Bengaluru, Oct 13 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday set a 2030 target for the state to become a national leader in disaster prevention and preparedness.
Inaugurating the first meeting of the State Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction here on the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, he said disaster prevention, livelihood protection and long-term resilience must be central to the state’s development and governance.
Development should not be measured solely by investments, infrastructure and economic growth, but also by the safety and security of people, he said, adding that floods, droughts and landslides could destroy homes, agricultural produce and livelihoods built over several years.
“For a government, a disaster may be an administrative emergency. For an affected family, it can mean a lifetime of hardship,” Parameshwara said, stressing that governance must focus on preventing avoidable losses rather than merely providing relief and rehabilitation after disasters.
Referring to the UN’s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, he said Karnataka must strengthen risk assessment, early warning systems, preparedness and investment in resilient infrastructure.
The state faces diverse hazards, including droughts, floods, landslides in the Western Ghats and risks affecting coastal communities. Rapid urbanisation, changing land-use patterns and pressure on natural drainage systems have further increased vulnerabilities, he said.
Parameshwara called for disaster risk assessments of major public infrastructure projects and urged departments to identify vulnerable assets and incorporate risk-reduction measures into their annual plans and budgets.
He said the Revenue Department, through the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority and district administrations, must strengthen planning, vulnerability assessments, early warning coordination and livelihood protection.
Emphasising interdepartmental coordination, he said the Urban Development Department must address flooding and drainage issues, the Rural Development Department should strengthen village-level preparedness, and the Agriculture, Education and Health departments must focus on protecting farmers, schools, hospitals and essential services.
Parameshwara advocated greater use of technology, including satellite imagery, geospatial information, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, to improve disaster risk assessment and early warnings.
Issuing warnings alone was insufficient, as information must reach vulnerable communities in time for them to take protective action, he said.
He called for a people-centric network connecting scientific institutions, district administrations, gram panchayats and households.
He stressed the need for local preparedness plans, community volunteer networks, safe shelters, evacuation routes and regular drills, particularly in high-risk areas.
Special attention must be given to children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and economically vulnerable families, he added.
Highlighting the importance of livelihood protection, Parameshwara said disaster management must address losses suffered by farmers, fishermen, small traders and daily-wage workers, alongside damage to physical infrastructure.
He said the Karnataka State Disaster Risk Reduction Roadmap 2025-2030 must be translated into measurable outcomes through time-bound implementation, clearly defined departmental responsibilities and regular monitoring.
The State Platform should focus on practical improvements, including resilient infrastructure, continuity of essential services and timely assistance to affected families, he added.
(PTI News)
