GS III-DISASTER MANAGEMENT Disasters: Mechanisms and Funding Natural disasters pose significant challenges to states, often overwhelming their capacity to respond effectively. To mitigate the impact, India has established a structured disaster management framework under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DMA), which provides both institutional and financial support to states facing …
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HIMALAYAN TRAGEDY – Impact and Control
GS-1: Geography (Avalanches, Himalayan Terrain) GS-3: Disaster Management (Rescue Operations, Preparedness Strategies) Key Highlights Avalanche Disaster in Uttarakhand: Avalanche at Mana village (Uttarakhand) buried 54 workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) site. 23 workers were rescued, but 8 died due to extreme snowfall at 10,500 feet altitude. Indian Army, …
Read More »FLOOD RISKS RISING IN HIGH MOUNTAIN ASIA
GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT: A new study titled “Flood Complexity and Rising Exposure Risk in High Mountain Asia under Climate Change” warns of increasing flood frequency and unpredictability in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountain ranges. Since 2000, floods have been occurring outside traditional monsoon periods, posing significant threats to communities …
Read More »DELHI’S EARTHQUAKE RISKS
GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT: A recent 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Delhi has highlighted the region’s seismic vulnerability, with tremors also felt in Bihar, Odisha, and Sikkim. This has reignited concerns about the possibility of a “Great Himalayan Earthquake.” Delhi’s Seismic Risk Seismic Zone: Delhi falls in Zone 4, making it highly prone …
Read More »UTTARKASHI EARTHQUAKE SWARM
GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT Recent Activity: Nine minor quakes hit Uttarkashi between January 24 and February 3, 2025, sparking local concern. What is an Earthquake Swarm? A series of similar-magnitude tremors in a short period, without a distinct mainshock. Geological Context: Located in India’s high-risk seismic Zone IV, Uttarkashi is prone …
Read More »FOREST FIRES IN INDIA: A GROWING CRISIS
GS3 – DISASATER MANAGEMENT Overview: Forest fires in India have reached alarming levels, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded across five fire seasons. The peak fire season, from November to June, severely affects ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities, yet often receives less global attention compared to wildfires in other regions …
Read More »WAYANAD LANDSLIDES CATEGORIZED AS SEVERE DISASTER
GS3 – DISASTER MANAGEMENT The recent designation of the Wayanad landslides as a disaster of “severe nature” highlights the gravity of the situation and triggers enhanced governmental response. This decision follows widespread criticism over insufficient financial support for victims. The catastrophic event, which occurred on July 30, resulted in over …
Read More »Bhopal Gas Tragedy and Chemical Disasters in India
GS 3-Disaster Mangement On December 3, 1984, a catastrophic leak of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas occurred at a pesticide plant operated by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL). Even after four decades, substantial amounts of toxic waste remain at the UCIL premises. This incident marked India’s first significant chemical (industrial) disaster. …
Read More »Disaster Management Act, 2005
GS 3 – Disaster Management The Disaster Management Act, 2005 was introduced to create a system for managing disasters in India. It outlines policies for effective disaster management, risk reduction, and rehabilitation. Objectives Disaster Management Policies: The Act focuses on creating and implementing policies for disaster management. Disaster Prevention and …
Read More »Stampedes
GS 3: Disaster Management A stampede is sudden, chaotic crowd movement causing injuries or fatalities, often triggered by panic or overcrowding. Notable Incidents in India: 2008 Naina Devi Temple: Landslide rumors caused 145 deaths. 2017 Mumbai Bridge: Overcrowding led to 22 fatalities. 2022 Vaishno Devi Shrine: Panic caused 22 deaths. …
Read More »Disaster Management Act (DM Act) of 2005
GS 3 Disaster management The Disaster Management Act (DM Act) of 2005 was enacted by the Government of India to ensure effective disaster management and address related concerns. It became operational in January 2006. Objective: The Act aims to manage disasters through mitigation strategies, capacity building, and other related measures. …
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