Q.17 The Disaster Management Act, 2005 envisages a paradigm shift from a response and relief centric approach to a proactive and comprehensive approach covering all aspects of prevention, mitigation and preparedness in disaster management. In this regard, do you think Assam has been able to shift its focus as envisaged in the Act? Discuss.
27,Jan 2025
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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The Disaster Management Act, 2005 marks a significant shift in India’s disaster management approach by emphasizing prevention, mitigation, and preparedness alongside response and relief. Assam, prone to multiple disasters such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and erosion, faces unique challenges in adopting a proactive disaster management strategy. While the state has made progress in institutional frameworks and initiatives, its ability to fully realize the Act’s vision remains a work in progress.
Progress in Shifting Focus Towards Proactive Disaster Management
1. Institutional Framework and Planning
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), established under the Act, has developed the State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) and district-specific plans focusing on hazard risk assessment, mitigation, and capacity building.
Reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) (2021) noted improvements in Assam’s preparedness mechanisms, including mock drills and training programs for first responders.
2. Early Warning Systems
Collaboration with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) has enhanced flood and landslide early warning systems, benefiting over 6 lakh people annually by reducing loss of life and property.
Real-time forecasting under the Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS), developed with NESAC, is operational in flood-prone districts.
3. Community-Based Disaster Preparedness
ASDMA has conducted training for 2,000+ community volunteers under its Village Disaster Management Plan (VDMP) initiative to improve response during disasters.
Projects under the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC), such as the Majuli flood resilience program, emphasize local capacity building.
4. Structural Mitigation Measures
Embankments and riverbank protection works have been carried out under the Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Program (AIFRERMIP).
The construction of raised platforms and flood shelters has benefited vulnerable communities, reducing displacement during annual floods.
5. Integration of Climate Resilience
The Assam Climate Change Management Society (ACCMS) works alongside ASDMA to integrate climate adaptation measures into disaster mitigation plans, addressing long-term risks from climate variability.
Initiatives such as Mission Amrit Brikshya Andolan aim to increase forest cover to mitigate flood risks.
Challenges in Fully Realizing the Act’s Vision
1. Inadequate Flood Management
Despite embankments, over 2 million hectares of Assam’s land remains flood-prone annually, indicating limited effectiveness of structural measures.
Reports from the Central Water Commission (CWC) highlight that outdated embankments and delays in maintenance exacerbate flood impacts.
2. Limited Focus on Landslides and Earthquakes
Assam falls in Seismic Zone V, yet preparedness for earthquakes remains limited. Risk assessment and retrofitting of infrastructure are largely absent.
Landslides in hilly regions like Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong lack comprehensive mitigation strategies, as noted by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).
3. Coordination Gaps
Coordination between state, district, and village-level authorities is inconsistent, impacting the implementation of disaster management plans.
The CAG Report (2021) noted insufficient integration of disaster risk reduction strategies into developmental planning at district levels.
4. Community Awareness and Participation
While VDMP initiatives exist, they cover only a fraction of vulnerable communities, leaving significant gaps in preparedness.
5. Underutilization of Technology
While early warning systems have improved, the penetration of real-time data to vulnerable communities remains low due to limited digital infrastructure in rural areas.
Recommendations for Strengthening Proactive Disaster Management
1. Enhancing Flood Mitigation Efforts
Modernize embankments with geo-synthetic materials and strengthen flood shelters in flood-prone areas.
Expand initiatives like FLEWS to integrate real-time flood forecasting and mobile-based alerts for all districts.
2. Improving Earthquake and Landslide Preparedness
Implement retrofitting of critical infrastructure in line with the National Building Code (NBC) to withstand seismic impacts.
Develop a comprehensive landslide hazard mapping program for hilly areas using advanced GIS tools.
3. Integrating Climate Resilience
Mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measures into urban planning, rural development, and infrastructure projects.
Strengthen initiatives like ACCMS to address long-term climate-related vulnerabilities.
4. Capacity Building and Community Involvement
Scale up VDMP initiatives to cover all vulnerable communities, focusing on women and marginalized groups.
Conduct regular mock drills and awareness campaigns under ASDMA in collaboration with NGOs and local bodies.
5. Leveraging Technology
Enhance the use of AI and satellite technology for real-time monitoring of multi-hazard risks.
Collaborate with institutions like NESAC to integrate risk mapping with local-level planning.
While Assam has made strides in proactive disaster management through initiatives like ASDMA, AIFRERMIP, and early warning systems, challenges in flood management, seismic preparedness, and community integration persist. A more comprehensive approach involving modern infrastructure, technology adoption, and enhanced community participation is needed to align with the Disaster Management Act, 2005. By bridging these gaps, Assam can effectively shift from a response-oriented to a resilience-driven disaster management framework.