Agencies involved in Disaster Management

The Disaster Management Act (DM Act) of 2005 established the legal framework for the creation of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), tasked with providing specialized responses to both natural and man-made disasters. According to Section 45 of the DM Act 2005, the NDRF operates under the general superintendence, direction, and control of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and its day-to-day command is overseen by the Director General, NDRF. As a specialized force, the NDRF has evolved into a highly visible and dynamic entity within the NDMA, demonstrating a multi-disciplinary, multi-skilled, and high-tech approach to Disaster Management Currently, the NDRF comprises battalions from the BSF, CRPF, CISF, and ITBP, reflecting its collaborative and diverse composition.

Must Read: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) serves as the foremost governing body for disaster management in India, presided over by the Prime Minister. Endowed with the crucial responsibility of overseeing, directing, and controlling the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the NDMA plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the nation’s preparedness and response to disasters. Empowered by its apex status, the NDMA operates as the strategic leader in disaster management efforts, coordinating and guiding the NDRF to ensure an effective and coordinated response to natural and man-made disasters. The authority’s position at the helm reflects its paramount importance in shaping India’s comprehensive approach to disaster mitigation, response, and recovery under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

Established through parliamentary legislation, the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) is mandated to emerge as a premier institution for capacity development within India and the broader region. Enshrined by the Disaster Management Act of 2005, NIDM holds pivotal nodal responsibilities encompassing human resource development, capacity building, training, research, documentation, and policy advocacy in the domain of disaster management. Playing a crucial role, NIDM offers technical support to state governments through Disaster Management Centres (DMCs) situated in the Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) of both States and Union Territories. Notably, NIDM assumes the role of hosting the SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) and serves as its national focal point, fostering regional collaboration and coordination in disaster management efforts.

International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)

Established in December 1999, UNISDR functions as the secretariat for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). Focused on key areas, its core work involves integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) into climate change adaptation, enhancing investments in DRR, constructing disaster-resilient urban spaces, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, and fortifying the global system for DRR. Aligned with the Hyogo Framework for Action’s three strategic goals, UNISDR envisions incorporating DRR into sustainable development policies, bolstering institutions for resilience, and integrating risk reduction into emergency preparedness and response. The Hyogo Declaration and Framework, adopted in 2005, entrusted UNISDR with championing HFA implementation, solidifying its role in global disaster resilience efforts.

National Executive Committee (NEC)

Comprising distinguished ministerial representatives from the Government of India, the National Executive Committee (NEC) is a high-profile body featuring the Union Home Secretary as its Chairperson, alongside Secretaries from crucial Ministries/Departments such as Agriculture, Atomic Energy, Defence, and more. Tasked with strategic disaster management oversight, the NEC, under the guidance of the Union Home Secretary, formulates the National Plan for Disaster Management in alignment with the National Policy on Disaster Management. Drawing expertise from diverse sectors including Drinking Water Supply and Environment, the NEC plays a pivotal role in coordinating comprehensive disaster preparedness, response, and recovery measures at the national level, ensuring a unified and effective approach to mitigate the impact of disasters in India.

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)

The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is headed by the Chief Minister of the state, with disaster management oversight. Supporting the SDMA, the State Government establishes a State Executive Committee (SEC) responsible for assisting in disaster management initiatives. This collaborative structure ensures effective coordination and implementation of policies and strategies at the state level, reinforcing the commitment to comprehensive disaster preparedness and response under the leadership of the Chief Minister.

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), led by the District Collector, Deputy Commissioner, or District Magistrate based on the circumstances, operates with elected representatives of the local authority serving as the Co-Chairperson. The DDMA ensures the district-level implementation of guidelines set by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Its responsibility extends to overseeing compliance across all departments of the State Government within the district, as well as among local authorities. This collaborative approach aims to streamline disaster management efforts at the grassroots level effectively.

Local Authorities

Local authorities, such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), Municipalities, District and Cantonment Boards, Institutional and Legal Arrangements, and Town Planning Authorities, oversee civic services. These entities play a crucial role in managing and controlling local governance, ensuring effective disaster management measures at the grassroots level.

Must Read: India’s Presidency in G20 : Guiding Disaster Management Initiatives