India has improved its disaster response, exemplified by the evacuation of 1.2 million people before Cyclone Fani in 2019. However, the nation’s financial approach to disaster management requires reassessment.
The Sixteenth Finance Commission has earmarked approximately Rs 2.84 lakh crore for disaster management between 2026 and 2031. Within this allocation, Rs 1.64 lakh crore is designated for relief efforts, while only Rs 40,880 crore is allocated for mitigation.
This funding imbalance means roughly Rs 4 are spent on response for every rupee invested in prevention. Disasters are estimated to cost India 0.4% of its GDP annually, underscoring the economic impact of extreme weather events. The article suggests priorities for improving disaster resilience, including translating early warnings into action, building climate-resilient infrastructure, tailoring plans to local risks, and investing in community preparedness and natural ecosystems.
Source: Down To Earth