National Disaster Management Authority- UPSC Notes

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India is an apex body of the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) provides the institutional framework for creating and overseeing disaster management plans. It ensures coordinated efforts across government departments to prevent, mitigate, and respond promptly to disaster situations.

The National Disaster Management Authority Act, 2005 provides for the setting up of the National Disaster Management Authority, headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities, chaired by Chief Ministers, and the District Disaster Management Authority. The act creates an enabling environment for institutional mechanisms related to disaster management at the state and District levels.

Evolution of National Disaster Management Authority

As India is a disaster prone country the need arose for an institutional setup to deal with the various disasters like earthquake, Tsunami etc. Successive steps have led to the institutionalisation of the Disaster management framework in India:

• In 1999, the Government of India established a High-Powered Committee to address Disaster Management as a national priority.
• Following the Gujarat earthquake, a National Committee was constituted to make recommendations on the preparation of disaster management plans and suggest effective mitigation strategies.
• The 10^th Five-Year Plan (2002-2007) also had a chapter dedicated to disaster management for the first time.
• The 12th Finance Commission was also mandated to review the financial arrangements for Disaster Management.
• Finally, the central government established the NDMA by executive order. Subsequently, the National Disaster Management Act of 2005 was enacted.

Vision of the NDMA

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

Organizational Structure of the NDMA

• The NDMA consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of nine other members.
• The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of the authority.
• The chairperson may nominate one member as the Vice-Chairperson of the Authority.
• The Vice-Chairperson has the status of a cabinet minister, while the other members enjoy the status of the Minister of state.

Objectives of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The objectives of NDMA are:

1. Fostering a culture of prevention, preparedness, and resilience through knowledge, innovation, and education at all levels.
2. Advocating mitigation strategies that blend technology, traditional wisdom, and environmental sustainability.
3. Integrating disaster management seamlessly into the developmental planning process.
4. Establishing institutional and techno-legal frameworks to foster a supportive regulatory environment and compliance system.
5. Ensuring an effective mechanism for identifying, assessing, and monitoring disaster risks.
6. Developing modern forecasting and early warning systems supported by responsive and secure communication technology.
7. Ensuring a caring approach in response and relief efforts, particularly addressing the needs of vulnerable societal segments.
8. Approaching reconstruction as an opportunity to construct disaster-resilient structures and habitats for safer living.
9. Cultivating a constructive and proactive partnership with the media for effective disaster management.

Functions and Responsibilities of the NDMA

As the premier body for disaster management in India, NDMA is responsible for implementing policies, plans, and guidelines to ensure timely and effective responses to disasters. Its statutory functions include the responsibility to:

1. Formulate disaster management policies.
2. Sanction the national plan and ensure plans for central government ministries/departments are in line with the national plan.
3. Establish guidelines for State authorities in formulating State plans.
4. Set guidelines for central government ministries/departments to integrate disaster prevention or mitigation measures into their development plans and projects.
5. Coordinate the enforcement and execution of disaster management policies and plans.
6. Recommend allocation of funds for mitigation purposes.
7. Extend support to other countries affected by significant disasters, as determined by the central government.
8. Take necessary measures for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and capacity building for potential disaster situations.
9. Outline general policies and guidelines for the operation of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).
10. Exercise overall supervision, direction, and control of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for specialized response to threatening disasters.
11. Authorize relevant departments or authorities to make emergency procurement of provisions or materials for rescue and relief during threatening disasters.
12. Propose guidelines for the minimum standards of relief for individuals affected by disasters.

Note: NDMA is mandated to deal with all types of disasters, natural or man-made. However, emergencies involving the direct participation of security forces or intelligence agencies, such as terrorism, counter-insurgency, law and order issues, serial bomb blasts, hijackings, air accidents, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents, mine disasters, ports and harbour emergencies, forest fires, oil field fires, and oil spills, will still be managed by the existing mechanism, i.e. National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).

Related FAQs of National Disaster Management Authority

What is NDMA and who heads it?

NDMA stands for National Disaster Management Authority, India’s apex disaster management body. It’s headed by the Prime Minister.

When was the NDMA established?

NDMA was officially established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, though steps began post the 2001 Gujarat earthquake.

What is the vision of NDMA?

“To build a safer, disaster-resilient India through a holistic, technology-driven, sustainable strategy involving all stakeholders.”

What kind of disasters does NDMA handle?

All natural and man-made disasters—except those requiring direct security/intelligence action like terrorism, hijackings, etc., which are handled by the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).

Who heads the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)?

The Chief Minister of a state is the ex-officio Chairperson of the SDMA.