India recently shared a report about its efforts to fight climate change. The report includes details about how much greenhouse gases (GHG) the country produces and the steps it has taken to reduce these emissions as part of its global climate promises.
What is the Biennial Update Report (BUR)?
The Biennial Update Report (BUR) is a detailed report that developing countries, including India, submit to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This report outlines their efforts toward climate action, as mandated under the Paris Agreement.
BURs include an overview of national circumstances related to climate, socio-economic factors, and forestry, along with a comprehensive inventory of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their sources. They also detail national action plans for emission mitigation and the support received for climate-related initiatives.
What are the BUR-4’s highlights and submissions on emissions inventory?
Total GHG Emissions: In 2020, India’s total GHG emissions were reported at 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. After accounting for land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF), net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes, reflecting a 7.93% decrease from 2019 levels.
Reduction in Emissions Intensity: The report indicates that from 2005 to 2020, India’s emissions intensity of GDP decreased by 36%. This metric measures GHG emissions per unit of economic output, highlighting improved energy efficiency and a shift towards renewable energy sources.
Sectoral Contributions: The energy sector was the largest contributor to emissions, accounting for 75.66%, with electricity production alone responsible for 39% of total emissions. Agriculture contributed 13.72%, while industrial processes and waste management accounted for 8.06% and 2.56%, respectively.
What does BUR-4 say about the status of India’s climate commitments?
The BUR-4 outlines India’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming for a 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
The report notes that between 2005 and 2021, India created an additional carbon sink of approximately 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover, contributing significantly to its climate goals.
What has the report said about India’s tech needs for climate-conscious growth? (Way forward)
Advanced Technologies for Low-Carbon Growth: The report emphasizes the necessity for adopting cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, including solar energy, wind energy, bioenergy, electric vehicles, and carbon capture and storage.
Capacity Building: Strengthening institutional frameworks and workforce capabilities is essential for effective implementation of climate policies and programs. This involves training personnel and developing skills necessary to manage and operate advanced technologies.
Financial and Technological Support: The BUR-4 identifies a significant gap in technology transfer from developed countries, which hampers India’s ability to implement necessary climate solutions. India calls for increased international cooperation to facilitate technology transfer, eliminate intellectual property barriers, and provide financial assistance to support its climate initiatives.
Integration of Technology in Key Sectors: The report highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies into critical sectors that contribute to emissions, such as agriculture and energy.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC IAS/2022)
The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti. Conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the report provides a scientific baseline for groundwater quality across India.
Data collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend stations both before and after the monsoon.
Contamination Levels
Nitrate
20% of samples exceeded the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
Hotspots include Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra (>40% of samples), Telangana (27.48%), Andhra Pradesh (23.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (22.58%).
States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland remain within safe limits.
Fluoride
9.04% of samples above permissible limits.
Affected states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Arsenic
Detected in Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains (West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh).
Linked to cancer and skin lesions.
Uranium
42% of Rajasthan and 30% of Punjab samples exceed 100 ppb.
Over-exploited zones in Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh also show elevated levels, posing kidney damage risks.
Agricultural Suitability
SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) & RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate): 81% of samples suitable for irrigation; 100% suitability in North-Eastern states.
High Sodium: Elevated levels in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, risking soil degradation.
Salinity (as a measure of Electrical Conductivity (EC)): High in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka.
Temporal Trends
Seasonal Improvements: Post-monsoon recharge improves EC (salinity) and fluoride levels.
Stable Nitrate since 2015 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.
Rising Nitrate (2017–2023) in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana.
Hotspots of Contamination
Nitrate:
Rajasthan (Barmer, Jodhpur), Maharashtra (Wardha, Jalgaon), Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu), Tamil Nadu (Villupuram), Punjab (Bathinda).
Uranium:
Over-exploited aquifers in Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat.
Arsenic:
Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar.
What are the key factors contributing to decline in Groundwater quality?
Groundwater quality declines due to:
Industrialization, with untreated waste introducing heavy metals and chemicals into aquifers, and agricultural practices, where excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nitrate contamination.
Urbanization worsens the problem through improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.
Over-extraction for agriculture and domestic use lowers water tables, exposing aquifers to pollutants like arsenic and uranium.
Climate change and poor livestock waste management further exacerbate contamination and reduce aquifer recharge.
Government Initiatives to conserve Groundwater
Jal Jeevan Mission – Groundwater Component (2023): Ensures source sustainability for rural water supply by focusing on groundwater recharge and sustainable extraction with local governance participation.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain (2021): A nationwide campaign promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, emphasizing the creation of water conservation structures.
National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (Updated 2020): Maps groundwater aquifers to guide sustainable management, particularly in over-exploited areas.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (2019): Focuses on sustainable groundwater management through community participation in seven water-stressed states, with decentralized planning involving Gram Panchayats.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.
AboutSimilipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Details
Geographical Features
Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
Melanistic Tigers:
Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.
PYQ:
[2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.
The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector.
AboutPangong Lake (Pangong Tso)
Its name is derived from the Tibetan term “Pangong Tso,” meaning “high grassland lake.” It is an endorheic (landlocked) lake with no outflow.
Location & Size:
Spans 134 km, divided between India (1/3) and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (2/3).
Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, covers 604 sq. km, and is 5 km wide at its broadest point.
Water & Climate:
Brackish water that completely freezes in winter.
The lake’s color shifts with sunlight and weather, displaying shades of blue, green, and red.
Wildlife: Acts as a breeding ground for Bar-Headed Geese, Brahmini Ducks, and Radix freshwater snails.
Strategic Importance: Located in the Chushul approach, a key route for potential Chinese offensives, and was a major site of conflict during the 1962 war.
Political Features:
Border & Control: Lies on the Ladakh-China border, with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) passing through it.
Contested Terrain: The northern bank is a hotspot due to differing boundary perceptions; China has built roads highlighting the lake’s strategic value.
1999 Incident: During Operation Vijay, China constructed a 5-km road inside Indian territory.
2020 Standoff:
Began on May 5, 2020, following a clash in the Pangong Lake area.
Disengagement on the north and south banks concluded in 2021.
On October 21, 2024, India and China resolved the final friction points (Demchok, Depsang), ending a four-and-half-year border standoff.
The 2014-2016 Pacificmarine heatwave (MHW) killed over four million common murres (Uria aalge) (IUCN: Least Concerned) in Alaska. A study published in Science revealed that this event marked the largest recorded vertebrate die-off linked to warming oceans.
About Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)
Details
What is it?
As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), prolonged periods of sea surface temperatures rising 3 to 4°C above average for at least five consecutive days.
IMD defines a marine heat wave (MHW) as a period when the sea’s temperature is above the 90th percentile(seasonally varying threshold) for at least 5 consecutive days.
Can last fromweeks to years, depending on intensity and extent.
Frequency: Increasing in both occurrence and intensity due to climate change.
Identified as one of the most significant stressors on global marine ecosystems, causing large-scale disruptions.
Key Observations on MHWs
2014-2016 Pacific MHW:
Caused the death of over 4 million common murres (Uria aalge) in Alaska, the largest vertebrate die-off linked to warming oceans.
Highlighted rapid and severe population declines in marine birds and a lack of ecosystem recovery even years later.
Increasing frequency and intensity are reshaping ecosystems, creating new survival challenges for marine species.
Evidence of shifts in marine environments, disrupting population dynamics.
Impacts of MHWs
On Ecosystems:
Mass Mortality: Loss of habitat-forming species like kelps and corals, degrading ecosystems.
Trophic Cascades: Displacement of lower-trophic species and reduced ecosystem productivity.
On Marine Species:
Reduced breeding success and increased mortality.
Example: 2014–2016 Pacific MHW killed half the common murre population in Alaska.
On Biodiversity:
Loss of key predators disrupts food webs.
Threatened species face survival challenges due to limited adaptability.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?
OMT is measured up to a depth of 26ºC isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.
OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long term mean.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules contain ambiguities that could enable the illegal trade of elephants.
What are the current welfare standards for captive elephants?
Legal Framework: Elephants are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, but enforcement is weak.
The Kerala High Court has issued directions to ensure compliance with the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, yet many elephants lack proper ownership documentation, indicating illegal possession.
Exploitation for Commercial Gain: Captive elephants are often used in religious festivals and tourism, which the Kerala High Court described as “commercial exploitation” devoid of concern for their well-being.
This exploitation is exacerbated by the competitive nature of temple festivals where the number of elephants paraded is prioritized over their welfare.
Physical and Psychological Impact: Captive elephants endure harsh conditions, including inadequate diets, lack of proper medical care, and exposure to stressful environments during festivals.
Mortality rates among captive elephants due to these factors is approximately 33% of recorded captive elephants in Kerala died between 2018 and 2024.
What are the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012?
The rules for captive elephants mandate age-based definitions, housing space standards, nutritional requirements (e.g., 250 kg fodder for adults), regular health monitoring, and restrictions on using elephants in the musth.
A management committee oversees implementation, ensuring welfare through multi-department collaboration, including forestry, veterinary, and animal welfare representatives.
What are the ambiguities in the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules?
The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aim to regulate the movement of captive elephants within and between states in India. However, these rules contain several ambiguities that raise concerns among animal rights activists and experts regarding their potential misuse
Ambiguity in Transfer Rules: Vague criteria for elephant transfers, such as inadequate care or potential for better maintenance, risk enabling unauthorized sales disguised as legitimate transactions.
Ownership Transfer Oversight: Shifting application responsibility to the deputy conservator of forests, instead of the CWW, weakens protections and facilitates improper transfers, potentially treating elephants as movable assets.
Transport Justification Gap: The absence of a requirement to justify temporary interstate transport allows leasing or renting of elephants, further commodifying and jeopardizing their welfare.
Weak Genetic Profiling: Despite mandates for recording genetic profiles, lax monitoring can enable illegal captures to be misrepresented as legitimate ownership.
Database Deficiency: The lack of a national database tracking ownership and genetic details of captive elephants hampers regulation and increases the risk of illegal transfers.
Inadequate Exploitation Safeguards: The rules fail to sufficiently prevent the commercial use of elephants in religious events or entertainment, incentivizing wild captures under false pretences.
How do captivity conditions affect the physical and psychological well-being of elephants?
Physical Health: Elephants in captivity often suffer from malnutrition due to a poor diet that lacks the variety available in the wild. For instance, some are only fed glucose-rich fodder instead of a balanced diet.
Psychological Well-being: The social nature of elephants means that isolation and abusive training methods can lead to severe psychological distress. The use of capture belts and other coercive training devices has been criticized for causing both physical and emotional harm.
High Incidence of Distress: Anecdotal evidence suggests that captive elephants frequently exhibit signs of distress, including aggressive behavior or attempts to escape, which can endanger both themselves and surrounding humans.
What reforms are necessary to improve the management and care of captive elephants? (Way forward)
Strengthening Regulation: There is a need for clearer regulations to prevent the commercial exploitation of elephants. The current rules allow for ownership transfers without prohibiting commercial transactions, which could facilitate illegal wildlife trade.
Implementation of Humane Practices: Mandating humane birth control measures and prohibiting the use of live elephants in entertainment could help reduce the number entering captivity.
Alternatives like electronic simulations could replace live elephants in religious ceremonies.
Monitoring and Accountability: The rules should require post-mortem examinations for deceased elephants during transfers to ensure accountability.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborative efforts involving civil society, government bodies, and NGOs are essential to develop comprehensive guidelines that prioritize elephant welfare over commercial interests.
Mains question for practice:
Q Discuss the ambiguities in the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 and suggest reforms needed to address these issues. (250 words) 15M
The Border Security Force (BSF) has rescued a Serval, the African wild cat (Leptailurus serval) from an alleged wildlife smuggling attempt along the India-Bangladesh border.
AboutAfrican Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval):
Details
About
Scientific Name: Leptailurus serval
Common Name: African Wild Cat, Serval
Family: Felidae
Physical Description: Medium-sized wild cat with a slim, long-legged body, tawny coat with black spots and stripes, and large rounded ears. Can leap 3 meters (10 feet) vertically.
Habitat and Features
Found across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Preferred Habitats: Savannahs, grasslands, and wetlands; avoids arid regions and dense forests.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Uses acute hearing to hunt.
Behavior: Solitary, nocturnal or crepuscular, and communicates through vocalizations and scent-marking.
Reproduction: Breeds year-round, with 2–3 kittens per litter; gestation period is 74 days.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Listed as Least Concern.
CITES: Included in Appendix II to regulate trade.
Threats: Habitat loss, illegal hunting for fur, and conflicts with humans (e.g., poultry attacks).
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q) On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on fourteen countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of tsunamis and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on topics like ‘ tsunami’ in (2017) and ‘NDMA’ in (2014,2016, 2017, 2020).
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a powerful reminder of nature’s force and human vulnerability. Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, was one of the hardest-hit areas, but the disaster also sparked important changes in disaster response and preparedness. Over the past 20 years, India has made significant progress in disaster management. However, challenges like urbanization, climate change, and more frequent extreme weather events continue to create new risks. Revisiting Nagapattinam’s experience provides valuable lessons for improving future disaster strategies and building stronger, more resilient communities.
Today’s Editorial focuses on the disaster due to the tsunami. This content can be used for presenting the mains answer while talking about disaster management In India.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami is a moment to assess progress and gaps in disaster strategies. Nagapattinam’s experience highlights the critical need for building and sustaining long-term resilience.
What factors contributed to Nagapattinam’s journey of resilience?
Immediate Response and Coordination: Following the tsunami, Nagapattinam benefited from well-coordinated rescue operations led by experienced officers and supported by local volunteers, military personnel, and various government departments.
This swift action was crucial in managing the chaos and addressing immediate needs such as medical aid and shelter.
Infrastructure Restoration: The restoration of essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, and road connectivity, was prioritized.
Over 13,000 temporary shelters were constructed to accommodate displaced families, which played a vital role in stabilizing the community.
Holistic Rehabilitation Efforts: The recovery strategy incorporated Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures that emphasized building resilient communities.
This included constructing over 55,000 multi-hazard-resistant homes and establishing disaster-ready healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
Community Involvement: The active participation of over 400 NGOs in providing essential services fostered community ownership of recovery efforts.
Local communities were empowered to engage in their recovery processes, enhancing resilience through collective action.
Policy and Institutional Reforms: The disaster catalyzed significant reforms in India’s disaster management framework, including the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the enactment of the Disaster Management Act in 2005.
These reforms institutionalized disaster preparedness and response mechanisms at various levels of government.
How can the lessons learned from this experience be applied to other vulnerable regions?
Emphasizing Preparedness: The importance of establishing early warning systems and enhancing community preparedness can be applied to other vulnerable regions. This includes regular training exercises and community drills to ensure readiness for future disasters.
Integrating DRR into Development Plans: Other regions can learn from Nagapattinam’s integration of DRR measures into urban planning and infrastructure development, ensuring that resilience is built into the fabric of communities from the outset.
Community Engagement: Involving local populations in recovery efforts fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, which is crucial for long-term resilience. Engaging communities in planning and implementation can lead to more effective disaster management strategies.
Comprehensive Insurance Mechanisms: Expanding risk insurance beyond crops to cover housing and other assets is vital for enhancing financial resilience against disasters. This approach can help mitigate economic losses in future events.
What are the ongoing challenges faced by Nagapattinam in its journey towards sustainable development?
Evolving Risks: Nagapattinam continues to face challenges from evolving risks associated with climate change, urbanization, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These factors necessitate ongoing innovation in disaster management strategies.
Sustaining Community Engagement: Maintaining active community participation in disaster preparedness initiatives remains a challenge as memories of past disasters fade. Continuous education and engagement are required to keep communities vigilant.
Resource Allocation: Ensuring efficient allocation of resources for ongoing recovery efforts is crucial but can be hampered by bureaucratic hurdles or misalignment with local needs. Institutional frameworks must be strengthened to facilitate better coordination between NGOs and government agencies.
Addressing Vulnerabilities: Disasters disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including women, children, and differently-abled individuals. Continued focus on inclusive policies that address these vulnerabilities is essential for building equitable resilience.
What are the NDMA guidelines to prevent this type of disaster?
• Early Warning Systems: Establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) for real-time monitoring and alerts using satellite data, sensors, and seismic readings. • Community Awareness: Public awareness campaigns and regular drills to educate coastal populations on tsunami risks, evacuation routes, and safety measures. • Preparedness Plans: Local disaster management plans with clear evacuation routes, shelters, and training for officials, responders, and volunteers. • Coastal Zone Management: Risk-reducing coastal planning with tsunami-resistant structures and sustainable land use practices. • Infrastructure Resilience: Strengthening infrastructure, including tsunami-resistant buildings and sea walls, and enhancing communication networks. • Collaboration with Communities: Involving local communities in disaster preparedness, with the establishment of local disaster management committees. • Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research into tsunami risks and hazards to improve warning systems and preparedness strategies.
Way forward:
Strengthening Resilience through Innovation and Inclusion: Develop adaptive disaster management strategies that incorporate advanced technologies like AI-driven risk assessments and community-based DRR measures.
Sustained Community Engagement and Education: Regularly conduct training, workshops, and awareness programs to keep communities prepared and involved. Leverage local knowledge and foster ownership in disaster preparedness to maintain long-term vigilance and resilience.
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raises serious concerns. Instead of addressing the shortcomings of the Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005, the Bill reduces opportunities for participation, accountability, and efficient governance.
What are the lapses in the recent bill?
Top-Down Terminology: The Bill employs terms like “monitor” and “guidelines,” which suggest a top-down approach, rather than fostering community engagement through terms like “supervision” and “direction.”
This undermines trust between authorities and local communities, which are crucial in disaster response.
Neglect of Local Roles: While the Bill defines critical concepts such as ‘hazard’, ‘resilience’, and ‘vulnerability’, it fails to recognise the essential roles of local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
Lack of Intersectional Consideration: The Bill does not address intersectional discrimination affecting vulnerable groups like women, disabled individuals, lower castes, and LGBTQIA communities. Ignoring these factors limits the Bill’s inclusivity and effectiveness.
Absence of Accountability Mechanisms: The omission of performance evaluations for district authorities raises concerns about accountability. Without mechanisms to assess preparedness and response effectiveness, there is a risk of shifting blame onto individual philanthropic efforts during disasters.
Exclusion of Law and Order Issues: By stating that ‘man-made causes’ do not include law and order matters, the Bill complicates the role of police in disaster management while still involving them in executive committees.
Removal of Relief Standards: Key provisions regarding minimum standards of relief for disaster victims have been omitted from the Bill. This includes special provisions for vulnerable populations such as widows and orphans, which diminishes the support system for those affected by disasters.
Centralisation of Power: The Bill centralises decision-making by transferring responsibilities from local executive committees to national authorities, potentially leading to inefficiencies and delays in disaster response.
Neglect of Animal Welfare: The Bill does not address the impact of disasters on animals or include provisions for their welfare, which is a significant oversight given the scale of animal casualties during disasters.
Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA): The rationale behind establishing a separate UDMA is unclear, raising questions about its effectiveness given existing municipal structures that may not adequately address urban flooding issues caused by poor planning.
What are the lessons learnt from a spectrum of areas?
Community Engagement: Successful disaster responses have historically relied on local knowledge and community action.
For example,inCyclone Aila (2009, Sundarbans): Local villagers and fisherfolk initiated rescue operations well before official disaster response teams could arrive, saving countless lives.
Intersectionality Matters: Acknowledging diverse vulnerabilities ensures that disaster management strategies are comprehensive and equitable.
For example, Kerala Floods (2018): Specific interventions for women and children in relief camps improved health and hygiene outcomes, showcasing the value of targeted measures.
Accountability is Crucial: Clear accountability mechanisms are necessary to ensure that authorities fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
For example, in Uttarakhand Flash Floods (2013): Lack of timely action by district authorities and poor preparedness exacerbated the disaster’s impact, underscoring the need for performance evaluations.
Can Regional collaboration work out?
Regional collaboration could significantly enhance disaster management efforts, particularly in South Asia where cross-border challenges are prevalent:
Shared Resources and Knowledge: Collaborative frameworks among countries like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BRICS could facilitate resource sharing and knowledge exchange during disasters.
Joint Preparedness Plans: Developing regional action plans based on shared vulnerabilities can strengthen collective responses to disasters.
Addressing Zoonotic Diseases: Given the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases, a coordinated regional approach could improve public health responses during disasters.
What is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is a comprehensive international agreement aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience globally.
It was adopted by UN member states during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan, from March 14 to 18, 2015.
India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).
Way forward:
Strengthen Community Participation and Inclusivity: Amend the Bill to explicitly involve local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
Promote Accountability and Regional Cooperation: Introduce performance evaluations for district authorities to ensure preparedness and effective disaster responses.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (UPSC IAS/2018)
PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project, the first project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers, conceptualized in 1980. The project would submerge over 10 per cent of the core area of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
About the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP):
About
Objective: Transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
Ken-Betwa Canal: Envisages a 221 km canal (including a 2-km tunnel) for water diversion.
Submergence area: Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.
It’s the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (1980).
Targeted completion within 8 years, as per the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Key Components
It will irrigate 10.62 lakh ha (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP) and provide drinking water to ~62 lakh people.
Power Generation: Aims for 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
Phases:
Phase-I: Construction of Daudhan Dam, related tunnels, canal, and powerhouses.
Phase-II: Building of Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
Daudhan Dam:
Foundation stone laid in December 2024 by PM Narendra Modi.
2,031 m in length and 77 m in height, submerging ~9,000 ha across 10 villages.
Construction contract awarded to NCC Ltd.
Geographical Features of Ken and Betwa River
Ken River: Rises near Ahirgawan in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Bundelkhand, joins the Yamuna near Chilla village in UP.
Betwa River: Originates in the Vindhya Range (near Hoshangabad, MP), also flows through Bundelkhand, and meets the Yamuna at Hamirpur (UP).
Both rivers traverse hilly and plateau regions of Bundelkhand, often facing drought-like conditions.
Both are highly seasonal; flows depend largely on monsoon rainfall.
Significance
Water Scarcity Mitigation: Aims to alleviate drought-like conditions in Bundelkhand by ensuring year-round irrigation.
Enhanced Agriculture: 10.62 lakh ha of farmland to benefit, improving crop yields and farm income.
Drinking Water Supply: Targets ~62 lakh people in MP and UP, improving public health.
Energy Generation: A total of 130 MW (103 MW hydropower + 27 MW solar), boosting renewable energy capacity in rural areas.
Bundelkhand Development: Expected to spur socio-economic growth, reduce rural distress and migration, and aid industrial expansion.
Template for Future Projects: As the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan, its success could pave the way for additional river-linking schemes nationwide.
PYQ:
[2020] The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
