Local bodies are the key to disaster risk mitigation in India. Discuss with examples.

Local bodies include the panchayat & municipalities whose inclusion in the disaster risk mitigation is crucial. This is because they are closest to the people & communities affected by disasters & best placed to coordinate & implement disaster risk reduction measures at the local level. They have first-hand knowledge of their community's social, economic, infrastructure & environmental need, helping them to provide support in a disaster. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) calls for empowering local authorities through appropriate regulatory & financial means to work of coordinate with civil society, community & indigenous peoples to include local migrants in disaster risk management at the local level. Role of Local Bodies in Disaster Risk Mitigation Pre Disaster Phase: Resource Mapping: Mapping of resources by facilities in & around its functional special temporary on their suitability for disaster management - for settlement of displaced people, storage of food, water, medical services Vulnerability Mapping: - Checking for vulnerable population, location at regular intervals to ensure effective disaster risk mitigation

Early Warning System: Early warning & reporting systems are the deal of nodal persons along its functional special temporary on their suitability for disaster management to prevent urban floods During Disaster: Disaster Response: - The local bodies play crucial role as they are the first responders. Eg: Kerala floods 2018, local authorities were forefront in rescue activities. - They help in setting up of settlements, temporary shelter, arranging essential supplies. Arranging Necessities: - Starting a community kitchen & ensuring clean water for drinking. - Vaccination for measles, cholera. - Looking out for vulnerable groups Post Disaster: Medical Camps: - Ensuring the new being of vulnerable groups - vaccination drive to prevent post disaster epidemics Recovery: - Coordinated activities & NGO, government against private members for early rehabilitation of displaced population. - They also help in building critical infrastructure for faster community connectivity.

Mitigation: - Spreading awareness among people - Educating population - Mock drills - Youth training for Disaster Response Considering this importance, training of Landau at Raj has launched Disaster Management Plan for panchayati Raj institutes. As India's prone to various kinds of disasters due to the varied geography, inclusion of local body can help us mitigate our risk associated with disasters more effectively.