Parliament Passes Disaster Management Bill 2024 for Better Preparedness

Why in News ?

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has been passed in Parliament to enhance the efficiency of disaster response mechanisms. It empowers NDMA, SDMAs, and local bodies, introduces AI-based monitoring, and promotes proactive risk reduction in disaster management.

Parliament Passes Disaster Management Bill 2024 for Better Preparedness

Government’s Perspective

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that disasters have evolved in scale and intensity, necessitating a shift from reactive response to proactive risk reduction.
  • The bill aims to transition from manual to AI-based real-time monitoring for improved disaster prediction and response.
  • It promotes a multi-dimensional response, involving both government agencies and civil society.
  • Shah assured that the bill empowers the District Disaster Management Authority to decentralize disaster response.

Parliamentary Debate and Concerns

  • Opposition Concerns: Congress MP Neeraj Dangi questioned the lack of clarity on the PM CARES Fund and criticized COVID-19 management.
  • BJP’s Stand: MP Brij Lal emphasized that state governments hold the primary responsibility for disaster management, with the Centre providing support.
  • TMC’s Ritabrata Banerjee accused the Centre of withholding funds from opposition-led states.
  • CPI (M)’s A A Rahim and CPI’s Sandosh Kumar P. suggested a joint parliamentary committee review for more scrutiny.

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

  • The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in Parliament, with Rajya Sabha approving it after Lok Sabha’s approval in December 2023.
  • It amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005, aiming to improve the efficiency of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA).
  • The bill shifts disaster planning responsibility from the National Executive Committee (NEC) and State Executive Committee (SEC) to the NDMA and SDMAs.
  • States are empowered to establish Urban Disaster Management Authorities for state capitals and municipal corporation cities.
  • A national and state-level disaster database will be created for better risk management.