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
- Disaster Management Policies: The Act focuses on creating and implementing policies for disaster management.
- Disaster Prevention and Mitigation: It aims to prevent and reduce the impact of disasters by improving preparedness and building capacity.
- 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
- Institutional Framework: The Act has created key institutions like NDMA and NDRF to manage disasters effectively.
- Disaster Mitigation: It has saved lives and improved disaster preparedness.
- Risk Reduction: The Act promotes integrating disaster management into development planning.
- Resource Allocation: The establishment of disaster funds ensures quick financial support.
- 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
- Clarify Definitions: Key terms like ‘hazards’ and ‘mitigation’ should be defined more clearly.
- Focus on Prevention: The Act should include chapters on disaster prevention.
- Increase Accountability: Stronger judicial oversight will ensure officials are held accountable.
- Upgrade Early Warning Systems: Use modern technology like GIS and AI for better early warning and response.
- Boost Community Involvement: Engage local communities and policymakers more in disaster management.
- Allocate More Resources: Ensure sufficient funds are allocated for disaster management.