Discuss the evolution of National Disaster Management Authority.

Evolution of NDMA

Emergence of an organisation is always an evolutionary process. NDMA has also gone through the same process. The Government of India (GOD), in recognition of the importance of disaster management as a national priority, set up a High- Powered Committee (HPC) in August 1999 and a National Committee after the Gujarat earthquake, for making recommendations on the preparation of Disaster Management plans and suggesting effective mitigation mechanisms, The Tenth Five- Year Plan document, for the first time, also had a detailed chapter on Disaster Management. The Twelfth Finance Commission was also mandated to review the financial arrangements for Disaster Management.

On 23 December 2005. the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers, to spearhead and implement a holistic and integrated approach to Disaster Management in India.

 

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as the apex body for disaster management has the responsibility for laying down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management and coordinating their enforcement for effective response. The Guidelines have assisted the Central Ministries, Departments and States to formulate their respective Disaster Management (DM) plans. It can also take other measures, as it may consider necessary, for the prevention, mitigation, preparedness and capacity building, for dealing with a threatening disastrous situation. Central ministries or departments and State Governments are expected to extend necessary cooperation and assistance to NDMA for carrying out their mandate. NDMA has to oversee the provision and application of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures. It has the power to authorise the departments or authorities concerned to make emergency procurement of provisions or materials for rescue and relief in a threatening disaster situation or disaster.

 

The NDMA is mandated to deal with all types of disasters, natural or man-made. Whereas such other emergencies including those requiring close involvement of the security forces or intelligence agencies such as terrorism, counter-insurgency. law and order situations, serial bomb blasts, hijacking. air accidents, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapon systems, mine disasters, ports and harbour emergencies, forest fires. oilfield fires and oil spills will continue to be handled by the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC). NDMA may. however, formulate guidelines and facilitate training and preparedness activities in respect of Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. Cross- cutting themes like Medical Preparedness, Psycho-Social Care and ‘Trauma. Community Based Disaster Preparedness. Information and Communication Technology training, Preparedness awareness generation, etc., of natural and man- made disasters in partnership with the stakeholders concerned. Resources available with the DM authorities at all levels, which are capable of discharging emergency support functions, will be made available to the nodal ministries and agencies concerned during times of such disasters (Government of India, 2011).

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