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UPSC / UPPSC Geography Optional

Paper–II (Indian Geography) – Page 16

Disaster Geography of India – Types, Distribution & Management

Shaktimatha 369 Learning

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1. Introduction

India is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world due to its diverse physiography, climatic conditions and high population density. Disaster geography studies the spatial distribution, causes and impacts of natural and human-induced disasters.

2. Classification of Disasters

• Natural Disasters
• Man-made Disasters

3. Major Natural Disasters in India

A. Earthquakes

• India lies on active tectonic zones
• High-risk areas: Himalayan belt, North-East, Kutch

B. Floods

• Caused by monsoon rainfall and river overflow
• Frequent in Ganga–Brahmaputra plains

C. Cyclones

• Affect eastern and western coastal regions
• Bay of Bengal more prone than Arabian Sea

D. Droughts

• Result from monsoon failure
• Common in arid and semi-arid regions

E. Landslides

• Common in Himalayan and Western Ghats regions
• Triggered by rainfall and earthquakes

4. Man-Made Disasters

• Industrial accidents
• Chemical and nuclear hazards
• Urban fires
• Oil spills

5. Spatial Distribution of Disasters in India

• Earthquake-prone zones: Himalayas, North-East
• Flood-prone regions: Indo-Gangetic Plains
• Cyclone-prone areas: Eastern coast
• Drought-prone areas: Rajasthan, Deccan Plateau

6. Disaster Management Framework in India

• Disaster Management Act, 2005
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
• State and District Disaster Management Authorities

7. Disaster Mitigation & Preparedness

• Early warning systems
• Disaster-resilient infrastructure
• Community participation
• Capacity building and training

8. Way Forward

• Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction
• Use of GIS and remote sensing
• Climate adaptation strategies
• Strengthening local governance

9. Answer Writing Strategy

• Start with a disaster-prone zones map
• Classify disasters clearly
• Give India-specific examples
• Conclude with resilience-building approach

Golden Rule: Type + region + impact + management = high marks

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End of Geography Optional – Paper II | Page 16
Shaktimatha 369 Learning