India's Disaster Management Framework: NDMP, NDMA, and DMA 2005

National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)

1. The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) was first released in 2016 by the Government of India.
2. It is prepared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
3. It provides a framework for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
4. The plan focuses on all types of disasters – *natural* (floods, earthquakes, cyclones) and *man-made* (industrial accidents, chemical disasters).
5. It aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), ensuring international best practices are followed.
6. The plan emphasizes a “Build Back Better” approach during recovery and reconstruction.
7. It assigns specific roles and responsibilities to central, state, and local authorities.
8. Key areas include capacity building, community awareness, use of technology, and financial arrangements.

Role and Functions of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

1. NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
2. The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson of NDMA.
3. NDMA lays down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management in India.
4. It ensures coordination among ministries, states, and other stakeholders during disasters.
5. Prepares and approves the National Disaster Management Plan.
6. Promotes capacity-building programs, training, and awareness campaigns.
7. Encourages the use of technology, GIS, early warning systems, and forecasting.
8. Provides guidelines for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery at national and state levels.

The Disaster Management Act, 2005

1. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 was passed by the Government of India to provide a legal framework for disaster management.
2. It led to the creation of the NDMA at the national level and SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority) at the state level.
3. It defines the roles and responsibilities of central, state, and local authorities.
4. Provides for the establishment of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to assist NDMA.
5. Empowers authorities to take preventive, mitigation, preparedness, and response measures.
6. Allows the government to declare certain situations as “disasters” and mobilize resources.
7. Ensures fund allocation through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
8. Promotes a holistic and coordinated approach to disaster management in India.

Defining Key Concepts: Disaster and Mitigation

• Disaster: A sudden, catastrophic event that causes significant disruption, damage, or loss to life, property, and the environment.
• Mitigation: Steps taken to minimize the impact of disasters through planning, preparedness, and preventive measures.

Defining Key Concepts: Hazard and Risk

• Hazard: A potential source of harm or danger (e.g., *earthquake, fire, flood*).
• Risk: The probability of harmful consequences resulting from the interaction between hazards and vulnerable conditions.

Institutional Framework for Disaster Management in India

1. NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) – Apex body under the Prime Minister.
2. SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority) – Headed by the Chief Minister at the state level.
3. DDMA (District Disaster Management Authority) – Responsible for district-level planning and execution.
4. NEC (National Executive Committee) – Assists NDMA in implementation.
5. NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) – Specialized force for response and rescue operations.

Classification of Disaster Types

1. Natural Disasters: *Earthquake, cyclone, tsunami, drought, floods*.
2. Man-made Disasters: *Industrial accidents, chemical spills, nuclear accidents*.
3. Biological Disasters: *Epidemics, pandemics, pest attacks*.
4. Environmental Disasters: *Deforestation, desertification, climate change*.

Post-Disaster Management Defined

Activities carried out after a disaster to restore normalcy. These include:

• Relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
• Psychological support.
• Adopting the “Build Back Better” approach.

Definition of Disaster Management

Disaster Management is a continuous process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing measures for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from disasters.