Interrelationship of Disaster and Development in India

Interrelationship of Disaster and Development in India

GS-1, Unit-2, Sub Unit-1, HPAS Mains

India, with its diverse geography and vast population, faces a complex relationship between disaster and development. On one hand, rapid development brings prosperity, infrastructure, and urban growth; on the other, it often heightens vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters. The interconnection between these two spheres determines how resilient or fragile a society becomes. In recent years, India’s experience—from floods and cyclones to urban heatwaves and landslides—has highlighted the critical need to integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) into the development process.

Understanding the Link Between Disaster and Development

• Development and disasters are two sides of the same coin.
  Development choices—such as where and how we build—can either reduce or increase disaster risks.
• Poorly planned development increases disaster vulnerability.
  Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and unregulated construction often amplify the impact of floods, earthquakes, and landslides.
• Disasters can reverse decades of development gains.
  Every major disaster—whether it’s the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, 2018 Kerala floods, or 2023 Sikkim cloudburst—destroys infrastructure, livelihoods, and public investments.
• Resilient development can minimize future losses.
  Integrating disaster preparedness and climate resilience into policies ensures long-term sustainability.

Disaster and Development Scenario in Present-Day India

1. Increasing Climate-Related Disasters

• India is witnessing a rise in climate-induced disasters—floods, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones.
• Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai face heat stress and urban flooding due to shrinking green spaces and poor drainage.
• The Himalayan region faces frequent landslides and flash floods due to deforestation, road expansion, and hydropower projects.

2. Urbanization and Infrastructure Pressure

• India’s urban population is projected to reach 600 million by 2036.
• Unregulated urban expansion, encroachments on floodplains, and poor waste management make cities disaster-prone.
• The 2023 Bengaluru flooding illustrated how unplanned urban growth can paralyze economic hubs.

3. Agricultural Vulnerability

• About 58% of India’s workforce depends on agriculture, making rural livelihoods highly climate-sensitive.
• Irregular monsoons, droughts in Maharashtra, and floods in Bihar disrupt food security and rural incomes.
• Overexploitation of groundwater and poor soil management further deepen the crisis.

4. Industrial and Technological Hazards

• Development of chemical, nuclear, and mining industries has introduced new forms of risk.
• The Vizag gas leak (2020) and Bhopal gas tragedy (1984) show how industrial negligence can have long-term developmental consequences.

5. Socio-Economic Inequality and Disaster Impact

• Disasters disproportionately affect the poor, women, and marginalized communities.
• Informal settlements in cities and remote rural areas often lack basic infrastructure and safety measures.
• Post-disaster recovery is slower for these groups, widening the development gap.

Policies and Institutional Framework in India

• Disaster Management Act (2005) established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to institutionalize disaster preparedness.
• National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) integrates disaster risk reduction with development planning.
• Sendai Framework (2015–2030) principles are being incorporated into national strategies.
• Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and PM Awas Yojana include provisions for resilient infrastructure and housing.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched by India, promotes global cooperation in resilient infrastructure development.

Despite these initiatives, implementation challenges—like inadequate coordination, limited local capacity, and weak enforcement—persist.

Case Studies: Lessons from Recent Disasters

• Kerala Floods (2018):
  Heavy rainfall combined with deforestation, quarrying, and unregulated dam management worsened the disaster. Post-flood reconstruction adopted a more sustainable approach emphasizing watershed management.
• Cyclone Fani (2019):
  Effective evacuation and early warning systems in Odisha reduced casualties, showing how preparedness and planning can save lives.
• Joshimath Land Subsidence (2023):
  Over-construction and fragile geology highlight the cost of ignoring environmental sensitivity in development.

Way Forward: Building a Disaster-Resilient Development Model

1. Integrate DRR into Development Planning

• Include disaster impact assessments in every major project.
• Ensure urban master plans align with environmental and climate realities.

2. Strengthen Early Warning and Local Preparedness

• Invest in real-time data, GIS-based mapping, and local disaster management committees.
• Encourage community-based disaster management (CBDM).

3. Promote Sustainable Infrastructure

• Adopt green building codes, flood-resilient designs, and eco-friendly materials.
• Implement nature-based solutions—like mangrove restoration and wetland protection—to act as natural buffers.

4. Empower Local Governments

• Decentralize disaster management functions to Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies.
• Provide funding and training to strengthen local response systems.

5. Build Climate-Resilient Livelihoods

• Diversify rural income sources through agroforestry, sustainable farming, and skill development.
• Promote insurance schemes to reduce post-disaster financial burdens.

6. Public Awareness and Education

• Integrate disaster education into school curricula.
• Use social media and community radio for awareness and early warnings.

Conclusion

The interrelationship between disaster and development in India is deeply intertwined—each influencing the other in profound ways. While development can either mitigate or magnify disaster risk, the key lies in planning that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. As India moves towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, embedding disaster resilience into every layer of development policy is not an option—it is an urgent necessity for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the nation’s sustainable future.