Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) plays a crucial role in reducing the vulnerability of coastal states in India by enhancing cyclone risk mitigation. Implemented in two phases, the project focuses on building key infrastructure and improving early warning systems in cyclone-prone areas.

Components of NCRMP:

• Early Warning Dissemination Systems (EWDS): NCRMP has set up state-of-the-art early warning systems that include alert sirens, satellite radios, and mass messaging to provide reliable communication.
  • These systems ensure last-mile connectivity in disaster situations, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala
• Strengthening Infrastructure: NCRMP also focuses on underground electric cabling, reducing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyclonic damage.
  • For instance, 1,387.76 km of underground electric cabling has been installed to ensure uninterrupted power supply during cyclones.
• Cyclone Risk Mitigation Infrastructure (CRMI): The project involves the construction of multi-purpose cyclone shelters (MPCS), roads, bridges, and saline embankments, which significantly enhance the resilience of coastal communities.
  • A total of 795 MPCS have been constructed, providing safe spaces for communities during cyclones.
• Community-Based Disaster Risk Management: The project includes extensive capacity building initiatives, training over 68,000 community representatives in disaster response skills, such as first aid, and shelter management.

Impact of NCRMP on Vulnerability Reduction:

• Improved Disaster Response Time: The installation of advanced warning systems and weather monitoring stations has drastically improved the response time to cyclone threats, enabling faster evacuations and reducing casualties.
• Enhanced Infrastructure Resilience: Cyclone shelters, embankments, and retrofitted infrastructure have provided safe havens for millions of coastal residents during cyclones, thereby minimizing physical damage and loss of life.
• Strengthened Community: Through extensive community engagement programs and disaster response drills, NCRMP has empowered local populations with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves during emergencies, thus improving community resilience.
  • NCRMP strengthens livelihoods such as fisheries, agriculture, and tourism, which are often the hardest hit by cyclonic events.
• Sustainability and Maintenance: The project promotes sustainability through the formation of Cyclone Shelter Maintenance & Management Committees (CSMMCs) in each state.
  • These committees ensure the maintenance and operational sustainability of cyclone shelters through the establishment of corpus funds for long-term upkeep.

Conclusion

The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) has significantly contributed to reducing the vulnerability of coastal states; however, the project must continue to evolve with climate change projections, addressing emerging threats and further strengthening resilience in coastal areas.