is funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) programme.
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN):
Established under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Replaces the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
USOF was created to provide telecom services in remote and rural areas at affordable prices.
Funded by a 5% Universal Service Levy on the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of telecom operators.
Aimed to expand telecom networks in low-profit remote and rural areas.
Statutory Status: Granted in December 2003 through amendments to the Indian Telegraph Act (now superseded by the Telecom Act, 2023).
Salient Features
Mobile Coverage Expansion: Extend mobile coverage to previously uncovered villages and National Highways in NER.
Enhanced Connectivity: Installation of 2,619 mobile towers, covering 3,223 villages and 286 highway locations.
4G Saturation: Providing 4G connectivity to remote villages.
Support for Socio-Economic Development: Empower citizens through ICTs for development.
Digital Inclusion: Help bridge the digital divide in NER.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Funding: Primarily funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) programme.
Implementation: Coordinated through DBN-funded schemes focusing on mobile towers, 4G coverage, and broadband development.
Agencies Involved:
Ministry of Communication: Oversees implementation, ensures spectrum and policy approvals.
DBN: Provides funding and operational support.
Telecom Service Providers: Deploy infrastructure like towers and 4G networks.
State Governments of NER: Facilitate local implementation.
Project Management Agencies: Involved in setting up towers and maintenance.
PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following is/are the aims/aims of the “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India?
Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
With Donald Trump potentially returning to the White House, OPEC+ delegates express concern over higher US oil production.
His administration’s focus on deregulating the energy sector could lead to increased oil output, contributing to a further erosion of OPEC+’s market share.
About ‘Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ Plus (OPEC+)
What is OPEC+?
Formation and Purpose:
OPEC+ is a coalition of OPEC members and non-OPEC oil-producing nations that work together to manage oil production and stabilize global oil prices.
The alliance was formed in 2016 in response to increasing oil production in the United States, particularly from shale oil, which led to falling oil prices.
OPEC Members:
OPEC was founded in 1960 and includes 12 member countries: Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Venezuela.
Non-OPEC Members in OPEC+:
OPEC+ includes 10 non-OPEC members:
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan.
Global Influence:
OPEC+ countries together produce approximately 40% of the world’s crude oil and control about 80% of the world’s proven oil reserves.
Factors are influencing OPEC+’s oil production cuts
Rising US oil production: The shale boom in the US has increased its market share, impacting OPEC+’s influence.
Global price stability: OPEC+ implements production cuts to prevent oil prices from falling too low.
Weak global demand: Extended cuts due to low demand, especially in major economies.
Implications of OPEC+’s policies
Reduced market share: OPEC+’s global oil share dropped from 55% in 2016 to 48% in 2024.
Price volatility: OPEC+’s production cuts aim to stabilize prices, but increasing US production affects this goal.
Economic stability: Production cuts help sustain favorable prices for oil-producing economies.
PYQ:
[2009] Other than Venezuela, which one among the following from South America is a member of OPEC?
Q) “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment:
UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution)’ (in 2020), and ‘different types of cyber crimes ’ (2021).
In 2019, India announced plans to create the world’s largest facial recognition system for policing, which has since evolved into widespread deployment of AI-powered surveillance across railway stations and crime patrols. Plans for 50 AI satellites further expand this infrastructure. While integrating AI into law enforcement offers potential, it raises serious legal and constitutional concerns, including risks of “dragnet surveillance (Indiscriminate data collection beyond suspects, infringing on privacy rights).”
Today’s editorial focuses on the legal frameworks, gaps, and issues surrounding AI surveillance in India and its impact on constitutional rights, especially privacy.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
A robust regulatory framework is crucial to effectively manage AI’s impact on civil liberties, ensuring rights protection and responsible usage.
Existing Legal Frameworks Governing AI Surveillance in India
• Constitutional Provisions: The right to privacy is enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which was affirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark case K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017). o This ruling recognized privacy as a fundamental right, extending to informational privacy and emphasizing the need for robust legal frameworks to address challenges posed by surveillance technologies. • Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA): Enacted in 2023, the DPDPA aims to regulate data privacy and consent management. However, it has been criticized for broad exemptions that allow government agencies significant leeway in processing personal data without consent, particularly concerning medical treatment during epidemics and employment-related data. • Lack of Specific AI Regulations: Currently, there is no comprehensive legislation specifically governing AI surveillance technologies in India. While the government has promised future regulation under the Digital India Act, no draft legislation has been made public yet, leaving a regulatory gap.
Impact of AI Surveillance on Civil Liberties and Privacy Rights in India
Potential for Overreach: The deployment of AI-powered surveillance systems raises concerns about “dragnet surveillance,” where data is indiscriminately collected from individuals beyond just suspects or criminals. This can lead to significant infringements on citizens’ rights.
Data Breaches and Misuse: Incidents like the Telangana Police data breach highlight vulnerabilities in data collection practices, where sensitive information from social welfare databases was accessed without transparency or accountability.
Imbalance in Legal Framework: The existing legal framework appears skewed towards state surveillance capabilities at the expense of individual rights. The DPDPA’s provisions place heightened scrutiny on individuals while granting broad powers to the government, raising concerns about potential misuse of personal data.
Measures to Enhance Regulatory Oversight of AI Surveillance Technologies
Comprehensive Regulatory Framework: Establishing a detailed regulatory framework that addresses the implications of AI surveillance on civil liberties is essential. This framework should include clear guidelines on data collection practices, specifying what data is collected, its purpose, and retention periods.
Transparent Consent Mechanisms: Implementing stringent consent requirements with narrow exemptions is crucial. This should involve independent judicial oversight for processing personal data to ensure that citizens’ rights are protected.
Adopting a Risk-Based Approach: India could benefit from adopting a risk-based regulatory approach similar to the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which categorizes AI activities based on their risk levels and imposes restrictions on high-risk technologies.
Public Accountability and Oversight: Regular transparency reports and independent audits should be mandated for all agencies utilizing AI surveillance technologies to ensure accountability and build public trust in these systems.
Legislative Action: Prompt legislative action is needed to fill existing regulatory gaps and establish clear guidelines governing the use of AI in law enforcement, ensuring that civil liberties are not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement.
Conclusion: To safeguard civil liberties while leveraging AI surveillance, India must enact comprehensive legislation, adopt risk-based regulations, and enforce stringent consent mechanisms with judicial oversight. There is a need for prompt legislative action is critical to ensure a balanced approach between technological progress and citizens’ rights protection.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India, his first international trip as per tradition, underscores the continuity in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations.
What are the current China-related challenges in India-Sri Lanka relations?
Geopolitical Tensions: Sri Lanka’s historical ties with China, particularly during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime, have raised concerns in India regarding potential Chinese influence in the region.
China’s investment in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Hambantota Port, is closely tied to its broader String of Pearls strategy.
Economic Dependency: Sri Lanka’s reliance on Chinese investments has created a “debt trap” scenario, limiting its ability to align with Indian interests fully. The need for economic assistance from both nations complicates Sri Lanka’s foreign policy decisions, as it seeks support without alienating either side.
Balancing Act: Sri Lanka is attempting to navigate its relationships with India and China, which often puts it in a difficult position.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed intentions to strengthen ties with India while maintaining relations with China, indicating a desire for a balanced approach. However, this balancing act is complicated by India’s concerns over Chinese influence and activities in the Indian Ocean.
How can India and Sri Lanka enhance their economic and strategic partnerships?
Trade Agreements: There is a push for an upgraded India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to facilitate bilateral trade and investment. This could include provisions for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) protection and expanded coverage of goods and services.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Implementing a regional PLI scheme could encourage Indian businesses to invest in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and electronics. This initiative would help build regional supply chains and reduce dependency on imports.
B2B Engagement: Strengthening business-to-business ties, especially between smaller enterprises, could enhance economic collaboration. This involves increasing participation in trade fairs and fostering connections between businesses in southern Indian states and Sri Lanka.
What role does regional stability play? (Way forward)
Security Cooperation: Regional stability is crucial for both nations as they address external threats, particularly from China. Dissanayake’s assurance that Sri Lankan territory will not be used against Indian interests is vital for maintaining security cooperation and trust between the two countries.
Economic Recovery: As Sri Lanka recovers from its recent economic crisis, stable relations with India are essential for securing ongoing support from international financial institutions like the IMF. Enhanced cooperation can serve as a model for regional partnerships that promote stability and economic growth across South Asia.
Geopolitical Balance: A collaborative approach can help mitigate risks associated with external influences and ensure that both nations can pursue their national interests without compromising sovereignty.
Mains PYQ:
Q What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (UPSC IAS/2013)
By the end of 2023, China emerged as the leading debt collector, holding over 25% of the world’s bilateral external debt.
Two decades ago, Japan, followed by Germany, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, dominated global lending, with China rarely extending loans.
What is China’s ‘Debt Trap Policy’?
China’s “Debt Trap Policy” (also known as the ‘slicing strategy’) refers to a strategy where it provides excessive loans to developing countries, often for large infrastructure projects, which these nations struggle to repay. This policy is primarily associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
When countries default on their loans, they may be forced to cede control of critical assets to China, effectively creating a debt-for-equity swap.
Notable examples include Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port, which was leased to China for 99 years after the country failed to meet repayment obligations.
Which countries have been affected by China’s debt trap policy?
Sri Lanka: Struggled with $8 billion in debt, leading to the leasing of the Hambantota port.
Pakistan: Owes approximately $22 billion, close to 60% of its bilateral debt.
Laos: Faces significant economic challenges with $6 billion owed to China, over 75% of its bilateral debt.
Angola: Owes $17 billion, about 58% of its external debt. These countries often find themselves in financial distress due to high interest rates and the burden of debt repayments consuming essential public resources.
How are developing countries managing their debt to China?
Developing countries are employing various strategies to manage their debts to China:
Debt Restructuring: Nations like Zambia are negotiating terms to restructure their debts in light of economic difficulties.
Attracting Investment: Countries are seeking new foreign investments or loans from other nations or institutions to alleviate their financial burdens.
Engaging in Bilateral Talks: Some nations are attempting to engage China in discussions aimed at debt forgiveness or more favourable repayment terms. However, China’s reluctance to forgive debt complicates these negotiations.
What are the implications of this debt burden on regional and global geopolitics?
The implications of China’s debt policies extend beyond economics into geopolitics:
Increased Influence: By becoming the largest creditor, China gains substantial leverage over debtor nations, potentially influencing their foreign policy and strategic decisions. This is particularly evident in South Asia and Africa, where countries may align more closely with Chinese interests due to their indebtedness.
Economic Dependency: Nations heavily reliant on Chinese loans risk becoming economically dependent on China, which can limit their sovereignty and decision-making capabilities. This dependency can also lead to geopolitical tensions with other powers, such as India or the United States.
Potential Instability: The growing debt burden could lead to financial crises in several nations, resulting in political instability. The inability of countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan to manage their debts raises concerns about broader regional stability and economic health.
What are the challenges to India due to this policy?
Rising Chinese Influence and Strategic Risks: China’s lending practices are expanding its influence in South Asia, particularly in nations like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, undermining India’s role as a regional leader.
This includes control over strategic assets such as Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port and infrastructure under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the POK region, which poses direct security threats to India.
Geopolitical and Economic Competition: China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, coupled with favorable loan terms, challenges India’s investments and diplomatic efforts.
Regional Instability and Spillover Effects: Debt-driven economic instability in countries like Sri Lanka results in political unrest and humanitarian crises, which can spill over into India, necessitating responses to refugee inflows and potential destabilization in the region.
Way forward:
Strengthening Regional Partnerships: India should enhance economic and strategic cooperation with neighbouring countries through competitive financing, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure projects under transparent terms to counter China’s influence and foster regional stability.
Promoting Multilateral Solutions: India can collaborate with global institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and Quad partners to offer alternative financial support.
Mains PYQ:
Q The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC IAS/2018)
Sovereign gold bonds provide a safer and more cost-effective alternative to holding physical gold, as they reduce risks and storage expenses. However, the central government is considering discontinuing the SGB scheme.
What is the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme?
About
GOI launched it on October 30, 2015.
Structural Mandate
Nodal Agency:Ministry of Finance;
Issued by RBI on behalf of the GOI.
Aims and Objectives
To reduce dependence on gold imports and shift savings from physical gold to paper form.
Targeted Beneficiaries
Residents of India, including individuals, HUFs, trusts, universities, and charitable institutions.
Funding Mechanism
The Sovereign Gold Bonds are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. This ensures a sovereign guarantee for both the principal and interest payments.
The bonds are made available for subscription in tranches. The RBI notifies the terms and conditions for each tranche, including the subscription dates and issue price, which is based on the average closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).
SGBs are sold through various channels, including scheduled commercial banks (excluding small finance banks), designated post offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), and recognized stock exchanges like NSE and BSE.
Features
Sovereign gold Bonds are issued in 1-gram denominations with an 8-year tenure and early exit from the 5th year.
The minimum investment is 1 gram, a maximum 4 kg for individuals, and 20 kg for trusts.
Benefits include security, interest, and loan collateral.
What are the concerns regarding sovereign gold bonds?
High Cost of Financing: The government perceives the cost of financing its fiscal deficit through SGBs as disproportionately high compared to the benefits provided to investors. This perception has led to a significant reduction in the issuance of SGBs, dropping from ten tranches annually to just two.
Limited Issuance in Current Financial Year: In the financial year 2024-25, no new sovereign gold bonds have been issued so far, and net borrowing through these bonds has been significantly reduced from previous estimates.
Market Competition from Physical Gold: The recent reduction in customs duty on gold from 15% to 6% has led to a surge in demand for physical gold. Investors may prefer holding physical gold over waiting for returns from debt securities like SGBs, which require maturity periods before realizing gains.
What are the challenges due to the import of Gold?
Impact on Trade Deficit: Gold imports are a major contributor to India’s trade deficit, with a record $14.8 billion spent in November 2024, which weakened the rupee. Between 2016 and 2020, gold imports made up 86% of the country’s gold supply, leading to significant foreign exchange outflows and economic instability.
Encouragement of Smuggling: High import duties on gold have driven a rise in smuggling, with 65% to 75% of smuggled gold entering India through air routes. This illegal trade undermines government revenue and complicates market regulation.
Way forward:
Increase Liquidity and Accessibility: Similar to gold-backed ETFs in the U.S. and Gold Bullion Securities in Australia, India can enhance the liquidity of SGBs by allowing them to be traded on stock exchanges, providing easy access and better market engagement for investors.
Encourage Regular Investments: Drawing inspiration from Germany’s gold savings plans, India can introduce flexible investment options such as monthly or quarterly contributions, enabling dollar-cost averaging and attracting retail investors over time.
Mains PYQ:
Q Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme. (UPSC IAS/2015)
Landslides: Movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope under the direct influence of gravity.
It is estimated that 30% of the world’s landslides occur in the Himalayan ranges.
In the Nilgiris alone, unprecedented rains in the region triggered about 100 landslides.
The mean rate of land loss is to the tune of 120 meters per kilometer per year and the annual soil loss is about 2500 tons per square kilometer.
Landslide Vulnerability Zones:
Very High Vulnerability Zone: Highly unstable, relatively young mountainous areas in the Himalayas and Andaman and Nicobar, Western Ghats and Nilgiris, the north-eastern regions.
High Vulnerability Zone: All the Himalayan states and the states from the north-eastern regions except the plains of Assam.
Moderate to Low Vulnerability Zone: Areas that receive less precipitation such as Trans- Himalayan areas of Ladakh and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh), Aravali, rain shadow areas in the Western and Eastern Ghats and Deccan plateau.
Rockfalls: Rapid descent of individual rock fragments. Example: Landslides along mountainous roads, like the Kedarnath landslide in India (2013).
Debris Flows: Fast-moving mix of water, soil, and debris. Example: The Oso landslide in Washington, USA (2014).
Mudslides: Slurry of waterlogged soil and debris. Example: The Sierra Leone mudslides in Freetown (2017).
Landslide Avalanches: Large-scale, fast-moving landslides. Example: The Randa rockslide in Switzerland (1991).
Creep: Slow, gradual downhill movement of soil or rock. Example: Ongoing creep on hillsides globally.
Earthflows: Sluggish flow of saturated soil and debris. Example: The Vaiont Dam landslide in Italy (1963).
Lateral Spreads: Horizontal movement of soil and rock. Example: The Hope Slide in British Columbia, Canada (1965).
Criteria to Declare:
The Indian government typically relies on a combination of criteria and monitoring systems to declare landslides and issue alerts. These criteria may include:
Geological Studies: Assessment of factors like soil types, rock formations, and past landslide history.
Rainfall Data: Heavy and prolonged rainfall can saturate the soil, increasing the likelihood of landslides.
Ground Movement Monitoring: Technologies like inclinometers and GPS are used to detect ground movement or slope instability in vulnerable areas.
Remote Sensing: Satellite imagery and aerial surveys are employed
Weather Forecasts: Meteorological data and weather forecasts are examined that could trigger landslides.
Historical Data: Past landslide events and their impact on specific regions are considered when assessing the risk of future landslides.
Early Warning Systems: Many states in India have early warning systems in place to provide alerts to residents in landslide-prone areas when conditions become hazardous.
Causes:
Natural
Heavy Rainfall: Prolonged or intense rainfall can saturate the soil, making it more susceptible to sliding.
Steep Slopes: Slopes with steep gradients are more prone to landslides.
Earthquakes: Ground shaking from earthquakes can dislodge rocks and soil, leading to landslides.
Volcanic Activity: By altering the landscape or generating pyroclastic flows.
Erosion: Natural erosion processes, such as rivers undercutting hillsides.
Soil Type: Loose, poorly compacted soils are more likely to fail.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles can expand and contract water within rocks and soil, leading to fracturing and landslides.
Wildfires: Fires can destroy vegetation and alter soil properties, increasing the risk of landslides during subsequent rainfall.
Anthropogenic:
Deforestation: The removal of trees and vegetation makes slopes more susceptible to sliding.
Human Modification: Changes in land use and urbanization can increase the risk of landslides.
Human Activities: Excavation, mining, construction, and irrigation can alter the natural landscape and trigger landslides.
Lack of Drainage: Inadequate drainage systems can lead to water accumulation in the soil, increasing its weight and instability.
Restriction on the construction and other developmental activities.
Limiting agriculture to valleys and areas with moderate slopes.
Control on the development of large settlements in the high vulnerability zones.
Promoting large-scale afforestation programmes.
Constructions of bunds to reduce the flow of water.
Terrace farming should be encouraged in the northeastern hill states where Jhumming (Slash and Burn/Shifting Cultivation) is still prevalent.
Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (LRMS):
The Scheme envisages financial support for site specific Landslide Mitigation Projects recommended by landslide prone States, covering “disaster prevention strategy, disaster mitigation and R&D in monitoring of critical Landslides” thereby leading to the development of Early Warning System and Capacity Building initiatives.
NDMA Guidelines:
Do’s
Move away from landslide paths or downstream valleys quickly without wasting time.
Keep drains clean,
Grow more trees that can hold the soil through roots,
Identify areas of rock fall and subsidence of buildings, cracks that indicate landslides and move to safer areas. Even muddy river waters indicate landslides upstream.
Ensure that the toe of slope is not cut, remain protected, don’t uproot trees unless re-vegetation is planned.
Listen for unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
Stay alert, awake and active (3A’s) during the impact or probability of impact.
Try to stay with your family and companions.
Check for injured and trapped persons.
Mark path of tracking so that you can’t be lost in the middle of the forest.
Don’ts
Try to avoid construction and stay in vulnerable areas.
Do not touch or walk over loose material and electrical wiring or poles.
Do not build houses near steep slopes and near drainage paths.
Do not drink contaminated water directly from rivers, springs, wells but rain water if collected directly without is fine.
Do not move an injured person without rendering first aid unless the casualty is in immediate danger.
Way Forward:
India has a high degree of vulnerability towards the occurrence of Landslides. It is therefore not possible for the government to completely stop their occurrence. Although, it can definitely curtail their adverse impact by developing robust resilience in consonance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
Urban Floods: It is caused by the combination of meteorological, hydrological and human factors. Flood peaks from 1.8 to 8 times and flood volumes by up to 6 times.
The global Urban Exposure to flooding increased more than four-fold from 16,443 km2 in 1985 to 92,233 km2 in 2018.
The most notable growth occurred in Asia (74.1%), followed by Europe (11.6%), Northern America (8.7%), Africa (2.9%), Southern America (2.2%), and Australia (0.5%).
Floodplains only accounted for 5.5% of the global land areas, 12.6% of the urban expansion occurred in the floodplains from 1985 to 2018.
Nodal Ministry: Min. of Housing and Urban Affairs (MHUA)
Maharashtra: Cities like Mumbai and Pune are known to experience urban floods.
West Bengal: Kolkata and other low-lying regions.
Tamil Nadu: Chennai has faced significant urban flooding incidents in recent years.
Kerala: Cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are prone to flooding, due to their topography and heavy rains.
Gujarat: Urban areas in Gujarat, such as Ahmedabad, can experience flooding during heavy rainfall events, as the state is susceptible to both coastal and riverine flooding.
Assam: Guwahati and other cities in Assam face urban floods due to their location in the flood-prone Brahmaputra River basin.
Uttar Pradesh: Cities like Lucknow and Kanpur are at risk of urban flooding, often exacerbated by rapid urbanization and poor drainage infrastructure.
Bihar: Cities along the Ganges River, like Patna, are susceptible to urban flooding during monsoons and heavy rain events.
Delhi: The national capital region, including Delhi, is at risk due to urban development, inadequate drainage, and the seasonal overflow of the Yamuna River.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Cities like Hyderabad are prone to urban flooding, with incidents occurring due to heavy rainfall and rapid urban expansion.
Types of Urban Floods:
Sewer Backup Flooding: Happens when sewage systems fail, leading to inundation. Example: Bengaluru’s sewer backup flooding in low-lying areas.
Infrastructure Failure Flooding: Caused by failures in urban infrastructure, such as dam breaches or canal breaches. Example: The 1979 Machu Dam failure in Gujarat led to urban flooding.
Criteria to Declare:
In India, the criteria to declare an urban flood can vary by state and local authorities, but some common factors considered include:
Rainfall Intensity: The amount and intensity of rainfall over a specified period, often exceeding the local drainage capacity.
Waterlogging: Extensive waterlogging in urban areas, leading to disruptions in daily life and traffic flow.
River Water Levels: Rising river levels that breach their banks and inundate urban areas can trigger a flood declaration.
Drainage System Capacity: Overflow or failure of drainage systems, including stormwater drains and sewers.
Impact on Infrastructure: Damage to critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public utilities due to water accumulation is also assessed.
Evacuation Needs: The necessity of evacuating residents from affected areas due to flooding is a significant factor in declaring an urban flood.
Causes:
Encroachments on the natural drains and the river floodplains.
Improper disposal of solid waste.
Dumping of construction debris.
Sudden release or failure to release water from dams.
The urban heat island effect has resulted in an increase in rainfall.
Global climate change results in increased episodes of high-intensity rainfall events.
Mitigation:
Estimation and identification of emergency needs and resources.
Preparation of well-designed plans for the entire post-flooding response.
Take all necessary measures for planning, capacity building, and other preparedness.
It includes the development of identification of Teams for maintaining the drains and roads,
Mobilization of resources and taking measures in terms of equipping, providing training, conducting exercises for prevention of water logging/inundation etc.
NDMA Guidelines:
Battery operated torch
Extra batteries
Battery operated radio
First aid kit and essential medicines
Emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and sealed)
Candles and matches in a waterproof container
Knife
Chlorine tablets or powdered water
Thick ropes and cords
Shoes
Way Forward:
Need For Holistic Engagement: Urban floods of this scale cannot be contained by the municipal authorities alone. Floods cannot be managed without concerted and focused investments of energy and resources.
The Metropolitan Development Authorities, National Disaster Management Authority, State Revenue and irrigation departments along municipal corporations should be involved in such work together.
Developing Sponge Cities: Sponge cities absorb the rainwater, which is then naturally filtered by the soil and allowed to reach urban aquifers.
Wetland Policy: There is a need to start paying attention to the management of wetlands by involving local communities.
To improve the city’s capacity to absorb water, new porous materials and technologies must be encouraged or mandated across scales. Examples of these technologies are bioswales and retention systems, permeable materials for roads and pavement, drainage systems that allow stormwater to trickle into the ground, green roofs, and harvesting systems in buildings.
