Q1: What is the Finance Commission Disaster Risk Index (FCDRI)?
A1: The FCDRI is a tool developed by the Indian government to gauge the vulnerability of its states and union territories to natural disasters.
Q2: Why was the FCDRI created?
A2: The FCDRI was instituted to facilitate the Finance Commission in fund allocation for disaster management to various states and union territories. It is also utilized by agencies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for strategizing and executing disaster management plans.
Q3: On what factors is the FCDRI based?
A3: The FCDRI considers several factors such as the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, exposure levels to natural hazards, and the ability of regions to handle disasters.
Q4: Is the FCDRI an absolute measure of disaster risk?
A4: No, while FCDRI is a significant tool for assessing disaster risk, it doesn't encompass all contributing factors to disaster risk, such as poverty levels and resource availability.
Q5: How often is the FCDRI updated?
A5: The FCDRI is a dynamic tool and is updated regularly. The most recent version was made available in 2021.
Q6: Where can the FCDRI be accessed?
A6: The FCDRI can be viewed on the official website of the Finance Commission of India.
Q7: Which are the top 5 regions with the highest FCDRI scores?
A7: The top 5 states with elevated FCDRI scores are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Assam.
Q8: Why are eastern and northeastern regions of India more vulnerable according to FCDRI?
A8: These areas are exposed to a variety of natural disasters, including cyclones, floods, and earthquakes, which elevate their risk levels.
Q9: How can the FCDRI be used beneficially?
A9: The FCDRI aids in identifying high-risk regions, making it an essential tool for strategizing resources and prioritizing disaster management initiatives in vulnerable areas.
Understanding the FCDRI is pivotal for policymakers, disaster management authorities, and regional governments to make informed decisions about resource allocation and disaster preparedness.