Chapter 3 · Topic 3.1 · Prelims + Mains1 of 2
Community & Technology in DM: Community-based disaster management
Key points
- Community-based DM, volunteers and inclusion.
Prelims box: facts and traps
| Programme | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aapda Mitra | Trains community volunteers in disaster response in multi-hazard districts |
| Yuva Aapda Mitra | Extends the training to NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra and Scouts and Guides volunteers |
| Civil Defence and Home Guards | Statutory volunteer bodies that support response |
| School Safety Policy (NDMA, 2016) | Safe buildings, drills and plans in schools |
| Village and ward disaster plans | Local risk maps and duties under the DDMA. |
- Examples from India: Odisha’s cyclone shelters run by village committees and its volunteer warning teams; Kerala’s fishermen who rescued thousands in the 2018 floods.
- Trap: In the first hours after a disaster, most lives are saved by neighbours, not by outside teams.
Community-based disaster management
In the first hours after a disaster, most lives are saved by neighbours, not by outside teams. Community-based disaster management (CBDM) puts local people at the centre: they map their own risks, make village and ward plans, and train to warn, evacuate, rescue and give first aid.
Mains 2026 stated: “Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management ”. Examples from India: Odisha’s cyclone shelters run by village committees and its volunteer warning teams; Kerala’s fishermen who rescued thousands in the 2018 floods; Aapda Mitra volunteers trained in flood-and quake-prone districts; and school safety drills. Challenges: poverty and daily wage pressure, weak panchayat funds, social exclusion of women, Dalits and disabled people, and volunteers who are not refreshed or insured. Measures: fund panchayat disaster plans, train and insure volunteers, include women and marginalised groups in committees, and link CBDM to schools and self-help groups.
“Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management”. Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it.
| Programme | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aapda Mitra | Trains community volunteers in disaster response in multi-hazard districts |
| Yuva Aapda Mitra | Extends the training to NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra and Scouts and Guides volunteers |
| Civil Defence and Home Guards | Statutory volunteer bodies that support response |
| School Safety Policy (NDMA, 2016) | Safe buildings, drills and plans in schools |
| Village and ward disaster plans | Local risk maps and duties under the DDMA |
NDMA programmes; teaching summary.
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Challenges: poverty and daily wage pressure, weak panchayat funds, social exclusion of women, Dalits and disabled people, and volunteers who are not refreshed or insured.
- Community-based disaster management (CBDM) puts local people at the centre: they map their own risks, make village and ward plans, and train to warn, evacuate, rescue and give first aid.
- Likely next angle: Include the marginalised
- Asked: Mains 2026 (GS Paper III, 15 marks): Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management”. Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it.
Practice
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of Community & Technology in DM with one recent example.
Flashcards (6)
Who saves most lives in the first hours?
Local people and neighbours.
Aapda Mitra?
NDMA scheme training community volunteers.
Yuva Aapda Mitra trains?
NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Scouts and Guides volunteers.
NDMA School Safety Policy?
2016.
Kerala 2018 floods heroes?
Fishermen.
Odisha cyclone shelters run by?
Village committees.
Read more: related explainers
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Next topic · 3.2 →Community & Technology in DM: Early warning and mapping