NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT (NDMA)
1. Context
Last week, the government introduced a Bill in Parliament seeking to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It proposes to make important changes in the Act, aimed mainly at improving the operational efficiencies in responding to a natural disaster
2. What is National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) ?
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is an agency established by the Government of India to coordinate and manage disaster response and preparedness at the national level. The NDMA's primary objectives are to formulate policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management and ensure their effective implementation.
Key aspects of NDMA include:
- NDMA develops national policies and guidelines for disaster management to strengthen the country's ability to respond to and mitigate the effects of disasters
- It coordinates between various government departments, agencies, and stakeholders involved in disaster management, ensuring a cohesive approach to disaster response and recovery
- NDMA oversees the implementation of disaster management plans and provides technical assistance and guidance to state and district authorities
- It focuses on building the capacity of institutions and individuals through training, simulations, and public awareness programs
- NDMA supports research on disaster management practices and technologies to improve preparedness and response strategies
- During a disaster, NDMA plays a key role in mobilizing resources, providing strategic direction, and coordinating relief efforts
3. Functions of NDMA
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has several key functions aimed at improving disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in India.
These functions include:
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Developing national policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management, including strategies for disaster risk reduction and response.
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Coordinating with various government agencies, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to disaster management
- Overseeing the development and implementation of disaster preparedness plans and response strategies. This includes ensuring that resources and personnel are ready for quick deployment during emergencies
- Enhancing the capabilities of institutions and individuals involved in disaster management through training, exercises, and simulations
- Promoting disaster awareness and educating the public on how to prepare for and respond to disasters. This includes campaigns and community outreach programs.
- Supporting research and development in disaster management practices, technologies, and methodologies to improve resilience and response strategies.
- Ensuring the effective management of resources needed for disaster response, including financial resources, equipment, and personnel
- Monitoring the implementation of disaster management plans and evaluating their effectiveness. This involves assessing the performance of disaster management activities and making necessary adjustments
- Integrating disaster management considerations into national and state development plans to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience
- Providing technical support and guidance to state and local authorities to strengthen their disaster management capabilities and ensure that they align with national standards and practices.
4. Proposed Amendments
The amendment Bill acknowledges the need for improvements and proposes several key changes to enhance the effectiveness of the Act:
- Urban Disaster Management Authorities: While disaster management structures already exist at the district level, the Bill recognizes that large metropolitan areas, which often span multiple districts, have unique needs. It proposes establishing Urban Disaster Management Authorities in all state capitals and cities with municipal corporations, led by the municipal commissioner. This aims to ensure a coordinated approach to city-specific disasters, such as urban flooding.
- State Disaster Response Force (SDRF): Although many states have developed disaster response forces similar to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the 2005 Act does not mandate the formation of SDRFs. The Bill seeks to make it compulsory for every state to establish and maintain an SDRF.
- National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC): Currently operational and headed by the Cabinet Secretary, the NCMC manages national emergencies, including disasters. The Bill proposes granting the NCMC legal status, establishing it as the central body for addressing disasters with significant or national impacts.
- Enhanced Role of NDMA: The Bill suggests expanding the National Disaster Management Authority's (NDMA) role and responsibilities. NDMA will be tasked with regularly reviewing the full spectrum of disaster risks, including those from emerging threats.
- Disaster Databases: NDMA will be required to develop and maintain a national disaster database, covering disaster assessments, fund allocation, expenditures, and preparedness plans. Similarly, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) will need to establish state-level disaster databases.
- Compensations: The Bill proposes that NDMA set guidelines for minimum relief standards for disaster-affected individuals. This includes recommendations on compensation for loss of life, property damage, and livelihood losses.
- Man-made Disasters: The Bill clarifies the definition of disasters, specifying that “man-made causes” exclude law-and-order situations. For instance, damage and loss during riots will not fall under the Act's provisions.
- Absence of Vice-Chairperson: Although the NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister, the vice-chairperson position, meant to oversee daily operations, has been vacant for about ten years. The Bill aims to formalize this role by allowing the chairperson or vice-chairperson to designate any member to handle daily responsibilities
5.What is the significance of the National Disaster Management Plan?
The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) is a critical framework established by the Government of India to guide disaster management efforts at the national level.
Its significance lies in several key aspects:
- The NDMP provides a comprehensive and strategic framework for managing disasters across the country. It outlines the policies, procedures, and responsibilities for disaster management, ensuring a coordinated and effective response
- The plan includes guidelines for identifying, assessing, and managing various types of disaster risks. It helps in understanding potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and the capacity to cope with disasters, allowing for better preparedness and mitigation strategies.
- NDMP facilitates coordination among different government agencies, state governments, and other stakeholders involved in disaster management. It integrates efforts across various levels of government and sectors, promoting a unified approach to disaster response
- The plan emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness and response measures. It sets out protocols for early warning systems, evacuation procedures, emergency response teams, and resource mobilization to ensure a swift and organized reaction during a disaster.
- NDMP helps in the efficient allocation and utilization of resources for disaster management. It provides guidelines on budgeting, funding, and resource management, ensuring that adequate resources are available for disaster response and recovery
- The plan outlines strategies for building the capacity of institutions, organizations, and individuals involved in disaster management. This includes training, capacity development programs, and simulation exercises to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.
- NDMP promotes public awareness and education on disaster preparedness and risk reduction. It encourages community involvement and provides information on how individuals and communities can protect themselves and respond effectively to disasters.
- The plan includes guidelines for recovery and rehabilitation efforts post-disaster. It focuses on restoring normalcy, rebuilding infrastructure, and providing support to affected communities to help them recover and rebuild their lives
- NDMP establishes mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating disaster management activities. It helps in assessing the effectiveness of disaster response measures, identifying gaps, and making necessary improvements to enhance future disaster management efforts.
6. What are the challenges of the NDMA?
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) faces several challenges in its mission to improve disaster management in India.
Some of the key challenges include:
- Effective disaster management requires coordination among various government departments, state authorities, and non-governmental organizations. The NDMA often faces difficulties in ensuring seamless cooperation and communication among these diverse stakeholders
- Adequate allocation and efficient management of resources, including financial, human, and material resources, can be challenging. Ensuring that resources are distributed effectively and reach the areas in need, especially during a crisis, is a persistent issue
- Building the capacity of disaster management teams at various levels and providing adequate training is an ongoing challenge. Ensuring that local and state-level authorities are well-prepared and equipped to handle disasters requires continuous effort and investment
- Raising public awareness about disaster preparedness and risk reduction is crucial but challenging. Many communities, especially in vulnerable regions, lack awareness or have inadequate preparedness measures, which can hinder effective disaster response
- Incorporating new technologies and innovations into disaster management practices is necessary for improving response and recovery. However, the adoption of advanced technologies and systems can be slow due to budget constraints, technical challenges, and resistance to change
- Rapid urbanization and environmental changes pose significant challenges to disaster management. Cities and regions experiencing rapid growth may face increased risks and vulnerabilities, requiring updated and adaptive management strategies.
- Ensuring sufficient funding for disaster management initiatives and maintaining budget allocations can be challenging. Financial constraints may limit the implementation of comprehensive disaster management plans and the development of necessary infrastructure.
- Effective disaster management relies on accurate data and timely analysis. Collecting and analyzing data related to disaster risks, response efforts, and recovery progress can be complex and resource-intensive
- India faces a wide range of natural and man-made disasters, including floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and industrial accidents. Developing and implementing effective strategies for managing this diverse range of disasters can be challenging
- Ensuring that the legal and institutional frameworks for disaster management are up-to-date and effective is essential. The NDMA must navigate complex legal and administrative structures while advocating for necessary reforms and updates.
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains: GS-III: Disaster Management
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Source: Indianexpress
