Strengthening India’s Disaster Management Framework: Key Amendments to the DM Act, 2005

Disaster Management Disaster Management in India

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-28 08:54:44 |

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In a significant move to bolster disaster preparedness and response, the Indian government has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to amend the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005. This amendment is aimed at enhancing disaster management at the national, state, and urban levels, incorporating modern challenges like climate risks and evolving governance structures.

One of the key changes is the shift in responsibility for disaster management planning. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) will now be tasked with preparing disaster management plans, replacing the National and State Executive Committees. The amendment also expands the roles of NDMA to include risk assessment, technical assistance, and maintaining disaster databases, providing a more proactive approach to disaster management.

Additionally, the amendment empowers NDMA with regulatory powers, including the ability to define the number and categories of personnel under the Act, with prior approval from the central government. It also strengthens disaster governance by mandating national and state-level disaster databases.

The establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs) for major cities and capitals is another significant provision. States can now form State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs) and define their functions to ensure swift responses. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High-Level Committee (HLC) have been granted statutory status to oversee major disaster responses and financial assistance to states, respectively.

These amendments represent a forward-looking approach to disaster resilience, ensuring India’s preparedness for diverse challenges in the face of natural calamities.

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