Q. Explain the stages of disaster management. How do they contribute to effective disaster response?

Ans. Disaster management involves a systematic process that includes several key stages aimed at reducing the impact of disasters, improving response, and ensuring a swift recovery.

The main stages of disaster management are:

• Mitigation
  This proactive stage focuses on reducing the risk of disasters and their impact.
  Activities – These include building building codes, zoning laws, hazard mapping, earthquake-resistant structures, enforcing floodplain regulations, and protecting coastal areas from erosion.
• Preparedness
  Here, the focus is on being ready for a disaster.
  Activities – Developing emergency plans, conducting drills and exercises, training responders, stockpiling supplies, and establishing communication systems.
• Response
  This is the immediate action taken during and after a disaster.
  Activities – Evacuation, search and rescue operations, providing medical care, distributing food and water, and restoring essential services.
• Recovery
  This long-term stage focuses on rebuilding communities and infrastructure damaged by the disaster.
  Activities – It involves debris removal, restoring essential services, and providing financial assistance to affected individuals and businesses.

All these stages contribute to effective disaster response by:

• Minimizing damage – Mitigation reduces the overall impact of a disaster, leading to less need for emergency response resources.
• Faster response – Preparedness ensures a quicker and more coordinated response when a disaster hits, saving lives and minimizing suffering.
• Efficient resource allocation – Knowing what needs to be done beforehand (preparedness) allows for more efficient use of resources during the response phase.
• Smoother recovery – Helps communities rebuild and improve resilience for future disasters.
  • Provides a structured approach to returning to normal life, which is crucial for the mental and emotional well-being of affected individuals.

Q. What are the different ways in which vegetation diversity contributes to the economic development of the state?

Ans. The term “vegetation cover” refers to the presence and arrangement of plants, including various types, sizes, and densities of vegetation, across a particular geographic area or landscape.

• From low-lying foothills to soaring peaks, Himachal Pradesh’s changing elevations nurture a multitude of plant life, bringing numerous advantages.

Significance of Vegetation Diversity in the Economic Development of the State:

• Tourism
  Himachal Pradesh’s diverse vegetation, ranging from lush forests to alpine meadows, contributes significantly to its attractiveness as a tourist destination.
  Activities – This influx of tourists boosts the hospitality, transportation, and handicraft industries, contributing to the state’s economy.
• Agriculture and Horticulture
  The state’s diverse vegetation allows for a wide range of agricultural and horticultural activities.
  Activities – Different regions support the cultivation of various crops such as wheat, maize, apples, plums, pears, tomatoes, potatoes, etc. due to the varying climatic conditions and altitudes.
• Medicinal Plants and Herbal Industry
  Himachal Pradesh hosts valuable medicinal and aromatic plants used in systems like Ayurveda, thanks to its diverse vegetation.
  Activities – These plants hold significant commercial value in the herbal and pharmaceutical industries.
  • E.g., the plantation of sea buckthorns also known as “chharma” will be undertaken on 250 hectares in Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur districts in five years, which will boost the economic prosperity of these areas.
• Forestry and Timber Industry
  The state’s forests are an important source of timber, wood products, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) like resin, gum, and medicinal plants.
  Activities –
  • E.g., the HP Van Samridhi Jan Samridhi Yojana will ensure economic returns to rural households who are engaged in collecting and selling Non-Timber forest produce which includes medicinal plants.
• Hydropower Generation
  The diverse vegetation, especially in the upper catchment areas, contributes to maintaining the health of water bodies and watersheds.
  Activities – Healthy watersheds ensure a steady supply of water for hydropower generation, which is a significant source of revenue for the state.
• Biodiversity Conservation
  Biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining the ecological balance, preventing soil erosion, and supporting pollinators and other essential ecosystem services that indirectly contribute to the economy.
• Food Processing Industry
  With diverse plantation capability and production of a large number of fruits, H.P. has the potential for the development of the food processing industry.
  Activities –
  • The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) launched a Centrally-sponsored scheme termed State Mission on Food Processing (SMFP).
  • The Mission was developed to increase the production of food crops and to promote the sustainable agricultural sector in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

These diverse contributions underline the critical importance of preserving and managing the state’s rich vegetation resources for sustainable economic growth.

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