Context
The recent catastrophic landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, has prompted the state government to request the central government to declare it a national disaster. This request follows the devastating impact of the landslide, which has resulted in significant loss of life and property. The situation highlights the challenges of disaster management in India and the need for effective response mechanisms.
Overview of the Wayanad Landslide
Incident Details
- Date of Occurrence: The landslide occurred on July 30, 2024, in the Wayanad district, particularly affecting three villages in Vythiri taluk: Kottapadi, Vellarmala, and Thrikkaipetta.
- Casualties: As of August 4, 2024, the official death toll stands at 221, with over 200 individuals reported missing. Rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts to recover bodies from the debris.
- Displacement: Approximately 9,000 people have been displaced, seeking refuge in government-run relief camps.
Government Response
- State Declaration: The Kerala government has declared the affected Meppadi Panchayat as “disaster-affected” following the central government’s refusal to classify the event as a national disaster.
- Chief Minister’s Statement: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the unprecedented severity of the landslide and its repercussions, stating that Kerala remains in a state of shock.
Importance of Request for National Disaster Declaration
- Access to Resources: Declaring the landslide a national disaster would enable the central government to allocate more resources for rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
- Legal Framework: The request for national disaster status is complicated by legal considerations, as there are no clear criteria established for such declarations. The Union government has cited legal issues in declining the request.
Implications of the Disaster Declaration
Advantages of National Disaster Status
- Increased Compensation: A declaration of an open calamity would even mean a higher sum to be paid out to the affected persons and society, thus creating the possibility of receiving higher assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund.
- Relief Fund Creation: This declaration would create a relief fund of the national level, contribution would come both from state and central making financial help for relief better.
State Disaster Declaration
- Current Status: Since no situation declaration at the national level exists, the Kerala government has sought to declare it a state disaster; despite this permitting some access to the CM’s DRF.
- Limitations: Though this declaration allows some form of compensation, it does not provide the broad assistance that comes with declaring a national disaster.
Disaster Management in India
Shift in Approach
- From Reactive to Proactive: The Central government of India too, has gradually shifted its disaster management model from Response phase to Prevention phase.
- National Policy on Disaster Management: New in 2009, this policy is focused on the call for action for effective disaster risk reduction, integrating community in the processes.
Current Measures
- Disaster Response Framework: NDRF is an important counterpart in event of an emergency, while state governments are supposed to handle local emergencies.
- Capacity Building: There is increasing policy commitment towards the development of human and institutional capacity in the local government to ensure early warning, preparedness that will respond to natural disasters well.
Future Directions
Rehabilitation Plans
- Township for Survivors: The current government of Kerala has said it is evolving strategies in resettling the victims of the Wayanad landslide to a township to transform it into befitting habitation with viable structures.
- Focus on Climate Resilience: Disaster management as a subject needs the integration of climate change aspects in future disaster management plans.
Advocacy for National Support
- Continued Pressure: The Kerala government will probably further insist on the calamity’s national status to stress that disaster requires long-term support to address the aftermath of the landslide.
- Political Dynamics: This may very well result in a raising of political stakes between the national and the state governments with an effect on the general disaster response.
Conclusion
The Wayanad landslide represents a significant challenge for disaster management in India, highlighting the complexities of intergovernmental relations and the need for effective response mechanisms. The Kerala government’s request for national disaster status underscores the urgency of addressing the needs of affected communities and ensuring adequate support for recovery efforts. As the situation evolves, it will be essential to monitor the political dynamics and the effectiveness of the disaster management strategies implemented in response to this tragedy.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Analyze the significance of declaring an event or region a national disaster. Discuss how such a declaration impacts resource allocation, emergency response, and long-term recovery efforts. Using recent examples, evaluate the effectiveness of national disaster status in addressing the immediate and strategic needs of affected areas.