Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The Disaster Management Act 2005, represents paradigm shift from a relief-centric approach to one of proactive prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
Reason (R): With proactive approach all natural hazards can be easily avoided.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Disaster Risk = Hazard $\times$ Vulnerability. We can reduce vulnerability, but we often cannot control the hazard itself.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Disaster management has evolved from reactive "crisis management" (relief) to proactive "risk management" (mitigation and preparedness). This shift aims to reduce the vulnerability of communities before a disaster strikes.

Step 1: Analyzing the Paradigm Shift (A).
The Disaster Management Act of 2005 was a landmark piece of legislation in India. It moved the focus away from simply distributing aid *after* a disaster to building institutional capacity for prevention and preparedness *before* an event. This is widely recognized as a "paradigm shift" in policy. Thus, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Analyzing the Nature of Hazards (R).
A "hazard" is a natural phenomenon (like an earthquake or cyclone) that cannot be entirely "avoided" or stopped by human intervention. Proactive management aims to reduce the risk and impact of these hazards so they do not become "disasters," but it is impossible to "easily avoid all natural hazards." Reason (R) overstates the capability of disaster management.

Step 3: Conclusion.
While proactive approaches are highly effective at saving lives and reducing damage, natural forces cannot be completely avoided. Therefore, Reason (R) is logically and factually incorrect.