Exploring the gap between policy and action in Disaster Risk Reduction: A case study from India

The transition from a response-based paradigm to an anticipative, prevention-based approach remains stubborn challenge in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Whilst the United Nations Office for (UNDRR) has advocated latter since International Decade Natural 1990s, many countries have been slow move response-focused preventative one. policy guidelines successfully informed national DRR policies various countries; however, their further translation down regional and local level is full of complex political challenges, exacerbated areas by increased frequency disasters. In this paper we explore case India, using example landslide risk management. Through analysis evolution governance during last two decades hilly regions – Darjeeling Himalayas Nilgiris Western Ghats demonstrate that while government appears made considerable efforts line with UNDRR approaches, eventual outcome these at largely incremental improvement on existing not shift understanding addressing disaster risk. We argue overcoming issues requires attentiveness situated disasters institutions level, treating apparent gaps between action as functional challenges be overcome new science level.