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. 18/10/2024 1:18 PM
A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, participated in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024, held in Manila, Philippines. Officially opened by President Bongbong Marcos, the conference centered around the theme, “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia Pacific to accelerate disaster risk reduction.”
The APMCDRR gathered policymakers from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for mitigating disaster risks, especially in light of climate change, which is resulting in increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters.
During the conference, Shri Nityanand Rai addressed the alarming rise in disasters that lead to significant loss of life and economic damage. He reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to adopting inclusive and proactive measures aimed at reducing these risks. The Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s 10-point agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), which outlines a comprehensive approach for addressing these critical challenges.
The Minister identified several crucial areas for enhancing disaster risk reduction efforts:
India is focused on implementing advanced technologies to deliver timely warnings of potential disasters. This includes the establishment of systems like the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and Cell Broadcast Systems, designed to quickly alert the public.
The country is prioritizing the creation of infrastructure capable of withstanding disasters, promoting sustainable development that prepares communities for various risks.
India is developing specific financial mechanisms to effectively allocate resources for disaster risk reduction initiatives.
India has made notable strides in disaster preparedness with initiatives such as the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC). This center provides tsunami warnings to 25 countries, enabling them to prepare for potential tsunamis and ensuring swift communication to affected populations.
India has also launched the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which now encompasses 47 member countries. This coalition offers technical assistance and helps member nations build capacity for investments in infrastructure that can withstand disasters.
To reinforce its commitment to disaster risk reduction, India is making significant financial investments. The 15th Finance Commission has allocated USD 30 billion for the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) and the State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF) for the financial years 2021-22 to 2025-26. This funding is aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to respond to and recover from disasters effectively.
In summary, India's active participation in the APMCDRR 2024 highlights its commitment to advancing disaster risk reduction strategies. Through technological advancements, infrastructure development, and substantial financial investments, India aims to create a resilient framework to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region.
