“Building a Climate-Resilient India: From Relief to Readiness”, India Narrative, October 06, 2025
India’s battle with climate change is no longer a distant crisis; it’s an everyday reality. The country swings between two extremes: scorching heatwaves and devastating downpours. In this unpredictable climate landscape, the nation’s approach to disaster management has evolved from reactive relief to proactive risk reduction. But as floods swallow towns and heatwaves scorch fields, the question remains: can India’s new model of disaster preparedness match the growing ferocity of nature?
A New Philosophy of Preparedness
Over the past decade, India has made a quiet but revolutionary shift in how it manages disasters. No longer confined to post-calamity relief and compensation, disaster management now encompasses prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. This transformation owes much to the 15th Finance Commission’s forward-looking framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
By allocating ₹2.28 lakh crore over five years, the Commission redefined the disaster response chain. A full 30% of the funds were set aside for pre-disaster measures—10% for preparedness and capacity building, and 20% for mitigation. This is a notable departure from the traditional approach, where most funds were reserved for post-disaster response and reconstruction. The signal is clear: India is learning to act before calamity strikes…….”
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