National Council of Applied Economic Research
Opinion: Souryabrata Mohapatra.
Odisha, on India’s eastern coast, has become a notable example of disaster management and climate adaptation. Frequent cyclones, floods, and coastal erosion have driven the state to implement adaptation strategies praised globally for their effectiveness. However, beneath these success stories lies a more complex narrative that challenges the sustainability and equity of these measures. As climate change intensifies, evaluating these strategies through a lens of long-term resilience and social justice is crucial.
Successes in Disaster Management
Odisha’s coastal region, home to 42 million people, has faced severe cyclones, such as the 1999 supercyclone, which claimed nearly 10,000 lives. This tragic event marked a turning point, leading to significant investments in disaster preparedness. Since then, measures have dramatically reduced fatalities in subsequent cyclones. For instance, Cyclone Phailin in 2013 resulted in just 45 deaths, showcasing the effectiveness of the state’s interventions.
The construction of over 800 multi-purpose cyclone shelters along the coastline is a central aspect of Odisha’s disaster management strategy. These shelters provide refuge during storms, safeguarding lives. Additionally, an effective early warning system, reaching over 1,200 villages, ensures communities are alerted well in advance of storms. These efforts have been instrumental in moving Odisha toward a “zero casualty” goal, transforming it into a global model of proactive disaster management.
The Unseen Costs of Adaptation
While reducing fatalities is undeniable, the long-term social and economic impacts on affected communities are often overlooked. Social and economic displacement is one major issue. For instance, the relocation of 818 households from Satabhaya to Bagapatia is often cited as a model of managed retreat—a strategy to move communities from vulnerable areas to safer locations. However, this disrupts community ties, severs connections to ancestral lands, and imposes new economic challenges as people adapt to unfamiliar environments.
Moreover, the emphasis on hard infrastructure like cyclone shelters and embankments often comes at the expense of more sustainable, nature-based solutions. Nature-based solutions, such as restoring mangrove forests, can provide multiple benefits: they offer a natural barrier against storm surges and support local livelihoods through enhanced fishery resources. Yet, despite their potential, these solutions represent only a small fraction of adaptation efforts in Odisha. Over-reliance on structural interventions can unintentionally alter natural hydrological systems, increasing vulnerability elsewhere.
The Equity Question
While the benefits are widely recognized, they are not evenly distributed across the population. Wealthier individuals and communities often have better access to government programs and resources, enabling them to take full advantage of the support. In contrast, poorer and marginalized groups struggle to access these benefits, leaving them more vulnerable to climate change impacts. For example, the shift towards climate-resilient agriculture, including introducing saline-tolerant rice varieties, has largely benefitted larger landholders who can afford the necessary inputs and technologies. Smallholders often lack resources to implement these changes, making them more prone to crop failure and economic loss.
Furthermore, the focus on disaster risk reduction sometimes overshadows the underlying drivers of vulnerability, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services. Addressing these root causes is essential for building true resilience. Without tackling these fundamental issues, even the most effective adaptation strategies will fall short of ensuring long-term sustainability and social justice.
A Call for a More Balanced Approach
Odisha’s experience offers valuable lessons for other regions facing similar climate challenges. While the state’s disaster management successes are commendable, as climate impacts intensify, a more balanced approach is necessary. This approach should prioritize immediate disaster risk reduction and long-term socio-ecological resilience and equity. Scaling up nature-based solutions, such as expanding mangrove plantations and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, can provide immediate protection while ensuring the long-term health of ecosystems and communities.
Additionally, efforts must be made to ensure that adaptation benefits are distributed equitably, with targeted support for vulnerable groups. This includes enhancing access to resources and technologies for smallholders, ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in decision-making, and addressing the social and economic impacts of relocation and other adaptation measures.
In conclusion, Odisha’s journey from frequent disaster-induced tragedies to a global model of climate adaptation is impressive. However, as climate change’s impacts grow more severe, it is crucial to critically assess the sustainability and equity of these efforts. By adopting a more holistic and inclusive approach, Odisha and other regions can build resilience that stands the test of time. The true test of effective climate adaptation will be our ability to balance immediate needs with the long-term goal of building resilient, equitable societies that can withstand future challenges.
The writer is a faculty member at NCAER in New Delhi. Views are personal.