The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recently issued an extension to the nationwide lockdown measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005. The NDMA has directed the Chairman of the National Executive Committee to ensure these measures remain enforced across all regions until May 3, 2020. This action follows the Prime Minister’s announcement that the lockdown needed to be extended to curb the spread of the virus.
Extension of Lockdown
The order to extend the lockdown was given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to all States and Union Territories (UTs). With this extension, all restrictions that have been put in place across various sectors will continue to stand. These guidelines were initially issued on March 24, 2020, marking the first official use of the DM Act, 2005 within the country.
Disaster Management Act, 2005
The DM Act, 2005 is a national law that equips the Central Government with the authority to declare any part of the country as disaster-stricken and devise strategies to mitigate the “risks, impacts, and effects” of the calamity. Given its wide-reaching impact, Covid-19 has been designated as a national disaster.
National Executive Committee (NEC)
The National Executive Committee (NEC) operates under Section 8 of the DM Act, 2005. Their role is to support the National Disaster Management Authority in executing its functions. The Union Home Secretary holds the chair of the NEC. The committee’s responsibilities include coordinating and monitoring disaster management, preparing a National Plan, and tracking the implementation of the National Policy.
National Disaster Management Authority
Established on September 27, 2006, the NDMA is the principal statutory body for managing disasters in India, operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Prime Minister serves as its Chairperson, supported by nine other members including one designated Vice-Chairperson.
Mission and Vision
The primary objective of the NDMA is to coordinate crisis response and bolster disaster resilience, be it for natural or man-made disasters. This apex body establishes protocols, plans, and guidelines for effective and timely disaster management. Their vision is to construct a safer, disaster-resilient India through comprehensive, proactive, technologically-driven strategies that involve all stakeholders to cultivate a culture rooted in prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.
