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Q: How does the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) contribute to reducing vulnerability in coastal states?  (150 Words)

Introduction

The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) is vital for making coastal states in India less vulnerable to cyclones. This project is being carried out in two phases, with a focus on improving essential infrastructure and early warning systems in areas prone to cyclonic activity.

Components of NCRMP

• Early Warning Dissemination Systems (EWDS): NCRMP has established advanced early warning systems that consist of alert sirens, satellite radios, and mass messaging services to ensure reliable communication during disasters. These systems are crucial for last-mile connectivity, especially in states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• Strengthening Infrastructure: The project focuses on installing underground electric cabling to protect critical infrastructure from cyclonic damage. For example, 1,387.76 km of underground electric cabling has been implemented to maintain a continuous power supply during cyclones.
• Cyclone Risk Mitigation Infrastructure (CRMI): NCRMP involves the construction of multi-purpose cyclone shelters (MPCS), roads, bridges, and saline embankments, significantly boosting the resilience of coastal communities. So far, 795 MPCS have been built, offering safe refuge for communities during cyclones.
• Community-Based Disaster Risk Management: The project includes extensive capacity-building initiatives, training over 68,000 community representatives in disaster response skills such as first aid and shelter management.

Impact of NCRMP on Vulnerability Reduction

• Improved Disaster Response Time: The implementation of advanced warning systems and weather monitoring stations has significantly enhanced the response time to cyclone threats. This improvement enables quicker evacuations and helps in reducing casualties during such events.
• Enhanced Infrastructure Resilience: The construction of cyclone shelters, embankments, and the retrofitting of existing infrastructure have provided safe havens for millions of coastal residents during cyclones. This has led to a substantial reduction in physical damage and loss of life during these natural disasters.
• Strengthened Community: Through comprehensive community engagement programs and regular disaster response drills, NCRMP has empowered local populations with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect themselves during emergencies. This empowerment has significantly improved community resilience in the face of cyclonic threats.
• Sustaining Livelihoods: NCRMP plays a crucial role in strengthening livelihoods such as fisheries, agriculture, and tourism, which are often severely impacted by cyclonic events. By enhancing resilience in these sectors, the project helps in sustaining the economic stability of coastal communities.
• Sustainability and Maintenance: The project ensures sustainability through the establishment of Cyclone Shelter Maintenance & Management Committees (CSMMCs) in each state. These committees are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and operational sustainability of cyclone shelters, supported by the creation of corpus funds for long-term upkeep.

Conclusion

The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) has made significant strides in reducing the vulnerability of coastal states to cyclones. However, it is essential for the project to adapt and evolve in response to climate change projections. This includes addressing emerging threats and further enhancing the resilience of coastal areas to withstand the impacts of cyclonic events.