UNIT 17 POL SCI

DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY IN INDIA .

India is a country that is prone to a wide range of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes,
cyclones, landslides, droughts, and wildfires. In order to mitigate the impact of such disasters, the
Government of India has established a comprehensive disaster management policy. The Disaster
Management Act, 2005 provides the legal framework for disaster management in the country.

The policy is designed to promote a culture of prevention, preparedness, and resilience among
communities and stakeholders. It also aims to reduce the loss of life, property, and infrastructure
during disasters. The policy recognizes the importance of building capacity and capabilities at all
levels of governance, including national, state, and district levels, to respond effectively to disasters.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body responsible for disaster
management in India. The NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and comprises
representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies. The NDMA is responsible for
laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management. It also coordinates and
monitors the implementation of disaster management activities across the country.

The State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) are responsible for implementing disaster
management policies and plans at the state level. Each state has its own SDMA, which is chaired by
the Chief Minister of the state. The SDMAs are responsible for preparing state-level disaster
management plans and coordinating disaster response activities at the district level.

The District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are responsible for implementing disaster
management policies and plans at the district level. Each district has its own DDMA, which is chaired
by the District Magistrate. The DDMAs are responsible for preparing district-level disaster
management plans and coordinating disaster response activities at the local level.

Apart from the above-mentioned bodies, various other agencies and organizations are involved in
disaster management in India. These include the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the
Indian Red Cross Society, and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

India's disaster management policy has undergone significant improvements in recent years. The
policy emphasizes the importance of community-based disaster management and encourages the
participation of communities in disaster management activities. The policy recognizes that local
communities have a crucial role to play in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from
disasters.
The policy also emphasizes the importance of building resilience among communities and
stakeholders. This is achieved through various initiatives such as capacity building, awareness-raising,
and infrastructure development. The policy recognizes that building resilience is a long-term process
that requires sustained effort and resources.

Despite significant progress, there is still a need for further improvements in disaster management in
India. The country is facing new challenges such as climate change, which is expected to increase the
frequency and intensity of natural disasters. The policy needs to be constantly reviewed and updated
to meet these new challenges.

In conclusion, India's disaster management policy provides a comprehensive framework for

managing natural disasters in the country. The policy emphasizes the importance of prevention,
preparedness, and resilience. It also recognizes the crucial role played by local communities in
disaster management. While significant progress has been made, there is still a need for further
improvements to meet the challenges posed by climate change and other emerging threats.

Recent works of NDRF .

India has a dedicated disaster management force known as the National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF), which is responsible for handling natural disasters and other emergencies. Here are some
recent instances where the NDRF has worked:

 Cyclone Yaas (May 2021): In May 2021, Cyclone Yaas hit the eastern coast of India, causing
widespread damage and disruption. The NDRF deployed teams in the affected states of
Odisha and West Bengal to assist with evacuation, rescue, and relief operations.

 Uttarakhand Glacier Burst (February 2021): In February 2021, a glacier burst in Uttarakhand
triggered flash floods, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The NDRF deployed
multiple teams to the affected areas to assist with rescue and relief operations.

 Kerala Landslides (August 2020): In August 2020, heavy rainfall triggered landslides in several
parts of Kerala, causing loss of life and property. The NDRF deployed teams to the affected
areas to assist with rescue and relief operations.

 Vizag Gas Leak (May 2020): In May 2020, a gas leak at a chemical plant in Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh, resulted in several casualties and injuries. The NDRF deployed teams to the
site to assist with rescue and relief operations.
  Cyclone Amphan (May 2020): In May 2020, Cyclone Amphan hit the eastern coast of India,
causing widespread damage and disruption in the states of West Bengal and Odisha. The
NDRF deployed teams to assist with evacuation, rescue, and relief operations.

Overall, the NDRF plays a crucial role in disaster management and response in India, and has been
involved in several recent incidents to assist with rescue and relief operations.