The Disaster Management Act, 2005 marks the institutionalization of paradigm shift in disaster management in India, from a relief-centric approach to one of proactive prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
This Act envisages a three-tier Disaster Management structure in India at the National, State and the District levels. Under the Act, the NDMA, SDMA, NEC, NDRF, NIDM and disaster related funds were established.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): NDMA is headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers. It is the apex body, which is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management to ensure timely and effective response to disasters.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA): The SDMA is established in the State under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister with 8 other members under section 14 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is the apex body for disaster management in the State.
National Executive Committee (NEC): The NEC is responsible for assisting NDMA in execution of various functions for disaster management. The secretary of the ministry which is responsible for disaster management is the chairperson of NEC. The secretaries in the ministries of agriculture atomic energy, defence, drinking water supply, environment, finance (expenditure), health, power, rural development, science and technology, space, telecommunication, urban development, water resources and the Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff of the Chiefs of Staff Committee will be the members of the NEC.
National Disaster Response force (NDRF): The DM Act, 2005 calls upon the central government to constitute the NDRF for meeting any threatening disaster situation or disaster. The amount collected from National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) is transferred to the NDRF.
National Institute of Disaster Mmanagement (NIDM): NIDM provides Capacity Building support to various National and State level agencies in the field of Disaster Management & Disaster Risk Reduction. The Institute’s vision is to create a Disaster Resilient India by building the capacity at all levels for disaster prevention and preparedness.
