India’s disaster response needs to evolve to incorporate sustainable, community-driven strategies

India's disaster management framework has certainly come a long way, evolving into a comprehensive system that spans prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and reconstruction phases.

As a country with vast geographic and environmental diversity, India's vulnerability to natural disasters remains high — 58.6 per cent of its area is prone to earthquakes, more than 12 per cent is susceptible to floods and river erosion and 68 per cent of cultivable land is at risk of drought.

The presence of agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF), paramilitary units, Aapda Mitra and the army have improved immediate response capacity considerably. However, despite these advances, a critical gap remains, that is, sustainable resilience.

While disaster response mechanisms demonstrate strength, long-term recovery and community resilience are often sidelined. The aftermath of recent disasters, such as building collapses and floods in Uttarakhand in 2021 and Himachal Pradesh in 2024, which claimed lives and destroyed property, underscores this need.

Emergency response should extend beyond immediate relief, focusing on a holistic approach that empowers local communities, reduces dependency and fosters resilient infrastructure. Excessive reliance on external aid, though essential in severe cases, can hinder community empowerment.

Each year, as floods and cyclones ravage coastal and flood-prone regions, citizens turn to NDRF and SDRF, who execute well-coordinated rescue and relief operations. The NDRF's 12 battalions, each with 1,149 personnel, have earned a reputation for efficient disaster response operations. Yet, dependency on such agencies over time may weaken the focus on local resilience.

Although local leaders have sometimes taken charge in the absence of immediate aid, a consistent framework for training, equipping and empowering them could foster greater community self-sufficiency.

Empowering local leaders and equipping them with disaster management skills could make communities more resilient, reducing reliance on external aid and enabling residents of disaster-prone areas to face hazards independently.

In the immediate aftermath of disasters, relief materials and aid pour in, but these quick-fix measures often neglect environmental concerns.

Temporary shelters, unmanaged waste and contamination of local resources can lead to pollution. For instance, clean-up operations in flood-hit areas often fail to preserve water quality, resulting in long-term contamination issues that harm health and livelihoods.

Environmental sustainability, also often overlooked in emergency relief, must be a priority in resilience-building policies. Eco-friendly materials for shelters and effective waste management practices can ensure that temporary solutions do not leave lasting environmental impacts.

India’s approach to disaster preparedness often involves setting up temporary shelters for anticipated events like cyclones and floods. While helpful, this response is not enough for communities that face recurrent threats. Instead, resilient infrastructure — storm-resistant buildings, elevated embankments in flood-prone zones — would enhance self-reliance.

Such durable solutions not only offer safety during disasters but also minimise the psychological and economic stress of repeated displacement. The recurring floods in Bihar, Odisha and Assam underscore the need for such infrastructure; relying on temporary solutions in these areas perpetuates instability. Investing in durable infrastructure that can withstand natural forces would reduce vulnerability and provide people with greater security.

Long-term resilience against natural disasters also calls for nature-based solutions. Mangrove plantations along coastlines serve as natural barriers against cyclones, while wetland restoration absorbs floodwaters, shielding inland areas.

India's extensive 7,516-kilometre coastline is highly susceptible to cyclones and tsunamis, NDMA highlights. Restoring mangroves and safeguarding coastal wetlands could reduce the impact of these hazards, foster biodiversity, and improve local livelihoods.

Promoting ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies could fundamentally change the design of disaster preparedness in India.

Encouraging mangrove and wetland restoration in cyclone-prone regions offers immediate defense and long-term ecological and economic benefits. Integrating these natural barriers into disaster management frameworks could use India’s resources strategically to mitigate risks and strengthen resilience.

India's disaster management journey has seen commendable progress, particularly in rapid-response capabilities. Yet, to establish a robust and resilient strategy, the focus must broaden beyond immediate relief to embrace long-term recovery and preparedness.

Minimising dependence on external aid through local empowerment and accounting for environmental impacts in relief actions are key steps. By building resilient infrastructure and embracing ecosystem-based DRR strategies, communities can become more self-reliant, prepared to face future hazards without solely relying on central support.

While India’s current framework demonstrates significant advances, it also signals an urgent need for evolution. Shifting towards sustainable, community-driven strategies that emphasise resilience, environmental care and self-sufficiency can help the nation not only respond to but also recover from natural disasters in a way that empowers every level of society.

With more than 27 states and Union territories exposed to various natural disasters, a comprehensive approach to disaster response is not just preferable — it is essential for sustainable development and security across the country.

A strong plan should also address the root causes of Loss and Damage and bring together responses to crises like disasters, environmental emergencies, disease outbreaks and accidents. Since these often share common agencies and resources, better coordination can make responses more efficient.

Also, with the actions for the 15th Finance Commission underway, this presents a key opportunity to drive the desired transformation through disaster risk management finance, which will also help strengthen resources at the state, district and local levels. This holistic approach will strengthen India’s preparedness, while supporting long-term development and security.

Eilia Jafar is a humanitarian and development professional. Anil Kumar Gupta, professor & chief executive (ICARS), IIT Roorkee.

Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth.