National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The NDMA, as the apex body for disaster management, is headed by the Prime Minister and has the responsibility for laying down policies, plans and guidelines for DM and coordinating their enforcement and implementation for ensuring timely and effective response to disasters.

• 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 and/or intelligence agencies such as terrorism (counter-insurgency), law and order situations, serial bomb blasts, hijacking, air accidents.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is India’s specialized force for responding to natural disasters and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense (CBRN) emergencies. The force was constituted under the Disaster Management Act of 2005. NDRF is a force of 12 battalions, organized on Para-military lines, and manned by persons on deputation from the Para-military forces of India: three BSF, three CRPF, two CISF, two ITBP and two Sashastra Seema Bal.

Conclusion

Disaster and Disaster Management can be considered as the two sides of the same coin. India must frame upcoming policies on Sendai Framework and make sure that mitigation and preparedness go hand in hand.