The process of mainstreaming DRR and CCA into development planning is impeded due to a lack of appropriate tools and methodologies. With a view to address risk reduction concerns and to facilitate mainstreaming of DRR/CCA in various developmental sectors, the project will target atleast four key National Flagship Development Programmes. Appropriate entry points, programme-specific guidelines for mainstreaming as well as capacity building of government and non-governmental functionaries involved in implementation of such programmes will be developed.

UNDP will continue its support in the area of urban risk reduction, following an institutional approach. It will be providing technical assistance to strengthen the governance structure for disaster risk management in select municipal councils and corporations, train municipal government officials, and emphasize inclusion of risk reduction in development projects. Technical assistance will be provided in the following areas:

• Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment.
• Strengthening of Early Warning Systems.
• Capacity building at the community level on disaster preparedness.
• Development of sectorial plans to integrate DRR and CCA.
• Preparation of multi hazard City Disaster Management Plans.

Knowledge Management Centre

UNDP will support establishment of a state-of-the-art Knowledge Management Centre at the national level which will facilitate systematic collection, storage and analysis of disaster data and also serve as the platform for sharing of knowledge and experiences among the DM practitioners. In addition, it would also provide learning facilities and function as a repository of various knowledge products in the field of Disaster Management developed by various stakeholders including state governments.

Research Studies

Specific studies in relation to disaster risk reduction and disaster resilience in India will be conducted to build the existing knowledge base on disaster risk reduction. Emphasis will be laid on assessment of the capacities and strengths that exist in relation to risk assessment, early warning systems, disaster financing, recovery, preparedness and response.

Knowledge Events

At least one knowledge event will be organized every year to showcase the achievements made in relation to DRR.

South-South Cooperation

The project will promote South-South cooperation through collaborative studies, exchange visits, and workshops involving practitioners from countries in the South Asian region and beyond.

Under the project, efforts will be made to enhance the resilience of select vulnerable communities living in coastal, rained area, deltas and wetlands, inland water bodies, river plains, and hilly regions to cope with disasters and climate variability by implementing scalable demonstrative pilot initiatives. Measures for mitigating the impacts of disasters and climate change will be implemented by designing community led pilot initiatives. Some of the proposed pilot initiatives are as follows:

Integrated Water Management for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

This will include measures such as revival of traditional water bodies, demand side ground water management, aquifer mapping, recharge of ground water, increased efficiency in utilization of water for the purpose of irrigation and domestic use, de-water logging/drainage decongestion, and land reclamation in flood plains, deltas and coastal plains.

Construction of safe shelters

The project will attempt to pursue CCA-DRR linkage in the shelter sector. It will assess the vulnerability of select communities from disasters and climate change and work with home-owners to introduce hazard-resistant building technology, climate sensitive designs, use of appropriate building materials, adequate provision for water and sanitation in the habitat design/planning, incorporation of water harvesting measures, use of energy efficient devices for electricity, and disaster preparedness through suitable structural and non-structural measures.

Alternative livelihoods and Livelihood Diversification for Adaptation and Resilience Building

Efforts would be made to develop expand the livelihood options through skill development of women groups and expansion of local economic activities through diversification, strengthening of local markets, infrastructure and promoting insurance. There will be special emphasis on climate change adaptive water and land based crop systems and farming practices. The project will attempt to promote financial inclusion by strengthening self-help groups, and establishing linkages with microfinance organizations.

Community level early warning systems

The project will attempt to develop mechanisms to ensure access to early warning information by the communities at risk. Appropriate technologies would be identified and promoted through existing programmes to establish effective early warning systems.

Participatory Risk Assessment

The project will attempt to promote community level participatory risk and vulnerability assessments using both indigenous knowledge and geospatial technologies such as satellite imagery, remote sensing, Global Positioning and Geographical Information Systems. Also, attempts would be made to demonstrate how community concerns can be integrated and addressed in development plans through such participatory risk assessments.