Context:

The Supreme Court of India pulled up the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), for failing in its duty to recommend ex gratia to the families of those who lost their loved ones due to COVID-19.

Background

• The NDMA is the apex body for disaster management in the country.
• It works under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The Government of India, recognising the importance of disaster management as a national priority, had set up a High Powered Committee in 1999 and a National Committee in 2001 after the Gujarat earthquake, to make recommendations on the preparation of disaster management plans and suggest effective mitigation mechanisms.
• After the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, the Government of India took a defining step in the legislative history of the country by enacting the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• The Act provided for the creation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to spearhead and implement a holistic and integrated approach to disaster management in the country.
• The NDMA consists of a chairperson (Prime Minister) and other members, not exceeding nine.

Aims and Objectives

• To promote a culture of prevention, preparedness and resilience at all levels through knowledge, innovation and education.
• To encourage mitigation measures based on technology, traditional wisdom and environmental sustainability.
• To approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan.
• To mainstream disaster management into the developmental planning
• To establish institutional and techno-legal frameworks to create an enabling regulatory environment and a compliance regime.
• To ensure an efficient mechanism for identification, assessment and monitoring of disaster risks.
• To lay down policies on disaster management.
• To develop contemporary forecasting and early warning systems backed by responsive and failsafe communication with information technology support.
• To ensure efficient response and relief with a caring approach towards the needs of the vulnerable sections of the society.
• To undertake reconstruction as an opportunity to build disaster resilient structures and habitat for ensuring safer living.
• To promote a productive and proactive partnership with the media for disaster management.

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