The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 30th May 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Insidious, incendiary

Why in News?

The devastating fires, at a gaming centre in Rajkot, Gujarat and a newborn nursing clinic in Delhi within 24 hours of each other, which left over 30 dead, is another grim reminder of one of India’s insidious threats: the pervasive nature of the negligence of the fire safety of buildings by a whole range of stakeholders — from builders and proprietors to regulatory authorities. While the Bureau of Indian Standards has set detailed fire safety protocols in its National Building Code of India (NBC) 2016, it is a recommendatory document, as fire services is a State subject, and enforced at the municipality level.

• The National Disaster Management Authority is the apex statutory body for Disaster Management in India. NDMA is a statutory body created on 27 September 2006 under the Disaster Management Act 2005 with the Prime Minister as its chairperson and 9 other members and one such member to be designated as vice chairperson. 
• NDMA is important from the perspective of UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under the General Studies Paper 3 and particularly in the Indian Ecology and Environment section. In this article, we shall discuss NDMA, its authority, organisation, structure, evolution, functions and responsibilities.

What is the National Disaster Management Authority ( NDMA)?

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is an apex body in India responsible for coordinating and implementing disaster management policies and strategies. It was set up in 2005 with the aim of ensuring a proactive and holistic approach to disaster management. The NDMA serves as the primary agency for disaster risk reduction and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It formulates guidelines, plans, and policies related to disaster management. It coordinates with various stakeholders, and provides technical assistance and support to states and union territories. 

Background of NDMA

The evolution of the National Disaster Management Authority is given below:

1. Establishment of High-Powered Committee (HPC):

   • Formed in August 1999 by the Government of India.
   • Tasked with making recommendations on Disaster Management plans and effective mitigation mechanisms.

2. Formation of National Committee:

   • Created after the Gujarat Earthquake in 2001.
   • Focused on preparing Disaster Management plans.

3. Inclusion in Tenth Five-Year Plan:

   • The Tenth Five-Year Plan included a detailed chapter on Disaster Management, highlighting its significance.

4. Twelfth Finance Commission's Mandate:

   • Reviewed financial arrangements for Disaster Management.

5. Disaster Management Act (2005):

   • Enacted on December 23, 2005.
6. Key Provisions:
   • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
     • Headed by the Prime Minister.
     • Responsible for a holistic and integrated approach to Disaster Management.
   • State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs):
     • Led by respective Chief Ministers.
     • Implement Disaster Management strategies at the state level.

Vision of NDMA

“To build a safer and disaster-resident India by a holistic, proactive, technology driven, and sustainable development strategy that involves all Stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.”

Members of the National Disaster Management Authority

The organisational structure of NDMA is given as follows:

• The ex-officio chairperson of the NDMA is the Prime Minister.
• The Vice Chairman is the Cabinet Minister.
• The NDMA Secretariat, which a secretary heads, provides secretarial support and continuity.
• NDMA, along with all these, has 8 ministers of state as its members.

Functions of the National Disaster Management Authority

The functions and responsibilities of the National Disaster Management Authority are given as follows:

1. Approval and Policy Formulation:

   • National Disaster Plan Approval: The authority approves the comprehensive National Disaster Plan, which outlines strategies and actions to manage disasters at the national level.
   • Disaster Management Policies: Establishes and lays down policies to guide all aspects of Disaster Management in the country, ensuring a unified and effective approach.

2. Guidelines for State Authorities:

   • State Plan Development: Provides specific guidelines that State Authorities must follow to create their respective State Disaster Management Plans. These guidelines ensure consistency and comprehensiveness across all state plans.

3. Approval of Central Government Plans:

   • Ministries and Departments: Reviews and approves various Disaster Management plans prepared by different ministries or departments of the central government, ensuring they align with the national strategy and objectives.

4. Policies for National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM):

   • Broad Policies and Guidelines: Establishes overarching policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), which plays a key role in training, research, and capacity building in Disaster Management.

5. International Support:

   • Aid to Affected Countries: Provides necessary support to other countries affected by major disasters, as determined by the central government. This includes technical assistance, manpower, and resources to help in disaster response and recovery.

6. Coordination and Implementation:

   • Policy and Plan Implementation: Coordinates the workforce and resources required for the effective implementation of Disaster Management policies and plans. This involves working with various agencies and stakeholders to ensure cohesive action during disasters.

7. Funding Recommendations:

   • Provision of Funds: Recommends the allocation of funds necessary for disaster mitigation efforts. This ensures that adequate financial resources are available to implement preventive measures and respond effectively to disasters.

8. Preventive Measures Integration:

   • Guidelines for Government Authorities: Lays down guidelines for different Government Authorities to incorporate preventive measures for disaster mitigation into their development plans and projects. This integration helps reduce the risk and impact of disasters on development initiatives.

Framework For Disaster Management In India

The Institutional Framework for disaster management in India is given as follows:

• The Disaster Management Act 2005 has provided the legal and institutional Framework for Disaster Management in India at the National, State, and District levels.
• The primary responsibility of Disaster Management vests with the state government in the federal polity of India.
  • The central government lays down the plans, policies, and guidelines. Also, it provides technical forms of financial and logistical support while the district administration carries out most of the operations in collaboration with Central and state level agencies.

National Executive Committee (NEC) 

• Under Section 8 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 National Executive Committee is constituted to assist the national authority in performing its function.
• The Ex-officio chairperson is the Union Home Secretary.
• The National Executive Committee (NEC) has been given the responsibility to act as the coordinating and monitoring body for Disaster Management, to prepare a National plan, and to monitor the implementation of National Policy, etc.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) 

• The National Institute of Disaster Management has the mandate of human resource development and capacity building for disaster management within the broad policies and guidelines that the NDMA led down.

National disaster response force (NDRF) 

• The National Disaster Response Force is the specialised force for disaster response that works under the overall supervision and control of NDMA.

State Level Institutions

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) 

• The Chief Minister of the respective state heads the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). It lays down the policies and plans for Disaster Management in the state.
• SDMA is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the state plan, recommending the provision of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures, and reviewing the development of plans of the different departments of the states to ensure the integration of prevention, preparedness, and mitigation measures.

State Executive Committee ( SEC)

The Chief Secretary of the state heads it is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the National Policy, the National Plan, and the State Plan as provided under the Disaster Management Act.

District Level Institutions

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)

1. Constitution of DDMA:

   • Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act: Mandates the establishment of a District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) for every district in a state.

2. Leadership:

   • Chairperson: The DDMA is headed by the District Magistrate, District Collector, or Deputy Commissioner.
   • Co-Chairperson:
     • An elected representative of the local authority serves as the co-chairperson.
     • In tribal areas, the Chief Executive Member of the District Council of the Autonomous District is the designated co-chairperson.
     • In districts where a Zila Parishad exists, its chairperson will be the co-chairperson of the DDMA.

3. Responsibilities:

   • Planning, Coordination, and Implementation: The DDMA is responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of Disaster Management activities within the district.
   • Guideline Adherence:
     • Ensures that measures for Disaster Management (DM) align with established guidelines.

4. Powers and Functions:

   • Examine Construction: Has the authority to examine construction projects in the district to enforce safety standards.
   • Relief Measures: Arranges for relief measures during disasters.
   • Disaster Response: Responsible for responding to disasters at the district level, ensuring timely and effective actions are taken to mitigate the impact.

• The DDMA plays a crucial role in ensuring that disaster management efforts are localized, effective, and tailored to the specific needs and risks of each district.

UPSC Previous Year Questions on National Disaster Management Authority

• Discuss the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples, including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (Answer in 150 words) [CSE 2016]
• Describe the various causes and effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)