The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 1, 2024. The Bill amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The amendment aims to enhance India's disaster management framework with a focus on disaster risk reduction (DRR), improved coordination among various authorities, and strengthened urban disaster management.
Key provisions of the proposed Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2024:
The Act establishes: (i) National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), (ii) State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), and (iii) District Disaster Management Authority. These authorities are responsible for disaster management at the national, state, and district level, respectively.
Preparation of disaster management plans: The
Act provides for constitution of a National Executive Committee and a
State Executive Committee to assist NDMA and SDMA in performing their
functions. A key function of these Committees is preparing national and
state disaster management plans, respectively. NDMA and SDMA approve
the respective plans and coordinate their implementation. The Bill
instead provides that NDMA and SDMA will prepare disaster management
plans.
Functions of NDMA and SDMA: Under the Act, key functions of NDMA and SDMA at their respective levels include: (i) reviewing the disaster management plans of government departments, (ii) setting guidelines for preparation of disaster management plans for authorities below them, and (iii) recommending provision of funds for disaster mitigation. The Bill adds certain functions for these authorities at their respective levels. These include: (i) taking periodic stock of disaster risks, including emerging risks from extreme climate events, (ii) providing technical assistance to authorities below them, (iii) recommending guidelines for minimum standards of relief, and (iv) preparing national and state disaster databases, respectively. The databases will contain information on: (i) the type and severity of disaster risks, (ii) allocation of funds and expenditure, and (iii) disaster preparedness and mitigation plans. Functions of NDMA will also include: (i) assessing disaster preparedness of states, and (ii) undertaking post-disaster audit of preparedness and response.
The Bill also empowers NDMA to make regulations under the Act with prior approval of the central government.
Urban Disaster Management Authorities: The Bill empowers the state government to constitute a separate Urban Disaster Management Authority for state capitals and cities with a municipal corporation. The Urban Authority will comprise the Municipal Commissioner as the chairperson, the District Collector as the vice chairperson, and other members specified by the state government. It will prepare and implement the disaster management plan for the area under it.
Formation of State Disaster Response Force: The Act provides for constitution of a National Disaster Response Force for specialist response to disaster situations. The Bill empowers the state government to constitute a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The state government will define the functions of SDRF and prescribe the terms of service for its members.
Statutory status of existing committees: The Bill provides statutory status to existing bodies such as the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High Level Committee (HLC). The NCMC will function as the nodal body for dealing with major disasters with serious or national ramifications. The HLC will provide financial assistance to state governments during disasters. It will approve financial assistance from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund. The Cabinet Secretary will serve as the chairperson of NCMC. Minister of the department with administrative control over disaster management will serve as chairperson of the HLC.
Appointments to NDMA:
The Act provides that the central government will provide NDMA with
officers, consultants, and employees, as it considers necessary. The
Bill instead empowers NDMA to specify the number and category of
officers and employees, with previous approval of the central
government. NDMA may also appoint experts and consultants as necessary.
The changes in the Amendment Bill compared to the Disaster Management Act of 2005:
1. Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs)
o
Establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs) in state
capitals and large cities with municipal corporations.
o UDMAs
are tasked with addressing the unique challenges of urban disaster
management, especially in areas with dense populations and critical
infrastructure.
2. Disaster Database Creation
o Creation of a comprehensive disaster database at national and state levels.
o
This database will include detailed disaster assessments, fund
allocations, and preparedness plans to facilitate informed
decision-making and efficient disaster response.
3. Empowerment of NDMA and SDMAs
o
The Bill empowers the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and
State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to take a more active
role in disaster planning and response.
o Responsibilities include
preparing disaster management plans and conducting periodic risk
assessments, particularly for emerging risks from extreme climate
events.
4. State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs)
o The Bill permits state governments to establish their own State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs).
o
These specialised units will decentralise disaster response
capabilities, allowing for more effective management of disasters within
state jurisdictions.
5. Statutory Status for Committees
o
Existing bodies such as the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)
and the High-Level Committee (HLC) will receive statutory status.
o This formalises their roles in managing national-level disasters and overseeing financial assistance during emergencies.
