UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Mitigation refers to efforts taken before a disaster to reduce its potential impact. These include structural measures such as dams,embankments and safe building codes as well as non structural measures like land use planning. The aim is to lessen damage even if a hazard occurs. Therefore the description in the question is best captured by the term mitigation.

Option A:
Mitigation involves proactive risk reduction rather than post disaster action. By addressing underlying vulnerabilities,it can significantly limit loss of life and property. This long term focus distinguishes mitigation from other phases of disaster management and makes it the correct answer.

Option B:
Recovery refers to measures taken after a disaster to restore normalcy and rebuild affected communities. It includes rehabilitation and reconstruction activities. Although important,it does not describe the pre disaster risk reduction strategies highlighted in the stem.

Option C:
Relief usually denotes immediate assistance after a disaster,such as food,shelter and medical aid. It is reactive and short term in nature. Hence it does not match the long term structural and non structural strategies described.

Option D:
Reconstruction focuses on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and housing after the disaster has struck. It is part of the post disaster phase,not a preventive strategy. Therefore it is not the correct term for the measures mentioned in the question.

Non-structural measures focus on policies, planning tools, information systems and community capacity rather than physical constructions. Land-use zoning can keep settlements away from high-risk zones, early warning systems alert people to impending hazards and awareness programmes help communities respond appropriately. Together these measures reduce disaster impacts without necessarily altering physical structures.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because dams and embankments are classic examples of structural measures that physically modify the environment to control hazards.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as retrofitting buildings with stronger designs is again a structural intervention aimed at enhancing physical resilience.

Option C:
Option C is correct since zoning, warnings and awareness operate through rules, information and behaviour change, making them non-structural tools in disaster mitigation.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because cyclone shelters are physical constructions that provide safe refuge and are therefore structural measures.

Non-structural measures rely on policies, planning, regulations and awareness rather than physical structures. Land-use zoning keeps settlements and critical facilities away from floodplains, fault lines or landslide-prone slopes. Building codes ensure that whatever is built meets safety standards. Together they reduce exposure and vulnerability before hazards strike.

Option A:
Option A is a structural measure because it involves constructing physical defences such as embankments.

Option B:
Option B is also structural, as it strengthens physical buildings through engineering modifications.

Option C:
Option C is correct since zoning and codes are regulatory and planning tools, classic examples of non-structural mitigation.

Option D:
Option D is structural because cyclone shelters are actual buildings designed to withstand storms.