In News:

The Parliament has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aiming to strengthen disaster response mechanisms.

Ministry: Home Affairs

Background

The Disaster Management Act, 2005 established a three-tier structure:

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)
• District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs)

These bodies were responsible for disaster planning, mitigation, and response at national, state, and district levels respectively.

Key Amendments

1. Preparation of Disaster Management Plans

• Earlier: Executive Committees were responsible for preparing disaster plans.
• Now: NDMA and SDMA will directly prepare and approve national and state disaster management plans.

2. Expanded Functions of NDMA and SDMA

New responsibilities include:

• Periodic risk assessments, including risks from climate-related events.
• Technical guidance to lower-level authorities.
• Minimum standards of relief recommendations.
• Creation of disaster databases containing:
  • Disaster risk profiles
  • Fund allocations and expenditures
  • Preparedness and mitigation strategies
• NDMA-specific roles:
  • Assessment of state preparedness
  • Post-disaster audits to evaluate response effectiveness

3. Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs)

• To be established in state capitals and municipal corporation areas.
• Composition:
  • Chairperson: Municipal Commissioner
  • Vice Chairperson: District Collector
  • Additional members as per state government notification
• Responsible for urban disaster planning and implementation.

4. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)

• States are empowered to establish SDRFs for specialized disaster response.
• Functions and service conditions to be defined by state governments.

5. Statutory Status to Key Committees

• National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC):
  • Nodal body for major national disasters
  • Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary
• High-Level Committee (HLC):
  • Sanctions financial assistance to states
  • Chaired by the concerned Union Minister

6. NDMA Staffing and Appointments

• NDMA can determine the number and type of officers and staff.
• Can appoint experts and consultants with prior central government approval.

Rationale Behind the Amendment

• Climate Change: Increased frequency of extreme weather events necessitates proactive strategies.
• Decentralization Gaps: States faced implementation challenges under the 2005 Act.
• Institutional Strengthening: Clearer roles for national and sub-national bodies.
• Technology and Data Integration: Emphasis on real-time data and performance audits.

Key Concerns and Criticism

• Centralization of Power:NDMA’s enhanced role may reduce state autonomy in disaster response.
• Overlap with State Authority:Potential encroachment on state disaster planning and fund utilization.
• Delayed Relief via NDRF:Increased central oversight may slow localized relief efforts.
• Omission of Emerging Threats:Excludes disasters like heatwaves from official definitions.
• Lack of State-Specific Relief Funds:Demand for region-focused financial provisions by states like Bihar.

Way Forward

• Ensure Federal Balance: Maintain cooperation between Centre and states.
• Update Definitions: Include climate-induced disasters like heatwaves.
• Transparent Funding Mechanism: Clear protocols for fund allocation and usage.
• Empower Local Bodies: Strengthen DDMAs and UDMAs through training and resources.
• Institutional Audits: Regular post-disaster audits to enhance future readiness.