UPSC Mains 2019 GS3 Q18 — Disaster Management
Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Explain
- Scope keywords
- Disaster preparednessfirst stepdisaster management processhazard zonation mappingdisaster mitigationlandslides
- Implicit sub-parts
- The conceptual link between preparedness and the overall disaster management cycle.
- The technical parameters used in creating landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) maps (slope, lithology, land use).
- The transition from mapping (preparedness) to specific mitigation actions (structural and non-structural).
- Limitations of mapping and the need for real-time monitoring/early warning systems.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time defining landslides or listing generic causes instead of focusing on 'mapping'.
- Confusing 'mitigation' with 'post-disaster relief' or rescue operations.
- Failing to mention specific Indian contexts like the NDMA guidelines or vulnerable regions like the Himalayas and Western Ghats.
- Neglecting the 'pre-disaster' focus of the question by discussing general disaster management stages like recovery and reconstruction.
- Dimensions required
- Scientific/TechnicalSpatial/GeographicalPolicy and PlanningSocio-EconomicInfrastructural
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 3 marks to establishing the primacy of preparedness in the DM cycle. Use 8 marks to detail how mapping informs land-use zoning, engineering interventions, and risk communication for landslides. Reserve the final 4 marks for the integration of mapping with technology like GIS/Remote Sensing and a concluding outlook on community-level mitigation.
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