Relief Commissioner’s Office of Uttar Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Association (MoA) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Aim is to make disaster management in the state more scientific, inclusive, and technically advanced, focusing on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and institutional capacity building.
Key Objectives of MoA
- Implement disaster risk reduction (DRR) programmes across UP.
- Strengthen institutional and technical capacity of the state.
- Develop multi-level disaster management systems for early warning, preparedness, and response.
- Create an inclusive and accountable framework for disaster management.
Program Highlights
District & Departmental Plans
- Disaster management plans for all 75 districts of UP.
- Departmental DM plans for 15 state departments.
Urban Disaster Preparedness
- Risk assessments and vulnerability studies for 20 major cities.
- Preparation of urban disaster management plans for these cities.
State-Level Technical Improvements
- Setting up of Project Management Unit (PMU) at Relief Commissioner’s Office.
- Workshops, ICT-based disaster information tools, and integration of the state’s disaster information system.
- Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 10 state departments.
Budget & Implementation
- Approved budget: ₹19.99 crore over 3 years.
- Program will be implemented in phases.
- UNDP to provide technical expertise in alignment with NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) guidelines.
About UNDP
- Formation: 1965 by UNGA (merger of Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, 1949 & Special Fund, 1958).
- HQ: New York City, USA.
- Presence: Works in ~170 countries.
- Focus Areas:
- Sustainable development
- Democratic governance & peacebuilding
- Climate and disaster resilience
Key Facts
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
- Established under Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Chairperson: Prime Minister of India.
- Functions: Policy-making, planning, and capacity-building for disaster risk reduction in India.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA):
- Established in every state under DM Act, 2005.
- Chaired by Chief Minister of the respective state.
Uttar Pradesh & Disaster Profile:
- Geographical Risk: Flood-prone (especially eastern UP districts), droughts in Bundelkhand, earthquakes (Zone IV & III), and industrial hazards.
- UP is India’s most populous state (25 crore+) → requires robust disaster management.
Important Global Facts:
- India is among the most disaster-prone countries, with ~58.6% of landmass earthquake-prone, 12% flood-prone, and ~5,700 km coastline vulnerable to cyclones & tsunamis.
- UNDP supports India in implementing Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).