National Disaster Management Authority

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the principal statutory body for disaster management in India. Formed on 27th September 2006, it was created under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The Prime Minister serves as its Chairperson, with nine other members, one of whom is designated as the Vice-Chairperson.
Mandate: NDMA’s primary function is to coordinate responses to both natural and man-made disasters and to enhance disaster resilience through capacity-building and crisis management. It also creates policies, plans, and guidelines to ensure effective and timely disaster response.

Vision: NDMA’s goal is to create a disaster-resilient India through proactive, sustainable development strategies that involve all stakeholders and promote prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.

Evolution of NDMA

The need for a national disaster management body was recognized following the Gujarat earthquake (2001). In August 1999, a High-Powered Committee (HPC) was set up to develop disaster management plans and mitigation strategies. The Tenth Five-Year Plan included a chapter on disaster management, and the Twelfth Finance Commission reviewed financial mechanisms for disaster response.
In 2005, the Disaster Management Act was passed, leading to the formation of the NDMA and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), aiming to implement an integrated approach to disaster management in India.

Functions and Responsibilities of NDMA

The NDMA’s duties include:

• Approving the National Disaster Plan.
  
• Creating disaster management policies and plans.
  
• Reviewing plans from various central ministries and departments.
  
• Developing guidelines for state authorities to prepare disaster management plans.
  
• Coordinating disaster management policy enforcement.
  
• Recommending funds for mitigation activities.
  
• Offering support to other countries affected by major disasters.
  
• Implementing measures for disaster prevention and preparedness.
  
• Setting policies for the National Institute of Disaster Management.
  

Institutional Framework for Disaster Management

India’s disaster management structure involves the Centre, States, and Districts. The National Policy on Disaster Management (2009), created in alignment with the Disaster Management Act (2005), sets the roadmap for managing disasters across all levels of government.

• National Level: The NDMA, headed by the Prime Minister, is assisted by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
  
• State Level: The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), led by the Chief Minister, is responsible for disaster planning and coordinating responses at the state level, assisted by a State Executive Committee (SEC).
  
• District Level: District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are headed by district magistrates and work to coordinate disaster management at the local level.
  

India is also a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which outlines disaster management targets.

State-Level Institutions

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA):

• Chaired by the Chief Minister of the state, the SDMA sets policies and disaster management plans for the state.
  
• It coordinates the implementation of the state’s disaster plan, recommends funds for mitigation, and ensures the integration of prevention measures into the state’s developmental plans.
  

State Executive Committee (SEC):

• Headed by the Chief Secretary, the SEC is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the implementation of national and state policies and plans.
  

District-Level Institutions

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA):

• Established under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act, the DDMA is led by the District Magistrate (or equivalent) and assisted by an elected local representative in non-tribal areas.
  
• The DDMA handles disaster management at the district level, including coordination, planning, and enforcing safety standards.
  

India’s Disaster Management Efforts

• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): India’s holistic approach to disaster management includes the establishment of the NDRF, the world’s largest rapid-response force for disaster situations.
  
• International Assistance: India has emerged as a key provider of humanitarian aid, especially to neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, in line with its “Neighbourhood First” diplomatic policy.
  India uses its military assets, including naval ships and aircraft, for disaster relief operations.
  
• Regional Collaboration: India contributes to regional disaster preparedness efforts within organizations such as BIMSTEC and SAARC, where it hosts joint exercises to improve disaster response across South Asia.
  
• Climate Change and Disasters: Given the rise in climate-related disasters, such as floods and storms, India is actively engaged in global frameworks like the Sendai Framework and the Paris Agreement, addressing disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation.
  

Challenges in Disaster Management

India faces several challenges in disaster management, including:

• Delayed Responses: The NDMA was criticized during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods for inadequate disaster warning and poor relief efforts. The CAG report highlighted delays and lack of integration in flood management projects.
  
• Inadequate Training and Equipment: NDRF personnel have been found lacking in training, equipment, and facilities to effectively tackle crises.
  
• Misuse of Funds: Audits revealed instances of misallocated disaster funds, with some states failing to invest disaster relief funds properly.
  

Way Forward

• Policy Guidelines: Developing clear policy frameworks is essential to guide disaster management and integrate it into development plans.
  
• Preparedness Culture: Building a culture of preparedness and mitigation at all levels is crucial for effective disaster management.
  
• Technological Solutions: Leveraging technology for early warning systems, disaster resilience, and infrastructure development is necessary for improving disaster response.
  
• Global Best Practices: India should learn from global best practices, particularly in countries like Japan, China, and Hong Kong, which have established robust disaster management infrastructures.