Disaster management act and policy

DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT & POLICY

Disaster management act

• The  Disaster Management act came into effect on 23rd December 2005 and it applies to the whole of India.
• For the purpose of disaster management, the centre shall set-up a body called the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with the Prime Minister of India holding the position of chairperson, exofficio
• The Chairperson shall nominate a maximum of nine members to the NDMA and designate one of the nine members as the vice-chairperson
• The members shall meet as necessary as deemed by the chairperson of the NDMA
• The NDMA is responsible for laying down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management to ensure timely and effective response to a disaster
• The NDMA can recommend provision of funds for disaster mitigation
• SDMA at the state level is headed by the chief minister
• State Executive Committee (SEC) headed by the chief secretary coordinates and monitors implementation of National Policy, National Plan and State Plan
• District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is headed by the District Majistrate
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) are supporting institutions for disaster management efforts
• The disaster management act represents a paradigm shift from a response centric approach to a holistic and integrated approach towards disaster management
• The DM act is backed by institutional framework and legal authority
• It has the power to create response fund and mitigation fund at national, state and district levels
• The Disaster Management act lays down policies and guidelines
• It coordinates enforcement and implementation of disaster policy and plans
• The DM act lays down broad guidelines and policies for functioning of the NIDM
• The DM act exercises general superintendence, direction and control of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• The vision of the DM act is to build a safe and disaster resilient India by developing a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster and technology driven strategy through a culture of prevention, mitigation, preparedness and efficient response

Disaster management policy

The objectives of the disaster management policy are:

• Promoting a culture of prevention, preparedness and mitigation
• Establishing institutional and techno-legal frameworks
• Mainstreaming disaster management into the developmental planning process
• Developing contemporary forecasting and early warning systems
• Ensuring sufficient response and relief through dedicated decision support system
• Undertaking reconstruction to build resilient communities