The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), officially established on 27th September 2006 by the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is India’s premier organization for disaster management. As India’s apex statutory body on this issue, it recently celebrated its 18th Formation Day on 28th September, 2022. The Prime Minister chairs the NDMA and nine additional members form the core team, one of whom serves as Vice-Chairperson.
Responsibilities and Roles of NDMA
The primary responsibility for managing disasters lies with the State Government involved. However, the National Policy on Disaster Management fosters an enabling environment for collective action—Centre, state, and district. The NDMA oversees the approval of the National Disaster Plan, lays down policies on disaster management, and guides other ministries or departments in developing their plans in line with the National Plan. Moreover, it recommends funds for mitigation and provides support to countries affected by major disasters as determined by the Central Government.
National Disaster Management Programme: Aapada Mitra
A notable initiative by the government under the NDMA is the “Aapada Mitra” program. Launched in May 2016, this Central Sector Scheme aims to establish disaster management volunteers in 350 districts across the country. These individuals, particularly those from disaster-prone regions, receive training to become first responders during disaster scenarios, equipped with skills for basic relief and rescue tasks.
The Evolution of NDMA: Significant Milestones
The importance of Disaster Management as a national priority led to the formation of a High-Powered Committee (HPC) in August 1999 and a National Committee post the Gujarat earthquake in 2001. These committees recommended the preparation of Disaster Management plans and suggested effective mitigation mechanisms. The Tenth Five-Year Plan documented, for the first time, a comprehensive chapter on Disaster Management. Moreover, the Twelfth Finance Commission was tasked to review financial arrangements for Disaster Management.
Challenges and Shortcomings
Despite its initiatives and roles, the NDMA faced criticism for its role during the Uttarakhand Flooding in 2013. Experts pointed out poor planning and delays in project completion under the flood management programs. Misutilization of funds, insufficient training, and lack of equipment among National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are additional challenges that the NDMA and related entities face.
NDMA’s Efforts in Disaster Management: Domestic and International Initiatives
India has established the National Disaster Reaction Force (NDRF) as part of its efforts to respond to all types of disasters. In addition, India’s foreign humanitarian assistance often leverages military assets like naval ships or aircraft. This assistance especially targets countries in South and Southeast Asia, aligning with India’s “Neighbourhood First” diplomatic policy.
At a regional level, within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), India hosts DM Exercises demonstrating disaster response techniques. These exercises also involve India’s first responders interacting with their counterparts from states in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Adopting Global Standards for Disaster Management
India has adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030), and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. These global frameworks establish the critical connections among Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), and sustainable development.
The Way Forward
India needs macro-level policy guidelines for preparing and implementing disaster management and development plans across sectors. Moreover, operational guidelines integrating disaster management practices into development and specific developmental schemes for prevention and mitigation of disasters are crucial.
Community participation, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and media involvement at all stages of disaster management can significantly enhance the effectiveness of disaster management practices. Tackling climate risk management through adaptation and mitigation measures is also fundamental to strengthen India’s disaster preparedness.