Amendments to Disaster Management Act, 2005 Proposed

The Government of India proposed amendments to the Disaster Management Act of 2005. The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving “zero casualties” during disasters. The bill aims to enhance India’s disaster management framework as part of a broader goal to develop the nation by 2047.

Objectives of the Amendment

The primary objective of the amendment is to legally establish the National Crisis Management Committee and other essential panels. This legislative change aims to streamline disaster management processes and improve coordination among various agencies. It seeks to address the challenges states face in implementing the existing Disaster Management Act.

Strengthening Existing Authorities

The bill proposes to boost the functions of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). By enhancing these bodies, the government intends to improve response strategies and resource allocation during disasters. The focus is on reducing losses and enhancing preparedness for various types of disasters.

Government’s Justification

Union Minister Nityanand Rai brought into light that since the Modi government took office, there has been a noticeable reduction in disaster-related losses. This improvement is attributed to effective disaster management techniques. The government believes that the proposed amendments will further enhance these techniques and lead to better outcomes during emergencies.

Opposition Concerns

The bill faced opposition from Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor, who labelled it a “disaster”. He argued that the amendments would centralise power in the Union government and weaken the national and state executive committees responsible for disaster management. Tharoor expressed concerns about the bill’s constitutionality and its potential to create overlaps in disaster management responsibilities.

Implementation Challenges

The proposed amendments aim to address the difficulties states have encountered with the Disaster Management Act of 2005. The government acknowledges that the existing framework may not adequately meet the needs of various states. The amendments are designed to provide clarity and improve the effectiveness of crisis management mechanisms across the country.

Future Implications

If passed, the amendments could reshape India’s approach to disaster management. The focus on a “zero casualties” policy reflects a proactive stance towards disaster preparedness. However, the opposition’s concerns about centralisation and potential inefficiencies remain critical points of discussion.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the implications of centralisation of power in disaster management on state autonomy.
2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 in addressing contemporary disaster challenges.
3. With suitable examples, discuss the role of the National Disaster Management Authority in mitigating disaster risks.
4. Analyse the potential impact of legislative amendments on the operational efficiency of disaster management frameworks in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the implications of centralisation of power in disaster management on state autonomy.

1. Centralisation may undermine state autonomy by limiting their decision-making power in local disaster responses.
2. States may feel sidelined, leading to conflicts between state governments and the Union government.
3. Local knowledge and needs may be overlooked, resulting in ineffective disaster management strategies.
4. Centralised control can lead to uniform policies that do not account for regional differences in disaster risk.
5. Potential for increased bureaucratic delays in disaster response due to hierarchical decision-making processes.

2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 in addressing contemporary disaster challenges.

1. The Act established a framework for disaster management but faced implementation challenges at state levels.
2. It provided for the establishment of authorities like NDMA, which improved disaster preparedness and response.
3. However, gaps remain in coordination among various agencies and between central and state levels.
4. Recent disasters have brought into light the need for more localized strategies and resources for effective management.
5. Amendments are proposed to enhance the Act’s effectiveness in addressing evolving disaster challenges.

3. With suitable examples, discuss the role of the National Disaster Management Authority in mitigating disaster risks.

1. NDMA formulates policies and guidelines for disaster management, ensuring a structured response to emergencies.
2. It conducts training programs and simulations to prepare local authorities for disaster situations, as seen in flood-prone areas.
3. NDMA coordinates with state authorities during disasters, exemplified by its role during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
4. It promotes community awareness and resilience-building initiatives to reduce vulnerability to disasters.
5. NDMA’s involvement in post-disaster recovery efforts helps in rebuilding and improving infrastructure resilience.

4. Analyse the potential impact of legislative amendments on the operational efficiency of disaster management frameworks in India.

1. Proposed amendments aim to streamline processes, potentially enhancing the speed of response during disasters.
2. By legally establishing the National Crisis Management Committee, coordination among agencies may improve.
3. Strengthening NDMA and SDMA functions could lead to better resource allocation and more effective disaster strategies.
4. However, centralisation may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies and slow down local decision-making processes.
5. Overall, the amendments could lead to a more cohesive national disaster management strategy if implemented effectively.