Disaster Management Act, 2005

GS 3 – Disaster Management  

The Disaster Management Act, 2005 was introduced to create a system for managing disasters in India. It outlines policies for effective disaster management, risk reduction, and rehabilitation.

Objectives

1. Disaster Management Policies: The Act focuses on creating and implementing policies for disaster management.
2. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation: It aims to prevent and reduce the impact of disasters by improving preparedness and building capacity.
3. Disaster Relief: The Act provides financial support to disaster-affected areas.

Funding Mechanism

• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): Provides funds for immediate disaster relief.
• State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): Supports state-level disaster response, funded by both the central and state governments.

Institution	Composition	Role
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)	Chairperson: Prime Minister Members: Ministers of Home Affairs, Agriculture, Atomic Energy, Science & Technology, etc. Vice-Chairperson & others: As appointed by the Chairperson	Develop disaster management policies, plans, and guidelines.
National Executive Committee (NEC)	Chairperson: Home Secretary Members: Secretaries of key government departments, Chief of Integrated Defense Staff	Assist NDMA and ensure compliance with its directives.
National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)	Director: Appointed by the central government Members: Experts in disaster management and related fields	Focus on training, research, and capacity building for disaster management.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)	Control: Director-General (appointed by the government) Composition: Various battalions from Central Armed Police Forces	Respond to disasters with specialized teams.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)	Chairperson: Chief Minister Members: Ministers appointed by the Chief Minister, including the Minister for Disaster Management	Develop state-level disaster management plans and policies.
State Executive Committee (SEC)	Chairperson: State Chief Secretary Members: Department secretaries, as determined by the state government	Ensure the state disaster plan is implemented and monitored.
District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)	Chairperson: District Magistrate Co-Chairperson: Local authority representative Members: Chief Medical Officer, Superintendent of Police, etc.	Plan and implement disaster management at the district level.
Local Authorities	Composition: Town planning authorities, municipalities, district and cantonment boards, Panchayati Raj institutions, and other urban development bodies.	Implement disaster management according to local plans.

Importance of the Act

1. Institutional Framework: The Act has created key institutions like NDMA and NDRF to manage disasters effectively.
2. Disaster Mitigation: It has saved lives and improved disaster preparedness.
3. Risk Reduction: The Act promotes integrating disaster management into development planning.
4. Resource Allocation: The establishment of disaster funds ensures quick financial support.
5. Community Participation: The Act encourages local authorities and communities to take part in disaster management.

Challenges

1. Institutional Issues

• Leadership Gaps: NDMA has lacked a vice-chairperson for years, which affects its functioning.
• Lack of Financial Power: NDMA has limited authority over finances, causing delays.
• Staff Shortage: NDMA is understaffed, with only a few members handling key responsibilities.
• Low Visibility in Crises: NDMA’s role was criticized for being less visible during crises like COVID-19.

2. Functional Issues

• Disaster Risk Reduction: The Act hasn’t fully integrated disaster risk reduction into development planning.
• Public Health Crises: The Act doesn’t adequately address issues like epidemics.
• Climate Change: The Act doesn’t focus enough on climate change or man-made disasters.
• Centralized Approach: The Act’s top-down approach sometimes ignores local solutions.

3. Funding Issues

• Insufficient Funds: The funds provided are often not enough for large-scale disasters.
• Bureaucratic Delays: Bureaucratic hurdles delay the release of funds.

Suggestions for Improvement

1. Clarify Definitions: Key terms like ‘hazards’ and ‘mitigation’ should be defined more clearly.
2. Focus on Prevention: The Act should include chapters on disaster prevention.
3. Increase Accountability: Stronger judicial oversight will ensure officials are held accountable.
4. Upgrade Early Warning Systems: Use modern technology like GIS and AI for better early warning and response.
5. Boost Community Involvement: Engage local communities and policymakers more in disaster management.
6. Allocate More Resources: Ensure sufficient funds are allocated for disaster management.