Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday announced a 2030 target for the state to emerge as a national leader in disaster prevention and preparedness, stressing the need to make risk reduction an integral part of governance and development planning.Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the state platform for disaster risk reduction, held on the International day for disaster risk reduction, he said preventing disasters, safeguarding livelihoods and building long-term resilience must be key priorities for the state.Parameshwara said development should not be judged merely by investment, infrastructure creation or economic growth, but also by the extent to which people’s lives and livelihoods are protected. Floods, droughts and landslides can wipe out homes, agricultural produce and livelihoods built over many years, he pointed out.“For a government, a disaster may be an administrative emergency. For an affected family, it can mean a lifetime of hardship,” he said, calling for a shift from post-disaster relief and rehabilitation towards preventing avoidable damage and loss.
Focus on risk assessment and resilient infrastructure
Referring to the United Nations’ sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015-2030, Parameshwara said Karnataka must improve risk assessment, early warning mechanisms, disaster preparedness and investment in resilient infrastructure.He noted that the state faces multiple hazards, including droughts, floods, landslides across the Western Ghats and threats to coastal communities. Rapid urbanisation, changing land-use patterns and growing pressure on natural drainage systems have further heightened disaster risks, he added.The deputy chief minister called for comprehensive disaster risk assessments of major public infrastructure projects. He urged government departments to identify vulnerable assets and incorporate risk-reduction measures into their annual plans and budgets.He said the revenue department, working through the Karnataka state disaster management authority and district administrations, should strengthen disaster planning, vulnerability assessments, coordination of early warnings and measures to protect livelihoods.
Departments urged to strengthen coordination
Emphasising the need for coordinated action across departments, Parameshwara said the urban development department should prioritise flood prevention and drainage management, while the rural development department must improve disaster preparedness at the village level.The agriculture, education and health departments, he said, should focus on protecting farmers, schools, hospitals and essential services during emergencies.He also called for wider adoption of technology, including satellite imagery, geospatial data, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, to strengthen risk assessment and improve early warning systems.Merely issuing alerts would not be enough, he said, emphasising that warnings must reach vulnerable communities in time for people to take appropriate protective measures.Parameshwara advocated a people-centred disaster preparedness network linking scientific institutions, district administrations, gram panchayats and households.He stressed the importance of developing local preparedness plans, building community volunteer networks, identifying safe shelters and evacuation routes, and conducting regular mock drills, particularly in areas prone to disasters.
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Children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and economically vulnerable households must receive special attention in disaster planning, he added.
Livelihood protection to remain a priority
Highlighting the economic consequences of disasters, Parameshwara said disaster management efforts must account for the losses suffered by farmers, fishermen, small traders and daily-wage workers, rather than focusing only on damage to physical infrastructure.He said the Karnataka state disaster risk reduction roadmap 2025-2030 must be implemented through measurable targets, time-bound action plans, clearly assigned responsibilities for departments and regular monitoring.The state platform for disaster risk reduction, he added, should concentrate on tangible improvements, including stronger infrastructure, uninterrupted essential services and timely assistance for families affected by disasters.
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