Disaster Risk Reduction

Bio-shields and Mangrove Plantation

Reliance Foundation promotes bio-shields and mangrove plantation as nature-based solutions to reduce communities’ exposure to hazards. These initiatives are community-owned and community-driven, bringing together experts, technology and local leadership to strengthen resilience.

The programme supports site-specific interventions such as creating bio-shields along ocean and riverbanks, which offer natural protection against cyclonic storms, tsunamis, high winds and soil erosion. Community-led mangrove nurseries, natural regeneration practices to address fodder scarcity in drought-prone areas, and ecosystem-based approaches are used to build socio-economic and environmental resilience.

In Odisha, a community-led mangrove nursery has been established to ensure seedlings receive periodic tidal inundation for healthy growth. A sapling stocking mechanism helps address plantation losses and contributes to sustained mangrove conservation.

Across Odisha, Gujarat, Assam and West Bengal, around 40,000 saplings, seeds and mangrove hypocotyls have been planted. Interventions include mangrove plantation in coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal, cactus plantation to support livestock fodder requirements in Gujarat, and vetiver plantation for flood and erosion control in Assam.

Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction

Reliance Foundation integrates Disaster Risk Reduction by using both advanced GIS-based tools and community-led hazard, risk and vulnerability assessments. GIS analysis is used to create hazard line maps and digital elevation models that help simulate disaster scenarios and support planning efforts. These insights strengthen community understanding of risks and inform local decision-making.

At the last mile, disaster management planning is designed to be community-led, inclusive and participatory. Integrating these plans with development programmes ensures that DRR is mainstreamed into long-term community development.

Community-led Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (HVRA): Using GIS-based macro-level HVRA, hazard line mapping and DEM models, communities participate in analysing historical disaster impacts and the evolving risk landscape. Through participatory rural appraisal techniques, communities assess their exposure to hazards, socio-ecological factors and the resulting vulnerabilities and resilience levels.

Village Disaster Management Plans (VDMPs): Insights from community-led HVRA processes are used to develop and update VDMPs. These plans document the village’s hazard history and current vulnerabilities, and outline preparedness measures to mitigate future risks. VDMPs serve as essential tools for both administration and communities during emergencies, providing clarity on resources and response mechanisms.

Climate Resilient Livelihoods

In disaster-prone geographies, Reliance Foundation works closely with various livelihood groups to enhance their resilience to extreme weather events. The aim is to strengthen adaptive and mitigative capacities, protect livelihood assets and improve incomes. Engagements primarily focus on farmers, livestock-rearing families and fisherfolk.

Through partnerships with Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research institutions, digital farm schools connect scientists and experts with communities to provide technical guidance on adopting resilient practices. Livestock protection is another key focus, covering disease management, feed and fodder security and related preparedness measures.

To date, around 100,000 farmers have received agriculture and livestock protection advisories to reduce risks arising from extreme climatic conditions.