Mains Marathon

Approach:

• Start by explaining the context of the need for disaster-resilient infrastructure in India.
• Highlight the role of CDRI and discuss the economic and social benefits of investing in resilient infrastructure.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction:

Disaster-resilient infrastructure (DRI) is essential for minimizing economic and human losses during natural disasters. Given India’s vulnerability to climate change and frequent extreme weather events, investing in DRI is not just an expenditure, but a long-term asset for sustainable development.

Body:

• Climate Vulnerabilities: India faces frequent natural disasters like floods, cyclones, and earthquakes, intensified by climate change.
  • For example, 2020 economic losses amounted to $87 billion, highlighting the need for resilient infrastructure to reduce future damage.
• Role of CDRI: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched in 2019, promotes global cooperation to develop climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Through initiatives like the Urban Infrastructure Resilience Programme (UIRP), CDRI fosters technical and financial support for resilient urban systems, especially in vulnerable regions like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
• Economic Benefits: Studies show that every $1 invested in disaster resilience yields $4 in savings.
  • A World Bank report highlights that investing in resilient infrastructure can save $4.2 trillion globally, making it an economically viable strategy for India as well.
• Telecom Sector Resilience: The CDRI recently recommended improving resilience in sectors like telecom by ensuring infrastructure withstands cyclones with wind speeds up to 250 km/h.
  • The telecom sector, crucial for disaster communication, needs robust systems like Cells on Wheels and backup power supplies for uninterrupted service during disasters.
• Disaster Risk Management Framework: CDRI’s Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework advocates for a multi-pronged approach, combining technological enhancements, governance reforms, and financial investments to strengthen critical infrastructure sectors.
• Capacity Building: The iGOT course on Fire Safety and the ongoing National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines emphasize capacity building among local authorities and stakeholders for better preparedness.

Conclusion:

Investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure is essential for India to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Through frameworks like CDRI and the adoption of resilience principles, India can ensure long-term sustainability, reduce disaster-related losses, and foster socio-economic development. This approach ensures preparedness, making infrastructure an asset that enhances resilience rather than just a cost.