The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) was adopted in March 2015 at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan. It is a global blueprint aimed at reducing disaster risk and enhancing resilience to disasters worldwide. The framework sets specific targets for 15 years (2015-2030) and provides a guide for nations to develop policies, strategies, and actions to reduce disaster risks, focusing on preventing new risks and reducing existing ones.
The framework is built around four key priorities:
Understanding disaster risk
Strengthening disaster risk governance
Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response
It also includes seven global targets to reduce mortality, the number of people affected, economic losses, and damage to critical infrastructure, among others. The Sendai Framework promotes an inclusive and people-centered approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR) with emphasis on community resilience and gender-sensitive policies.
India, being a country highly vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and droughts, has demonstrated strong commitment to the Sendai Framework. India’s disaster risk reduction efforts are guided by the principles of the framework, integrating disaster management into national, state, and local policies. The country recognizes the importance of building resilience, particularly in vulnerable regions.
India has aligned its national disaster management strategies with the Sendai Framework, focusing on key areas such as risk reduction, early warning systems, and community preparedness. The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) serves as a comprehensive roadmap for addressing disaster risks and mitigating their impacts. India’s commitment also includes improving infrastructure, establishing systems for disaster response, and ensuring the participation of various stakeholders in disaster risk reduction activities.
India has consistently integrated disaster risk reduction into its national policies, legislations, and planning frameworks. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established in 2005, and it plays a vital role in coordinating the implementation of disaster risk reduction measures. The NDMA's guidelines and frameworks have been instrumental in ensuring that disaster management remains a national priority.
In terms of disaster preparedness, India has made significant investments in early warning systems, disaster response technologies, and capacity-building programs for local authorities and communities. The establishment of India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) for better prediction of weather events and oceanic phenomena is one of the examples of India’s efforts in early warning systems.
India also focuses on community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM), encouraging local level action, enhancing public awareness, and empowering citizens. The government has developed initiatives that include training programs, simulations, and capacity-building efforts to ensure that communities understand disaster risks and can respond effectively when disasters occur.
India's commitment to disaster risk reduction is further reinforced by legislative frameworks like the Disaster Management Act (2005), which mandates the creation of disaster management plans at the national, state, and district levels. The Act also established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to oversee DRR initiatives.
Additionally, India has implemented the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP), which focuses on cyclone-prone areas, providing infrastructure improvements such as cyclone shelters, coastal embankments, and early warning systems. Similarly, the National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Program aims to strengthen the resilience of earthquake-prone regions through improved building codes and public awareness campaigns.
India’s commitment to the Sendai Framework is also reflected in the allocation of financial resources for disaster risk reduction initiatives. Over the years, the country has progressively allocated budgetary resources to disaster management and risk reduction activities at both central and state levels. India has made notable progress in disaster risk reduction, particularly in enhancing its early warning systems and infrastructure resilience. The integration of technology has allowed for more accurate predictions of weather events and natural hazards, minimizing human loss and property damage. For example, the use of satellite imagery and real-time data has significantly improved flood forecasting in river basins.
In addition, India’s ongoing efforts in climate change adaptation are closely aligned with the Sendai Framework's priorities. India has increasingly adopted climate-resilient agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions, addressing both disaster risk and environmental sustainability. Programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) also contribute indirectly to DRR by reducing vulnerability to diseases and promoting public health.
Despite significant strides, India faces challenges in fully implementing the Sendai Framework. These include limited disaster risk financing, the need for more widespread implementation of disaster-resilient infrastructure, and addressing gaps in disaster response coordination between government agencies and local bodies. Moreover, enhancing disaster risk reduction in remote and underserved areas remains a priority.
India also faces challenges in ensuring consistent engagement of all stakeholders, especially marginalized communities, and in creating gender-sensitive disaster management policies. The integration of DRR into urban planning is another area where improvements are needed, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions prone to disasters like floods and earthquakes.
India’s commitment to the Sendai Framework is evident in its robust disaster risk reduction policies, proactive measures in preparedness and response, and investment in infrastructure. While challenges remain, India’s overall progress in disaster risk management is encouraging, with increased resilience at both the national and community levels. The Sendai Framework provides a valuable tool for furthering these efforts, ensuring that disaster risks are reduced, and communities are better prepared to face future challenges. With continued focus and investment, India will be well-positioned to meet the global targets set by the Sendai Framework by 2030.