Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from the ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (250 words)

India’s disaster policy has progressively moved from relief-centric response towards prevention, preparedness, mitigation, resilient recovery and risk-informed development.

• The Disaster Management Act, 2005 created the National Disaster Management Authority, State Authorities, district institutions and response funds.
• National and state plans, early-warning systems, cyclone shelters, building codes, mock drills, specialised response forces and community training strengthened preparedness.
• Risk mapping, hazard-resistant infrastructure, watershed measures and programmes for drought, floods, cyclones and earthquakes supported mitigation.

India adopted the National Disaster Management Plan, aligned targets with Sendai, and expanded impact-based warnings, Common Alerting Protocol, Doppler radars, resilient infrastructure, school and hospital safety, heat-action plans and community volunteers. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure promotes global standards; the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project and resilient recovery practices reduce exposure and vulnerability.

Hyogo (2005-15) focused on building national and community resilience through five priorities, especially institutional capacity and risk reduction. Sendai (2015-30) is broader and more measurable: it prioritises understanding disaster risk, strengthening governance, investing in resilience and enhancing preparedness for effective response and “Build Back Better.” It covers biological, technological and slow-onset risks, emphasises disaster-loss data, manages underlying risk drivers and sets seven global targets, including mortality, affected people, economic loss and critical infrastructure.

Keywords: DRR, NDMA, Disaster Management Act, early warning, mitigation, resilience, Build Back Better, CDRI, Sendai targets, Hyogo priorities.