Coastal Disaster Management: Law, Policy And Resilience
Abha Satman, Assistant Prof. of Law, ICSS Law College, Bhadrak
ABSTRACT
Coastal disasters, including cyclones, floods, sea level rise, are primarily driven by climate change, environmental degradation and unsustainable human activities. These changes disproportionately affect coastal regions and vulnerable populations. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis on coastal disaster management through a judicial perspective, emphasizing the role of legal frameworks and initiatives taken by the government in mitigating risks and ensuring justice for affected communities. It examines causes of climate disaster, risks, alongside international mitigation efforts such as Law of Sea, Sendai Framework for disaster management and Paris Agreement; with a comparative study of the mechanism system within nations. Further, this paper also discusses about national mechanisms and legislative frameworks, as, Environment protection act, Disaster Management Act, Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, National Green Tribunal Act, Integrated Coastal Zone Management act, also special attention is given to mitigation strategies adapted by Odisha State govt- Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, Odisha State Relief Code, Odisha Early Warning and Communication System. This research explores case studies from Indian coastal regions, highlighting Odisha’s success and challenges in implementing disaster management strategies, efforts taken by NGOs and duty of common people. This work concludes by recommending strengthened mitigation mechanisms that integrate human rights and environmental justice to better protect vulnerable communities.
Keywords: Disaster management, Coastal justice, Mitigation mechanisms, Legal case studies.
