Overview
Karnataka has faced significant economic losses due to natural disasters, incurring over ₹1.22 lakh crore between 2015 and 2021. In response, the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has developed a roadmap aiming to reduce these losses by 75% by 2030. This initiative focuses on building a disaster-resilient state to minimize mortalities, economic losses, and casualties.
Key Developments
Vulnerability Profile
The Karnataka State Disaster Risk Reduction (KSDRR) Road Map 2025-30 includes a detailed vulnerability profile, highlighting that 80% of the state's geographical area is prone to drought, 22% to moderate earthquakes, and 24% to cyclones and heavy winds. The assessment also considers human-induced disasters like road and industrial accidents.
KSDRR Report and Targets
The KSDRR report sets short, medium, and long-term plans, targeting 2029-30 as the year by which economic loss, infrastructure damage, human and animal mortality, and casualties are to be reduced by 75% of the baseline established in 2026. The study estimates that approximately 61.10 million people in Karnataka are at risk from various disasters.
Economic Impact
The agriculture sector has been particularly affected, with losses amounting to ₹1.02 lakh crore between 2015 and 2021. This includes crop loss affecting over 1.84 lakh hectares and horticulture losses of ₹10102.81 crore. Road infrastructure also suffered significantly, with damages affecting 1.12 lakh km of roads and incurring losses of ₹17,296 crore.
Climate Change and Drought
A study of drought-affected districts reveals that between 2001 and 2022, districts like Kalaburagi, Gadag, Davangere, and Belagavi experienced drought 14 times. Many other districts reported drought on at least 13 occasions. The report also highlights the impact of climate change, with prolonged droughts followed by severe floods in districts such as Raichur, Ballari, Kalaburgi, Yadgir, and Bidar.
Department-wise Action Plan
The roadmap proposes a department-wise action plan for effective and timely disaster response and recovery. By 2026, all departments, districts, and gram panchayats are expected to prepare disaster management plans with baseline data from 2025-26. Collaboration with stakeholders for technology transfer and knowledge management is planned for 2027-28.
UPSC Relevance
This news is highly relevant for GS3: Disaster Management, GS1: Geography (Natural Disasters), GS3: Economy (Agriculture), and GS3: Infrastructure. It provides insights into the challenges of disaster management, the economic impact of natural disasters, and the strategies for building resilience. Understanding Karnataka's approach can offer valuable perspectives for UPSC aspirants.
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Disaster Management Strategies: Analyze Karnataka's approach to disaster risk reduction and its potential applicability to other states.
- Economic Impact: Understand the economic consequences of natural disasters, particularly on agriculture and infrastructure.
- Climate Change: Recognize the role of climate change in exacerbating natural disasters and the need for climate-resilient development.