Context
·         This article explores the causes of numerous natural catastrophes occurring around the world.
·         Greater urbanisation and population density have increased reliance on fossil fuels and the occurrence of more climate-disruptive manmade influences.

Introduction   
·         Natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, occur on a regular basis and can be disastrous.
·         Poor planning and human actions often worsen the level of damage and loss of life associated with these disasters.
·         This raises the question of how far natural disasters can be called man-made, considering the impact of human activity on their severity and impact.
 
The Role of Human Actions
·         Man-made factors contribute significantly to the extent and severity of natural disasters.
·         Vulnerable communities, which are frequently marginalised and at greater risk, necessitate special attention and unique solutions.
·         To effectively handle the issues faced by natural disasters, communal and bottom-up approaches are emphasised.
  
Anthropogenic Climate Change
·         Human activities, particularly those that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, have had a role in anthropogenic climate change.
·         Because of this worldwide phenomenon, the frequency and intensity of climate-related dangers such as severe rains and extreme weather occurrences have increased.
·         In addition to climate change, human acts such as constructing on floodplains, encroaching on water bodies, and developing cities without considering sustainability all contribute to natural catastrophe susceptibility.
·         While humans are not completely to blame for these tragedies, they have played an important part in exacerbating the situation. Recognising this duty is critical for solving problems and learning from mistakes in the past.
 
Disaster Preparedness Evolution:
·         India has a long history of dealing with natural disasters, long before climate change emerged as a cause for such events.
·         Natural landscapes have been altered as a result of urbanisation and human density, resulting in changes in disaster patterns.
·         Government organisations in charge of urban development and planning must adjust to these shifting environments.
·         The situation of Mumbai exemplifies varied levels of disaster preparedness, since the city has taken attempts to solve flooding difficulties in comparison to other locations, such as Delhi, which is prone to flooding.
  
Development and Sustainability in Balance:
·         Development frequently translates into infrastructure expansion, which is required for economic prosperity and increasing inhabitants' quality of life.
·         However, sustainable growth should take into account not only economic reasons but also societal and environmental concerns.
·        To prevent worsening natural disaster risks, achieving sustainability necessitates careful urban development with an emphasis on environmental repercussions.
  
Challenges with Knowledge Implementation:
·         While there is information regarding natural disasters, it is not static and is always evolving.
·         Underestimation of disaster risks is a prevalent issue due to insufficient or obsolete data and a lack of robust infrastructure for data collecting and monitoring.
·         For example, due to an insufficient observational network, there is a limited understanding of rainfall patterns and dangers in the Himalayan region.
·         Data availability and accuracy are critical in predicting and minimising disaster risks.
 
The Disconnect in Decision-Making: 
·         Institutions in India are dedicated to monitoring and comprehending the climate situation, particularly rainfall patterns and disaster hazards.
·         The mismatch occurs, however, throughout the decision-making process, where political, economic, and developmental objectives may conflict with environmental protection.
·         When preparing for disaster resilience, decision-makers must include long-term risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and socioeconomic considerations.
·         Bridging this gap necessitates the participation of specialists from both public and private entities in order to design modern solutions that are compatible with current disaster risks and problems. 
·         Ultimately, political will is critical to properly adopting these ideas.
  
LTX Mains Question
Q. Are disasters Anthropogenic or Natural? Suggest a policy to make India disaster-proof.