Q5.With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand.

Cloudbursts in Uttarakhand demand robust mitigation. NDMA guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for disaster management in vulnerable Himalayan regions.

NDMA's framework integrates prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Pre-Disaster Mitigation

• Implement robust early warning systems using Doppler radars and real-time data; enforce strict land-use zoning, restricting construction in high-risk zones.
• Undertake structural measures like slope stabilization, extensive afforestation, constructing check dams, improving drainage, and building resilient infrastructure.
• Focus on non-structural aspects: community awareness, capacity building, regular mock drills, and establishing local task forces for immediate response.

Response and Recovery

• Ensure effective inter-agency coordination among IMD, NDMA, SDRF, and local bodies for seamless information flow and resource deployment.
• Execute rapid response, efficient search and rescue, relief distribution, and rehabilitation efforts post-incident.

An integrated, multi-faceted approach, guided by NDMA, is vital for Uttarakhand's resilience against cloudbursts.