Role of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Disaster Management

On 23 December 2005, the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers, to spearhead and implement a holistic and integrated approach to Disaster Management in India.

The National Disaster Management Authority

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was initially constituted on May 30, 2005 under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister vide an executive order. Following enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the NDMA was formally constituted in accordance with Section-3(1) of the Act on 27th September, 2006 with Prime Minister as its Chairperson and nine other members, and one such member to be designated as Vice Chairperson.

The NDMA has been mandated with laying down policies on disaster management and guidelines which would be followed by different Ministries, Departments of the Government of India and State Government in taking measures for disaster risk reduction. It has also to laid down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plans and to take such measures for the management of disasters.

Details of these responsibilities are given as under :-

1. Lay down policies on disaster management

2. Approve the National Plan

3. Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan

4. Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan

5. Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of theGovernment of India for the purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects

6. Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plan for disaster management

7. Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation

8. Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined
by the Central Government

9. Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building for dealing with the threatening disaster situation or disaster as it may consider necessary 

10. Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management.