Discuss how the contradiction between ‘rapid infrastructure development’ and ‘disaster-risk reduction’ in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.

Damage to critical infrastructure amplifying impact of natural disasters

Infrastructure like roads, railways, hospitals etc. can be called as critical infrastructure & its damage leads to →

(a) Delay in providing aid to the affected population (e.g. recent landslide in Wayanad). (b) Makes evacuation process more difficult (e.g. floods in Gujarat). (c) More painful for the poor & marginalised sections like SC's, ST's and women. (d) Requirement of more funds for rehabilitation & reconstruction further amplifies the impact.

Significance of building resilient infrastructure →

1. Japan's approach of 'prepare & prevent' than 'repair & repent'.

2. Reduce losses of infrastructure & lives in the times of disasters. e.g. Odisha model of cyclone management.

3. Reduces fund needs in future. e.g. Sendai framework held that $1 invested in disaster resilience provides benefits under multiplier effect.

4. Proactive approach helps in disaster mitigation & prevention.