Published Paper Details:

Since the initiation of 21st century, globally, the scale, intensity and frequency of climatic hazards have increased manifolds. Cities with higher concentration of people and assets are naturally vulnerable to disasters and according to United Nations (2018) by 2050 almost 68 percent of world population will be living in the cities. South Asia, the most densely populated region of the world, is more vulnerable to natural hazards and disasters. All the major cities in South Asia are not only profoundly populated but also expanding rapidly and mostly, in an unplanned manner, thereby rendering them vulnerable to hazards and disasters. Such vulnerability together with rapid population growth, environmental degradation, socio-economic inequalities and resultant social exclusion further compound the challenges of a hazard or disaster like flood, earthquake, landslide, tropical cyclone etc. Uniquely, a resilient community responds positively and can cope with the damages and changes caused by a disaster. Only an all-inclusive urban resilience approach can ensure the benefit of all people as it encompasses the understanding of diverse needs and capabilities of all people and acknowledge the unique needs of the socially excluded and marginalized groups based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, caste, religion, sexual orientation, geographical location and disability status. The present paper is a qualitative study which seeks to explore the meaning and types of resilience, the reasons why South Asia is particularly concerned and the present status of social inclusion in building resilience and upholding disaster risk management (DRM) in South Asia.