UPSC Mains 2016 · GS III · Q16 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

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

हिन्दी में

राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबन्धन प्राधिकरण (एन० डी० एम० ए०) के सुझावों के सन्दर्भ में, उत्तराखण्ड के अनेकों स्थानों पर हाल ही में बादल फटने की घटनाओं के संघात को कम करने के लिए अपनाए जाने वाले उपायों पर चर्चा कीजिए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “What do you understand by cloud burst? Examine the reasons for high vulnerability of the mountainous regions to cloud bursts and discuss ways to mitigate its ill-effects.”

Mudit Foujdar214 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) defines a Cloudburst as rainfall exceeding 4 inches within 1 hour. It is an extreme weather event leading to micro-flooding of a region leading to huge loss of life & property. Eg. Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand (Chamoli)

Body · points and prose

Diagram
[Mountain peak with rain icon] [Label: Rapid condensation] [Label: Homes & Cattle swept away] Fig. Cloudburst
  • Reasons for high vulnerability of Mountainous Regions:
    • Rapid Condensation facilitated by lifting up of air along the slope.
    • Water moves into the valley → not dispersed.
    • Houses & structures of temporary nature → not as stable.
    • Lack of medical, quick evacuation facilities.

WAYS TO MITIGATE ITS ILL-EFFECTS

  1. Capacity building of locals, administration.
  2. Devising SOPs & Early Warning Systems (through SMS, WhatsApp).
  3. Monitoring of vulnerable areas through satellite imagery, weather balloons.
  4. Accessing footage from drones. Can be operated remotely.
  5. Comprehensive Risk Assessment through geospatial data.
  6. Developing mathematical models using AI & Big Data - to predict such events in advance.
  7. Construction of helipads for evacuation & relief.
  8. Stationing NDRF teams near vulnerable locations.
  9. Using border armed forces personnel -> have knowledge of terrain.
  10. Sustainable development in hilly areas & use of traditional knowledge. Eg. Houses on stilts less affected.

Close · a framework

A comprehensive approach as espoused by 2nd ARC report on Crisis Management & Sendai Framework should be employed.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper III, Q16. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.