National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in India has been a result of a gradual evolution in recognizing the critical need for effective disaster management. Initially, the Government of India (GOI) formed a High-Powered Committee (HPC) in August 1999 to address Disaster Management as a national priority.

Subsequently, after the Gujarat earthquake, a National Committee was established to recommend Disaster Management plans and effective mitigation strategies. This period also saw significant attention to Disaster Management in national development plans, such as the Tenth Five-Year Plan, which included a detailed chapter on the subject.

The pivotal moment came with the enactment of the Disaster Management Act on 23 December 2005. This act paved the way for the creation of the NDMA, headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) led by respective Chief Ministers. These bodies were tasked with spearheading a holistic and integrated approach to Disaster Management across India.

The primary goal of NDMA is to foster an ethos of Prevention, Mitigation, and Preparedness. It envisions a collective effort involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and active public participation to mitigate the impact of natural and man-made disasters. This vision aligns with a proactive, technology-driven, multi-hazard, and multi-sectoral strategy aimed at building a safer, disaster-resilient, and dynamic India.

 NDMA Vision

“To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-active, technology-driven and sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, preparedness and mitigation.”

2. Functions and Responsibilities

NDMA, as the apex body, is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management to ensure timely and effective response to disasters. Towards this, it has the following responsibilities:-

• Lay down policies on disaster management.
• Approve the National Plan.
• Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India by the National Plan.
• Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan.
• Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the Government of India to integrate the measures for the prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects.
• Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plans for disaster management.
• Recommend provision of funds for mitigation.
• Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central Government.
• Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building for dealing with threatening disaster situations or disasters as it may be considered necessary.
• Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management.

3. Policy Framework

The National Policy framework has been prepared after due deliberation and keeping in view the National Vision to build a safe and disaster-resilient India by developing a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster and technology-driven strategy for DM. This will be achieved through a culture of prevention, mitigation and preparedness to generate a prompt and efficient response during disasters. The entire process will centre-stage the community and will provide momentum and sustenance through the collective efforts of all government agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations.

To translate this vision into policy and plans, the NDMA has adopted a mission-mode approach involving several initiatives with the help of various institutions operating at the national, state and local levels. Central ministries, States and other stakeholders have been involved in the participatory and consultative process of evolving policies and guidelines.

This Policy framework is also in conformity with the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, the Rio Declaration, the Millennium Development Goals and the Hyogo Framework 2005-2015. The themes that underpin this policy are:-

• Community-based disaster management, including last-mile integration of the policy, plans and execution.
• Capacity development in all related areas.
• Consolidation of past initiatives and best practices.
• Cooperation with agencies at the national, regional and international levels.
• Compliance and coordination to generate a multi-sectoral synergy.

4.  Framework for Disaster Management in India

Disaster management in India follows a comprehensive framework that encompasses various phases of disaster management, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. This framework involves multiple stakeholders, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the community, working together to enhance resilience and reduce the impact of disasters. 

Policy and Legal Framework

• The Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides the legal basis for disaster management in India and establishes institutions like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs).
• National Policy on Disaster Management India’s national policy outlines the strategies, priorities, and roles of various stakeholders in disaster management, emphasizing a proactive and holistic approach.

Institutional Structure

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headed by the Prime Minister, is the apex body responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management at the national level.
• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) Each state and union territory has an SDMA headed by the Chief Minister to implement disaster management strategies at the state level.
• District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) At the district level, DDMAs coordinate and oversee disaster management activities, including preparedness and response.

Planning and Preparedness

• National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), NDMA prepares and updates the NDMP, which outlines the roles, responsibilities, and strategies for various sectors and stakeholders during different types of disasters.
• State Disaster Management Plans (SDMPs) and District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs), States and districts develop their plans aligned with the NDMP, focusing on local risks, resources, and response mechanisms.

Capacity Building and Training

• The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) plays a key role in capacity building through training programs, research, and knowledge dissemination related to disaster management.
• Various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), conduct training programs for first responders, including rescue teams, medical personnel, and volunteers.

Early Warning Systems and Technology

• Agencies like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) provide early warnings for cyclones, floods, and other weather-related disasters.
• Use of technology such as Geographic Information System (GIS), satellite imagery, and mobile apps for disaster monitoring, early warning, and response coordination.

Community Participation and Awareness

• Emphasis on involving local communities in preparedness activities, risk reduction measures, and community response plans.
• NDMA and other agencies conduct awareness campaigns, drills, and training sessions to educate the public about disaster risks, safety measures, and response protocols.

Response and Recovery

• Activation of emergency response teams, deployment of resources, and coordination of relief efforts during disasters.
• Conducting damage assessments, providing humanitarian assistance, and facilitating long-term recovery and rehabilitation measures.

The framework for disaster management in India is dynamic and evolving, focusing on proactive risk reduction, preparedness, effective response, and sustainable recovery. Collaboration among government bodies, stakeholders, and the community is essential for building resilience and ensuring a coordinated and effective response to disasters of all types and scales.

5. Mitigation Initiatives of NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) recognizes that disaster preparedness goes beyond just response and relief. A crucial aspect of their work involves mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of potential disasters. 

Shifting the Paradigm

• Traditionally, disaster management focused primarily on reactive measures and relief efforts.
• NDMA has spearheaded a national shift towards a more holistic and integrated approach. This approach emphasizes prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.
• By prioritizing these aspects, NDMA aims to safeguard development gains and protect lives, livelihoods, and property.

Ongoing Mitigation Projects

NDMA actively works on various projects to address different disaster risks. 

• The Mobile Radiation Detection Systems (MRDS) project equips metros, capital cities, and major cities with mobile radiation detectors. This helps identify and address potential radiological hazards, protecting the public from harmful effects.
• Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (LRMS) scheme offers financial support for landslide mitigation projects in landslide-prone states. It focuses on developing early warning systems, promoting research and development for critical landslide monitoring, and implementing disaster prevention strategies. (The scheme is under preparation)
• The Flood Risk Mitigation Scheme (FRMS) scheme tackles flood risks through pilot projects for multi-purpose flood shelters and the development of river basin-specific early warning systems. It also aims to create digital elevation maps to prepare flood inundation models for timely evacuation warnings. (The scheme is under preparation)

Addressing Specific Issues

NDMA tackles specific disaster risks with targeted initiatives:

• Core Group for Boat Tragedies Following a series of boat accidents, NDMA formed a working group to develop guidelines for states and union territories. These guidelines aim to prevent future boat-related disasters.
• National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Project (Preparatory Phase) focuses on earthquake-prone areas. It aims to raise awareness, promote earthquake-resistant construction practices, and build capacity at the state and city levels.

Looking Ahead

NDMA’s mitigation efforts extend beyond the projects mentioned above. 

• The Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Buildings Types in India project catalogues various building types across India and assesses their vulnerability to earthquakes. This information is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.
• NDMA is collaborating with relevant institutions to create more precise earthquake hazard maps for the country.
•  A study is underway to understand and mitigate the risks associated with soil piping, a recently observed phenomenon in Kerala.
• NDMA is supporting the development of an early warning system for flash floods in Kerala’s Meenachil and Manimala rivers.
• Technical Advisory Committee for Landslide Mitigation established by the Ministry of Mines, provides expert advice on landslide mitigation and management strategies.

NDMA works closely with various stakeholders, including central ministries, state governments, and other organizations. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive mitigation efforts across different disaster risks. By implementing these diverse mitigation initiatives, NDMA strives to build a more disaster-resilient India.