India’s Disaster Management and Response Progression
The document outlines India’s advancements in disaster management since 2019, focusing on initiatives aimed at enhancing preparedness, response efficiency, and inclusivity. Here are key highlights:
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Focus on Disaster Resilience:
- Government emphasizes the role of mobile apps like ‘Bhuwan’ (weather info for farmers), ‘Flood Watch,’ and ‘Damini’ (alerting to lightning strikes) to aid disaster management.
- The ‘Meghdoot’ app provides weather data, crucial for agriculture and fishermen, indicating progress in digital solutions.
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Inter-State Council Operations:
- Inter-State Council under the Ministry of Home Affairs handles state-center issues through informal meetings, aiming to strengthen federal structure with initiatives like the Vibrant Village Programme.
- The Vibrant Village Programme in Arunachal Pradesh started with 455 villages and is designed to make them first in facilities by providing funding from both centers.
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Vibrant Villages Initiative:
- This initiative, launched to address rural vulnerabilities, has introduced mobile app-based services for improved community living and infrastructure.
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Zonal Council Meetings:
- Zonal Council meetings (central and state) focus on critical issues, with 27 meetings since 2014, though resolution rates were lower compared to federal contexts.
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National Displacement Response Framework (NDRF):
- Focuses on flood preparedness through mobile apps, including ‘Samudra’ for ocean information and others, reflecting a digital-first approach in disaster management.
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Inter-State Council Operations Summary:
- While initially informal, the Inter-State Council operates to address border security issues, aiming for more equitable solutions across states.
Conclusion: India’s approach emphasizes collaboration through mobile apps, innovation in rural development, and digitization of disaster response. The efforts aim to create inclusive, efficient, and resilient communities by integrating technology and targeted initiatives.