SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Disaster Management (Environmental Angle)
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
1. Types of Disasters
Disasters can be classified based on their origin — either natural or man-made.
A) Natural Disasters
| Disaster Type | Cause | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | Sudden release of energy along faults | Land deformation, building collapse, landslides |
| Tsunami | Undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions | Coastal flooding, soil salinization, marine life loss |
| Flood | Excess rainfall, river overflow, dam failure | Waterlogging, crop loss, waterborne diseases |
| Cyclone | Intense low-pressure system over oceans | Storm surge, coastal erosion, wind damage |
Environmental Angle: Natural disasters cause large-scale habitat destruction, ecosystem imbalance, and pollution (oil spills, sewage spread during floods).
B) Man-made Disasters
| Disaster Type | Examples | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial (Chemical) | Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Vizag Gas Leak | Air/soil contamination, health issues |
| Nuclear | Chernobyl, Fukushima | Radioactive pollution, genetic mutations |
| Fire, Oil Spills | Forest fires, Oil tanker accidents | Deforestation, marine ecosystem destruction |
Man-made disasters often result in irreversible environmental damage due to toxic emissions and bioaccumulation.
2. NDMA and NDRF
India's structured mechanism to tackle disasters at national, state, and district levels.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established Under | Disaster Management Act, 2005 |
| Chairperson | Prime Minister of India |
| Mandate | Policy formulation, capacity building, risk reduction |
| Guidelines | Issued for specific disasters (earthquakes, floods, cyclones, etc.) |
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Dedicated, specialized force for disaster response |
| Personnel | Drawn from paramilitary forces (e.g., BSF, CRPF) |
| Deployment | Quick response teams stationed across states |
| Roles | Search & rescue, medical aid, evacuation, logistics |
NDMA and NDRF work under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), not MoEFCC.
3. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) includes pre-disaster and post-disaster planning.
Mitigation = Actions to reduce long-term risk
| Strategy | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Warning Systems | Meteorological and geophysical monitoring (IMD, INCOIS) |
| Building Codes | Earthquake/cyclone-resistant infrastructure (IS codes) |
| Coastal Zone Regulation | Mangrove conservation, CRZ norms to buffer coastal impact |
| Reforestation & Wetland Protection | Natural buffers against floods & landslides |
Adaptation = Adjustments to cope with impacts
| Strategy | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Community Awareness | School drills, mock exercises, local participation |
| Resilient Infrastructure | Elevated shelters, flood-proof buildings |
| Disaster Preparedness Plans | District-level plans with evacuation routes, relief centers |
| Emergency Stockpiles | Medical kits, food, communication gear in vulnerable areas |
International Best Practice: Sendai Framework (2015–2030) – UNDRR's global disaster risk reduction agenda emphasizing prevention and resilience.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Key Body/Concept | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Disaster Law | Disaster Management Act, 2005 | Legal backbone for disaster governance |
| NDMA | Apex body for disaster planning | Led by PM; forms policy & guidelines |
| NDRF | Response force | On-ground emergency & relief operations |
| Mitigation | Risk reduction | Warning systems, green buffers, strict laws |
| Adaptation | Coping with impact | Education, resilient design, community resilience |
Extra Points for Exams:
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) led to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- India's cyclone-prone areas: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu
- Real-time Flood Forecasting: Handled by Central Water Commission
- Tsunami Early Warning: INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services)
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