As climate change-driven disasters intensify across India, experts are calling for a comprehensive climate justice policy that integrates disaster risk reduction, resilience building, and adequate budgetary allocations.
In 2024, extreme weather events impacted 255 out of 274 days, leading to 3,238 deaths, destruction of 2.35 lakh houses, and damage to 3.2 million hectares of land, according to the Centre for Science and Environment. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported a 24% rise in disaster-related fatalities compared to the previous year.
Key Policy Gaps & Recent Amendments
The 2024 amendments to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, now include “disaster risk reduction”, but effective implementation and budget oversight remain crucial.
Urban Disaster Management Authorities have been mandated for state capitals and municipal cities a necessary step given the rising impact of flooding in urban areas like Chennai and Bengaluru.
Removal of Section 19 eliminates state-specific relief guidelines, which could impact the flexibility of states to respond to localized climate crises.
Compensation under NDRF and SDRF needs revision to account for land, shelter, and livelihood losses, especially in climate-vulnerable communities.
Budget Shortfalls & The Need for Greater Financial Support
The 15th Finance Commission allocated ₹1,000 crore for resettling erosion-affected populations and ₹1,500 crore for disaster mitigation. However, with a ₹500 crore cap per state, experts argue this is inadequate.
For instance, Odisha spent ₹22.5 crore in a single phase of resettling climate-displaced people in Baghapatia village, underscoring the need for larger financial outlays.
What Needs to be Done
- Develop a national climate justice policy covering disaster response, resilience building, and rehabilitation.
- Encourage participatory governance, allowing Panchayats and local disaster management committees to integrate climate action with development plans.
- Revise compensation norms to cover losses of land, habitat, and socio-economic displacement.
- Enhance natural resilience through mangrove restoration, green cover expansion, and initiatives like a Coastal Employment Guarantee Scheme.
With climate change accelerating disaster risks, India’s policy framework must evolve to provide equitable, well-funded, and localized responses that prioritize vulnerable communities, youth, and women-led resilience efforts.