DISASTER MANAGEMENT BILL INTRODUCED

Why in the news?

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced to create a disaster database and new management authorities.

Bill Overview:

Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill proposes establishing a disaster database at national and state levels and creating an “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for major cities, excluding Delhi and Chandigarh.

Database and Authority Provisions

The proposed database will track disaster assessment, fund allocation, expenditure, preparedness, and risk management.
The Bill shifts the responsibility for disaster planning from the National and State Executive Committees to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities.

source:indiatoday

Key Features of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024:

Disaster Database: Creation at national and state levels, including assessments, fund allocation, and risk registers.
Disaster Plan: NDMA and SDMA to prepare plans; reviews every three years and updates every five years.
Urban Authority: Proposes “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for major cities.
Statutory Recognition: Formal recognition for existing bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee.
State Force: Allows states to form State Disaster Response Force to enhance response capabilities.

Key Provisions of DM Act, 2005:

3-Tier Institutional Structure:
National Level: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) led by the Prime Minister.
State Level: State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by Chief Ministers.
District Level: District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) led by District Collectors, Magistrates, or Deputy Commissioners.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Specialised force for disaster response.
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): Fund established to address disaster situations.

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