Context:

• The Parliament has recently passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the National and State Disaster Management Authorities (NDMA and SDMA).
• The Bill seeks to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, introducing new authorities, strengthening disaster response mechanisms, and centralizing disaster management powers under the Union government.

Key Provisions of the bill:

• Disaster Management Plans: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) will now be responsible for preparing disaster management plans, replacing the earlier role of the National and State Executive Committees.
• Expanded Functions of NDMA & SDMA: Their responsibilities now include assessing disaster risks periodically, providing technical assistance, setting minimum relief standards, and maintaining disaster databases at the national and state levels.
• Urban Disaster Management Authorities: States can establish dedicated Urban Disaster Management Authorities for state capitals and cities with municipal corporations.
• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF): States can constitute SDRFs, defining their functions, roles, and service conditions to improve response mechanisms.
• Statutory Status to Committees: The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and High-Level Committee (HLC) will now have statutory recognition, strengthening decision-making during disasters.

·          Creating national and state disaster databases for better coordination.

·          Fixing accountability and penalties for negligence in disaster response.

Significance of the Bill

• The Bill marks a significant step toward disaster resilience by promoting better coordination, risk assessment, and response mechanisms.
•  It aims to reduce disaster risks, enhance preparedness, and ensure effective relief measures.
• Effective implementation however requires adequate funding, skilled personnel, and seamless coordination among various stakeholders. Ensuring timely resource allocation and inter-agency collaboration will be critical.

Challenges & Concerns

·        Centralizing power and reducing the role of states.

·        Removing financial assistance provisions, replacing "compensation" with "relief."

·        Lack of scrutiny, as the bill was passed without being referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

About Disaster Management Act, 2005

• Enacted after the 2004 tsunami to establish a structured disaster management framework.
• Three-tier authority structure for disaster management:
• NDMA (National): Headed by the Prime Minister, responsible for policies and guidelines.
• SDMAs (State): Headed by Chief Ministers, responsible for state-level disaster management.
• DDMAs (District): Led by District Magistrates, responsible for implementation at the district level.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for specialized disaster response operations.
• Funding mechanisms through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) for disaster relief.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) established for research, training, and capacity building in disaster management.

Conclusion

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is a crucial reform to strengthen India’s disaster preparedness. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, resource mobilization, and stakeholder cooperation.