The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was recently passed in the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament. This Bill amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005, aiming to integrate disaster management into developmental planning, aligning with the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations.

Background

The Disaster Management Act, 2005 established a three-tier system for disaster management:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):

• Headed by the Prime Minister.
• Responsible for creating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management at the national level.

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA):

• Led by Chief Ministers.
• Handles disaster management at the state level.

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA):

• Chaired by the District Magistrate.
• Focuses on implementing disaster management plans at the district level.

These entities oversee disaster management at the national, state, and district levels.

Salient Features of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Preparation of Disaster Management Plans:

• Current Framework: National and State Executive Committees assist NDMA and SDMA in preparing disaster management plans.
• Proposed Change: NDMA and SDMA will directly prepare these plans, streamlining accountability and coordination.

Enhanced Functions for NDMA and SDMA:

New Responsibilities include:

• Periodic assessments of disaster risks, especially from extreme climate events.
• Offering technical support to subordinate authorities.
• Creating guidelines for minimum standards of relief.
• Developing national and state disaster databases with information on: (i) Types and severity of disaster risks (ii) Fund allocation and expenditure and (iii) Preparedness and mitigation plans.

NDMA’s additional functions include: (i) Assessing states’ disaster preparedness (ii) Conducting post-disaster audits of preparedness and response.

Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs)

State governments can establish Urban Disaster Management Authorities for state capitals and municipal corporations.

Composition:

• Municipal Commissioner as Chairperson.
• District Collector as Vice Chairperson.
• Other members specified by the state government. 

Role: Preparing and implementing disaster management plans for urban areas under it.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF):

• Allows state governments to create State Disaster Response Forces.
• State governments will define the functions and service terms for SDRF members

Statutory Status for Key Committees: Grants statutory recognition to

National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC):

• Nodal body for major disasters with national implications.
• Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

High-Level Committee (HLC):

• Provides financial aid to state governments.
• Chaired by the Minister overseeing disaster management.
• Manages the National Disaster Mitigation Fund.

Appointments to NDMA:

• Empowers NDMA to determine the required number of officers, consultants, and employees, subject to prior central government approval.
• NDMA can also appoint experts and consultants as needed.