The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 3rd Session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) in New Delhi. This multi-stakeholder platform was established by the Government of India in 2013 to facilitate dialogue, sharing experiences, views, ideas, action-oriented research, and explore opportunities in the area of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
Main Theme of the Session
The main theme of the session was “Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate.” The goal was to discuss ways to increase the resilience of local communities in the face of natural disasters and climate change.
Awards for Disaster Management
During the event, the Prime Minister also felicitated awardees of the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar. This award is given to individuals and organizations for their outstanding contribution in the field of disaster management.
Example of Local Resilience
The Prime Minister gave an example of Bhunga houses in Kutch, which survived the earthquake to a large extent. Bhunga houses are traditional houses in Kutch, Gujarat, which are built using local materials and techniques. These houses have proven to be very resilient in earthquakes and can provide important lessons for building resilience in other parts of India.
Functions of NPDRR
The NPDRR has several functions, including reviewing the progress made in the field of disaster management from time to time, advising on coordination between the Central and State Governments/UT Administrations, local self-governments and civil society organizations for Disaster Risk Reduction, and reviewing the National Disaster Management Policy.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is aimed at preventing new and reducing existing disaster risk and managing residual risk, all of which contribute to strengthening resilience and therefore to the achievement of sustainable development. DRR strategies and policies define goals and objectives across different timescales and with concrete targets, indicators, and time frames.
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is a global, agreed policy of disaster risk reduction set out in the United Nations endorsed Sendai Framework adopted in March 2015 in Sendai, Japan. Its expected outcome over the next 15 years is the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities, and countries.
The Sendai Framework recognizes that the State has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including local government, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
MCQs on Functions of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.
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What is the main theme of the 3rd Session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR)?
A. Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate
B. Disaster Risk Reduction in India
C. Enhancing Global Disaster Preparedness
D. Addressing Climate Change Challenges
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What is the objective of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) policies and strategies?
A. Preventing new and reducing existing disaster risk
B. Providing immediate relief during disasters
C. Rebuilding infrastructure after disasters
D. Monitoring disaster situations in real-time
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Which of the following agreements does the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction work hand in hand with?
A. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change
B. The Kyoto Protocol
C. The Montreal Protocol
D. The Nagoya Protocol
