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The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed by the Lok Sabha to strengthen disaster management framework.

About Disaster Management Act 2005

It established institutional framework for disaster management to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

• The NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) headed by the Prime Minister, is in charge of developing and implementing national disaster management policies.
• Each state has its own SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority), which is headed by the chief minister.
• DDMAs (District Disaster Management Authorities) are formed at the district level to carry out disaster management measures.
• NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) is specialised force that responds to disasters.
• SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) follows the NDRF model and responds at the state level.

About the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024

The Bill amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Disaster Management Plan Preparation

The 2005 Act establishes a National Executive Committee and a State Executive Committee to assist the NDMA and SDMA to perform their respective functions. These Executive Committees prepare national and state disaster management plans, respectively.  The NDMA and SDMA approve the respective plans and coordinate their execution. 

The 2024 Bill specifies that the NDMA and SDMA to develop disaster management plans.

Functions of the NDMA and SDMA

According to the 2005 Act, key functions of the NDMA and SDMA at their respective levels include:

• Reviewing government departments' disaster management plan
• Developing guidelines for the preparation of disaster management plans for authorities below them
• Recommending the allocation of funds for disaster mitigation. 

The 2024 Bill creates specific functions for NDMA and SDMA authorities at their respective levels.  These include: 

• Taking periodic stock of disaster risks, including emerging risks from extreme climate events.
• Providing technical assistance to authorities below them.
• Recommending guidelines for minimum relief standards.
• Developing national and state disaster databases, respectively.  

The databases will contain information about the nature and severity of disaster risks, fund allocation and expenditure, as well as disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.  

The NDMA will also evaluate states' disaster preparedness and conduct post-disaster audits of preparedness and response.

The Bill also authorises the NDMA to issue regulations under the Act with prior approval from the central government.

Urban Disaster Management Authorities:

The 2024 Bill authorises the state government to establish a separate Urban Disaster Management Authority for state capitals and cities that have a municipal corporation. 

The Municipal Commissioner will chair the Urban Authority, the District Collector will serve as vice chairperson, and other members will be appointed by the state government.  It will develop and implement a disaster management plan for the area it covers.

State Disaster Response Force

The 2005 Act establishes a National Disaster Response Force to provide specialised response to disasters. 

The 2024 bill empowers the state government to form a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).  The state government will define SDRF's functions and set the terms of service for its members.

Statutory status to existing committees

Existing bodies, such as the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High Level Committee, are given statutory status under the 2024 Bill.  

The NCMC will serve as the nodal body for dealing with major disasters that have serious or national consequences. It will provide financial assistance to state governments during disasters. It will authorise financial assistance from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund.  

The Cabinet Secretary will chair the NCMC.  The HLC will be chaired by the minister of the department responsible for disaster management.

Appointments to NDMA

According to the 2005 Act, the central government will provide officers, consultants, and employees to the NDMA as needed.  

The 2024 Bill empowers the NDMA to specify the number and category of officers and employees, subject to central government approval. In addition, NDMA may appoint experts and consultants as needed.

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THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024

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Source: 

The Hindu