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Present Structure of DM in India

The institutional structure for Disaster Management in India is in a state of transition. The new setup following the implementation of Disaster Management Act 2005 is still evolving while the previous structure also continues. Thus both structures coexist at present. National Disaster Management Authority works at central level and State DMA at State level and District DMA at district level.

National Disaster Management Authority

The Chairman is the Prime Minister accompanied by 9 other nominated members by PM.

Mandate

1. To lay down policies on Disaster Management.
2. To approve the National Plans on Disaster Management.
3. Approve plans prepared by ministries and GOI in accordance with the National Plan.
4. Lay down guidelines to be followed by different ministries or departments of GOI. For the purposes of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or mitigation of its effect in their development plans and projects.
5. Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation.
6. Provide support to other countries affected by major disasters as determined by central government.
7. Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of National Institute of Disaster Management.
8. Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of policy and plan for Disaster Management.

National Executive Committee

This is constituted in accordance with Disaster Management Act 2005. It has the responsibility to act as the coordinating and monitoring body for Disaster Management, to prepare a National plan, monitor the implementation of national policies. It is headed by Home Secretary.

National Institute of Disaster Management

It is a statutory organization under the Disaster Management Act 2005. President is Union Home Minister. It is located in New Delhi. Section 42 of DM Act 2005, lists down the following responsibilities

1. To develop training modules
2. Undertake research and documentation in Disaster Management
3. Organize training programs

National Disaster Response Force

It was constituted under DM Act 2005. Presently there are 12 battalions of NDRF working in India.

Roles of NDRF

1. To provide specialized response for rescue and relief in case of disasters.
2. Deployment in case of impending disasters.
3. Assistance to civil authorities in distribution of relief material during and after the disaster.
4. Coordination with other agencies engaged in rescue and relief work.
5. Decontamination of area and the personnel.
6. Capacity building.
7. Imparting training to SDRF.

National Disaster Mitigation Resource and National Disaster Response Resource are the funding agencies.

State Disaster Response Force

SDRF have been setup across different states. They respond to the disaster on the lines of NDRF only.

Civil Defense

1. Civil Defense Act of 1968 was amended in 2010 to cater the needs of Disaster Management
2. Provisions were made to utilize the services of civil defense volunteers effectively for public participation in disaster management related activities in the country.
3. Civil defense aims at saving lives, minimizing damage to the property and maintaining continuity of industrial production in event of an hostile attack.
4. There are three tiers of Civil defense system : Central, State, District level.

Tasks of Civil defense

• Communicating to public and making them aware
• Advice the people to protect themselves by evacuating or remain and taking shelter.
• Assist in recovery operations. Support in emergency services.
• It is organized on voluntary basis except for a small nucleus of paid staff and establishment which are augmented during emergencies.

Fire Services

These are the mandate of the municipal bodies as laid down in Article 243-W of the constitution. Their structure across the states is not uniform and presently fire prevention and fire fighting services are organized by concerned states and UTs. At the center, MoHA renders technical advice to the state and UTs on fire protection, fire prevention and fire legislation.

State Disaster Management Authority

Disaster Management Act 2005 provides for constitution of SDMAs. The CM is the chairperson of SDMA accompanied by 8 other members. Except Gujarat and Daman & Diu all the states have constituted SDMA under Disaster Management Act 2005. Gujarat has constituted its SDMA under Gujarat State Disaster Management 2003. Daman & Diu have also established SDMAs prior to the enactment of Disaster Management Act 2005.

State Executive Committee

Disaster Management Act 2005 envisages the establishment of State Executive Committees. The SEC is headed by the State Chief Secretary.

District Disaster Management Authority

DM Act 2005 provides for the constitution of DDMA. The district magistrate/collector/commissioner heads the authority as Chairperson. The District Authority is responsible for planning, coordination, implementation of disaster management and to take such measures for disaster management as provided in the guidelines. It has the power to examine a construction in any area in the district to enforce the safety standards and also to arrange for relief measures and respond to the disasters at the district level.

Institutional Framework in Metropolitan Cities

The Mayor assisted by the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation and the Police Commissioner are directly responsible for crisis management.