DISASTER MITIGATION
Importance of Resilient Infrastructure
1.Reducing Vulnerability: Resilient infrastructure is crucial for minimizing the impact of disasters on communities and economies. For example, in the state of Gujarat, after the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, which resulted in over 20,000 deaths and caused widespread destruction, significant efforts were made to rebuild using earthquake-resistant designs. The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) implemented new building codes and promoted the construction of resilient infrastructure, reducing the vulnerability of the region to future seismic events.
2.Ensuring Continuity of Services: Resilient infrastructure ensures that essential services such as electricity, water supply, transportation, and communication remain functional during and after a disaster. For instance, during Cyclone Fani in 2019, which impacted Odisha, the state’s cyclone shelters, designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 300 km/h, not only protected thousands of people but also served as relief centres after the storm passed. These shelters, part of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP), are crucial in ensuring continuity of services during such disasters.
Incorporating Disaster-Resilient Design
1.Site Selection and Land Use Planning: Proper site selection and land use planning are foundational to resilient infrastructure design. For example, in the city of Chennai, which has faced repeated flooding events, urban planning initiatives now include measures like the restoration of natural drainage systems (e.g., the Cooum and Adyar rivers) and the creation of new flood-resilient infrastructure, such as elevated roads and bridges. These measures are aimed at reducing the city's vulnerability to floods.
2.Use of Advanced Construction Techniques: The use of advanced construction techniques, such as base isolation for buildings in earthquake-prone areas, has been demonstrated in the construction of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) office in Mumbai. This building is designed with base isolators that absorb seismic shocks, making it one of the most earthquake-resistant structures in India. Such techniques are increasingly being adopted in other high-risk areas.
3.Incorporating Redundancies and Fail-Safes: Designing infrastructure with redundancies and fail-safes ensures that systems can continue to operate even when some components fail. For example, the Delhi Metro system is designed with multiple power sources and backup systems, ensuring continued operation during emergencies. This resilience is critical in maintaining transportation services during events like floods or earthquakes.