Jul 103 min read

Why India Must Strengthen Critical Infrastructure Against Disasters(UPSC CAPF Essay 2024 | 2025)

Introduction

Electricity demand surge amidst extreme weather conditions underscores the vulnerability of India’s critical infrastructure.
This issue extends beyond power systems to include telecommunications, transportation, health services, and cyber systems.
The need for disaster resilience in these sectors is becoming increasingly urgent as climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Delhi experienced record-breaking electricity demand due to relentless high temperatures, leading to frequent power cuts.
Similar situations were observed in central and eastern India, where power shortages combined with high night temperatures made life unbearable and potentially contributed to heat-related deaths.
These events highlight the fragility of critical infrastructure during extreme weather conditions.
The vulnerability of power systems is a stark reminder that other sectors like telecommunications, transportation, and health services are also at risk during disasters, complicating an already difficult crisis situation.
The breakdown of essential services hampers relief efforts and amplifies the devastation.

Economic losses from extreme weather events have been rising despite significant improvements in early warnings and quick response systems.
Between 2018 and 2023, Indian states collectively spent over Rs 1.5 lakh crore on disaster aftermaths.
This figure represents only the immediate expenditure. Long-term costs, such as livelihood losses and reduced agricultural land fertility, are much larger and are projected to worsen over time.
According to a 2022 World Bank report, heat-related stress could lead to the loss of around 34 million jobs in India by 2030.
Additionally, food wastage due to inadequate transport conditions, such as non-air-conditioned trucks, amounts to approximately $9 billion annually.
The damage to critical infrastructure like transportation, telecommunications, and power supply often goes unaccounted for in government figures, particularly when these services are privately owned.
However, this damage causes massive disruptions and exacerbates the disaster's impact.

In response to these challenges, almost all infrastructure sectors now have disaster management plans in place.
Hospitals in disaster-prone areas are equipping themselves with backup power supplies.
Airports and railways are enhancing their water drainage systems.
Telecommunication lines are being moved underground.
Despite these efforts, progress has been slow, and a significant portion of India's infrastructure remains highly vulnerable.

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) conducted a study on Odisha's electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Odisha, a state at high risk from cyclones, was found to have extremely fragile infrastructure.
The study revealed that more than 30% of the distribution substations were within 20 km of the coastline, and 80% of the electricity poles were susceptible to high wind speeds.
Additionally, more than 75% of distribution lines were installed over 30 years ago and lacked the capacity to withstand cyclonic winds.
Similar vulnerabilities likely exist in other coastal states.

Established in 2019, the CDRI aims to make critical infrastructure resilient to natural disasters.
Headquartered in India, CDRI has grown into a knowledge hub with over 30 member countries.
However, only a few Indian states have sought CDRI's expertise.
As India continues to develop its infrastructure, incorporating disaster resilience from the outset is more cost-effective than retrofitting later.
It is essential that all upcoming infrastructure projects are climate-smart, sustainable, energy-efficient, and resilient to disasters.

The future of India’s infrastructure development must prioritize resilience.
Most of the infrastructure planned to be built by 2030 is still in the proposal stage.
Incorporating disaster resilience at the construction phase is not only more efficient but also significantly less costly than retrofitting existing structures.
India’s initiative to create CDRI demonstrates a commitment to building resilient infrastructure that can withstand multi-hazard disasters.
This approach is critical for setting global standards and ensuring that infrastructure development is aligned with climate change adaptation strategies.

India, by initiating the creation of CDRI, has taken a significant step towards building resilient infrastructure.
However, much work remains to be done.
Incorporating resilience into infrastructure is crucial for economic stability and public safety.
Accelerating these efforts is necessary to protect India's infrastructure from future disasters and to serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.

This article India Must Strengthen Critical Infrastructure Against Disasters is vital for UPSC CAPF, Assistant Commandant essay writing as it addresses a contemporary issue of national importance.
Understanding the need for disaster resilience in critical infrastructure provides insight into government policies and strategic planning.
Topics like these are integral to UPSC CAPF AC essay topics 2024 and UPSC CAPF current affairs.
This summary aids in UPSC CAPF AC exam preparation, offering valuable content for the UPSC CAPF AC syllabus 2024.
Additionally, it enhances knowledge for other competitive exams like CDS, NDA, SSB, AFCAT, CSE, IAS, and IB ACIO.
Understanding disaster management and infrastructure resilience is crucial for aspirants aiming for roles in national security and administration.