Climate change, deforestation, rapid urbanisation: What made Cyclones Ditwah & Senyar so deadly?

The article title, "Climate change, deforestation, rapid urbanisation: What made Cyclones Ditwah & Senyar so deadly?", points to a critical area of study for competitive exams: the nexus between environmental degradation, climate change, and the increasing vulnerability of populations to natural disasters. While the specific content of the article regarding Cyclones Ditwah and Senyar is unavailable, the title itself provides a robust framework to discuss the broader implications for India.

India, with its vast coastline stretching over 7,500 km, is highly susceptible to tropical cyclones, particularly in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The frequency and intensity of these events have been on a rising trend, a phenomenon largely attributed to global climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports consistently highlight that rising sea surface temperatures, a direct consequence of global warming, provide more energy for cyclones, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and increased storm surges. This background context sets the stage for understanding why cyclones like Ditwah and Senyar, even without specific details, are likely becoming more destructive.

What happened, generally, is that the destructive potential of natural phenomena like cyclones is amplified by human-induced factors. Climate change acts as a primary driver, intensifying the cyclones themselves. Deforestation, particularly of coastal mangroves and natural forest covers, removes crucial natural barriers that historically absorbed the initial shock of cyclonic winds and storm surges, protecting inland areas. For instance, the Sunderbans mangroves have long served as a shield for West Bengal and Bangladesh. Their degradation makes communities more exposed. Rapid urbanisation, especially unplanned growth in coastal areas, further exacerbates the problem. It leads to the construction of vulnerable infrastructure in flood-prone zones, increased impervious surfaces that prevent water absorption, and the concentration of large populations in areas with inadequate drainage and emergency response infrastructure. Informal settlements, often home to the most vulnerable, are particularly at risk, turning natural hazards into humanitarian crises.

Key stakeholders involved in managing and mitigating the impact of such events include various levels of government – the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for early warnings, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for policy formulation. Local self-government bodies (Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies) are crucial for last-mile preparedness and response. Beyond governmental bodies, NGOs, local communities, international aid organizations, and research institutions play vital roles in relief, rehabilitation, and long-term resilience building. The private sector, particularly in infrastructure development and insurance, also has a significant stake.

This phenomenon matters profoundly for India. Economically, cyclones cause immense damage to agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure (roads, railways, power grids), and housing, leading to billions of dollars in losses annually. Socially, they result in displacement, loss of livelihoods, health crises, and psychological trauma, disproportionately affecting women, children, and the elderly. Environmentally, they cause soil erosion, salinization of agricultural lands, and loss of biodiversity. Politically, effective disaster management becomes a test of governance, requiring coordination across multiple agencies and levels. India's commitment to climate action and disaster risk reduction, articulated in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, is directly challenged by these events.

Historically, India has faced numerous devastating cyclones, such as the Odisha Super Cyclone of 1999, which prompted significant reforms in disaster management. The enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the establishment of the NDMA marked a paradigm shift from a relief-centric approach to a holistic one encompassing prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008, outlines India's strategy to address climate change, including missions focused on sustainable habitats, water, and Himalayan ecosystems, all of which are pertinent to reducing cyclone vulnerability.

Constitutionally, the protection of the environment and public health falls under various provisions. Article 21, the Right to Life, has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean and healthy environment. Article 48A, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.' Article 51A(g) imposes a Fundamental Duty on every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.' These articles provide the legal and ethical framework for environmental protection and disaster resilience efforts.

Looking to the future, the implications are clear: continued investment in early warning systems (like the IMD's enhanced capabilities), resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, and ecosystem restoration (e.g., mangrove reforestation) is paramount. Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies must be integrated into all developmental plans. International cooperation, sharing best practices, and access to climate finance will also be crucial for India to build resilience against increasingly severe cyclonic events. The deadliness of cyclones like Ditwah and Senyar serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and integrated approaches to environmental protection and disaster risk reduction.