Question

Which of the following is a core objective of the NPDM?

• A. To discourage innovation and education in disaster management
• B. To integrate disaster management into development planning
• C. To reduce the importance of risk monitoring
• D. To limit the role of media partnerships

Answer 1

Answer:

B. To integrate disaster management into development planning

A core objective of the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) is to integrate disaster management into development planning. This means that disaster risk reduction should not be a separate activity but a fundamental consideration in all development projects. 🏗️

• Proactive vs. Reactive: This objective represents a major shift from a reactive, post-disaster response approach to a proactive, preventive one. Instead of just focusing on relief after a disaster, the policy aims to build resilience from the ground up by considering potential risks during the planning phase of infrastructure and other projects.

• Sustainability and Resilience: When disaster management is integrated into development, it ensures that new infrastructure—like roads, bridges, and buildings—is built to withstand hazards, making it more resilient and sustainable in the long term. It's much cheaper and more effective to "build back better" before a disaster than to rebuild an entire community from scratch.

• Multi-Sectoral Approach: This objective requires all government ministries and departments, not just those directly involved in disaster management, to consider disaster risks in their planning. For example, a Ministry of Agriculture would need to consider drought-resistant crops, and an Urban Development Ministry would need to consider flood-resistant drainage systems in their urban planning.

• Economic Sense: Disasters can wipe out decades of development gains. By integrating disaster management into development planning, the NPDM aims to safeguard investments, reduce economic losses, and ensure that development efforts lead to long-lasting progress.