26 Apr 2024 International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Meet

THIS ARTICLE COVERS ‘DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS’ AND THE TOPIC DETAILS OF “International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Meet”. THIS TOPIC IS RELEVANT IN THE “ ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY” SECTION OF THE UPSC CSE EXAM.

Why in the News?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a video message at the 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in Delhi. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure today to secure a better tomorrow. He highlighted the necessity of integrating resilience into the development of new infrastructure and incorporating it into post-disaster reconstruction efforts.

About International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

• The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure serves as a forum for governments, organisations, institutions, media, and infrastructure stakeholders to enhance global discussions on disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure.
• ICDRI stands as the premier yearly conference organised by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

The Coalition, through ICDRI, aims to:

• Facilitate action by offering a venue for decision-makers and influencers to convene, discuss common challenges, and pinpoint key areas for cooperation.
• Establish fresh partnerships, highlight best practices, and broaden the reach of the Coalition.

About Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

• CDRI is a self-governing global institution serving as a collaborative platform where nations can exchange knowledge and resources. 
• Its primary aim is to bolster the resilience of infrastructure systems against the effects of disasters. 
• The organisation was founded in 2019 during the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York and stands as India’s second significant global initiative following the establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference.
•  Currently, CDRI has 39 countries and 7 organisations as its members.

Why Investment in Resilient Infrastructure is Important?

Investment in resilient infrastructure is crucial for several reasons, particularly in the face of increasing threats posed by natural disasters, climate change, and other disruptive events. Here’s a detailed exploration of why investing in resilient infrastructure is important:

• Mitigating Disaster Risks: Resilient infrastructure is designed to withstand and recover from various hazards, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis. By investing in infrastructure that can resist these disasters, communities can minimise the loss of life, property damage, and economic disruptions caused by such events.
• Protecting Lives and Livelihoods: Resilient infrastructure helps protect the lives and livelihoods of people living in vulnerable areas. For example, robust flood protection systems can prevent inundation of homes and businesses, while earthquake-resistant buildings can reduce the risk of casualties during seismic events.
• Safeguarding Economic Stability: Disasters and infrastructure failures can have significant economic consequences, disrupting supply chains, damaging critical facilities, and impeding business operations. Investing in resilient infrastructure helps safeguard economic stability by reducing the vulnerability of key assets and ensuring the continuity of essential services.
• Promoting Sustainable Development: Resilient infrastructure is a cornerstone of sustainable development, as it enables communities to thrive in the face of environmental challenges. By integrating principles of sustainability and resilience into infrastructure planning and development, societies can better manage resources, minimise environmental impacts, and adapt to changing conditions over time.
• Adapting to Climate Change: Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms, and droughts. Resilient infrastructure is essential for adapting to these changes, as it allows communities to withstand climate-related risks and build adaptive capacity to cope with future uncertainties.
• Long-Term Cost Savings: While the upfront costs of building resilient infrastructure may be higher than traditional infrastructure projects, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment. Resilient infrastructure can reduce the need for costly repairs and replacements, minimise insurance claims, and lower the overall economic burden of disasters on society.
• Fostering Innovation and Technological Advancement: Investment in resilient infrastructure drives innovation and technological advancement in engineering, construction, and other related fields. By encouraging the development of new materials, designs, and techniques, resilient infrastructure projects spur growth and competitiveness in the economy.

RELATION BETWEEN DISASTER RESILIENCE INFRASTRUCTURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE

• Exacerbation of Hazards: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of natural hazards such as hurricanes, floods, heat waves, droughts, and wildfires. These extreme weather events pose significant risks to infrastructure, leading to damage, disruption, and loss of life. Resilient infrastructure is crucial for mitigating these risks by enhancing the ability of communities to withstand and recover from climate-related disasters.

• Adaptation and Mitigation: Resilient infrastructure plays a crucial role in both climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. On the one hand, it helps communities adapt to the impacts of climate change by providing robust protection against extreme weather events and other hazards. 
• Food Security & Agriculture: Climate change threatens agriculture production, leading to food insecurity and increased prices. Implementing climate-resilient farming practices and adopting smart agricultural techniques could combat crop failures resulting from erratic weather patterns. Also, improving storage and distribution infrastructure can preserve food supplies during extreme temperature fluctuations or unexpected disasters.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Climate change exacerbates the urban heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas. Heatwaves pose significant risks to infrastructure and public health, increasing the demand for cooling systems and energy consumption. Disaster-resilient infrastructure includes measures to mitigate the urban heat island effect, such as green roofs, cool pavements, and urban green spaces, which can reduce temperatures and improve urban livability.

How India is Building Disaster Resilient Infrastructure?

• Mumbai Metro Project – To improve transport connectivity amid heavy rainfall and traffic congestion in Mumbai, India constructed an extensive metro network beneath the city streets. In heavy monsoon seasons, submerging trains become a possibility, hence providing safer commuting routes and easing traffic loads significantly.
• Solar Panels Installations – Utilizing solar panels to generate electricity reduces dependence on fossil fuels contributing significantly to pollution. Solar microgrid systems installed in remote villages offer reliable lighting and charging devices during blackouts triggered by natural disasters like cyclones and floods.
• Cyclone Shelters – India constructs temporary cyclone shelters during cyclonic seasons where residents gather before cyclones strike, keeping them protected until danger passes. These shelters incorporate adequate sanitation facilities, ventilation, and first aid kits.
• Urban Forestry Program – Planting trees in urban settings absorbs carbon dioxide emissions and reduces the urban heat island effect during hot summers. Trees absorb flood water runoff, thereby lessening flood intensity. Moreover, forests act as buffers to protect urban infrastructures like roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Flood Control Measures – India uses check dams, permeable pavements, rain gardens, contour planting, bioswales, and afforestation to prevent soil erosion and reduce flooding.

Examples of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Around the World

• Japan:

1. 1. • Japan is renowned for its advanced earthquake-resistant building designs and infrastructure systems. Buildings, bridges, and highways are constructed to withstand seismic activity, reducing the risk of collapse and casualties during earthquakes.
      • The country has also invested in tsunami barriers, seawalls, and early warning systems to mitigate the impact of tsunamis along its coastal regions.

• Netherlands:

1. 1. • The Netherlands is known for its extensive system of flood protection measures, including dikes, dams, and storm surge barriers. These structures help protect low-lying areas from flooding caused by storm surges and rising sea levels.
      • The Dutch government also promotes nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration and coastal dune reinforcement to enhance resilience against climate-related hazards.

• Singapore:

1. • Singapore has implemented comprehensive drainage systems and water management strategies to mitigate the risk of flooding in urban areas. The city-state also incorporates green infrastructure features such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements to absorb and manage stormwater runoff.
   • Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has established stringent building codes and standards for structural resilience, including requirements for wind resistance and seismic design.

•   Australia :

• Invested massively in bushfire prevention, educating residents on firefighting techniques, creating defensible space around residential properties, monitoring forest conditions via satellite imagery, upgrading rural electric infrastructure for rapid isolation of affected zones, deploying helicopters for aerial firefighting missions, and rolling out automated weather surveillance systems.

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 26th April 2024

Prelims Based Question

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure:

1. CDRI is a major Global initiative of India.
2. CDRI was established During CoP-15, Paris.

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 Only

(b) 2 Only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: A

Mains based Question

Q1.How does resilient infrastructure contribute to promoting sustainable development and enhancing community resilience in the face of environmental challenges?

Vikas