Critique on act and policy on disaster management in India

Critique on Act and policy on Disaster Management in India

By Dr Bhanu

The three institutions (National Disaster Management Authority - NDMA,
SDMA and DDMA) are not responding in a reciprocal manner. After 5
years of enactment of the National DM Act 2005 most of the states have
not initiated proper steps for establishment of State Disaster
Management Authority. During the recently witnessed drought and
floods, several units of SDMA were less functional. In these
circumstances, it is easy to imagine how DDMA will act.
Disaster Risk Management deals with principles and practices of
National DM Act 2005. According to this Act a three-tier system is
conceptualized and implemented in the country. NDMA is apex body of
this system while most of the ground work is done by District Disaster
Management Authority. State Disaster Management Authority is a link
between NDMA and DDMA.
The Tenth Five Year Plan of India emphasized that “While hazards, both
natural or otherwise, are inevitable the disasters that follow need
not be so and the society can be prepared to cope with them
effectively, when ever they occur” and called for a “multi-pronged
strategy for total risk management, comprising prevention,
preparedness, response and recovery, on the one hand and for
initiating development efforts aimed towards risk reduction and
mitigation on the other.” It stated that only then we can look forward
to “sustainable development”.
The XIth Plan’s shift in focus from response- centric disaster
management to disaster mitigation brings with it an obligation to give
impetus to projects and programmes that develop and nurture both, the
culture of disaster safety and integration of disaster prevention and
mitigation into the development process.
Turning point: Growing Disaster Losses
The Graph given below shows losses due to natural disaster is growing
rapidly and lead to Paradigm shift - from Disaster Response towards
Disaster Reduction

What does National Disaster Management Act 2005 say:
The concept of disaster management plan at different levels has
received a new orientation with the passage of the Disaster Management
Act, 2005. Earlier such plans were being prepared at the district
level only. The Disaster Management Act stipulates that a National
Plan on Disaster Management shall be prepared in consultation with the
State Governments and expert bodies and organizations in the field of
disaster management.
The National Plan shall include-
I. Measures to be taken for the prevention of disasters, or for the
mitigation of their effects;
II. Measures to be taken for the integration of mitigation measures in
the development plans;
III. Measures to be taken for preparedness and capacity building to
effectively respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
and
The Act stipulates that every Ministry and Department of the
Government of India shall make provisions in its annual budgets for
funds for the purpose of carrying out the activities and programs set
out in its disaster management plan.
The State Plan shall include - At the State level, a State plan on
Disaster Management shall be prepared in consultation with district
and local authorities and people’s representatives.
I. the vulnerability of different parts of the State to different
forms of disasters:
II. the measures to be taken for prevention and mitigation of disasters;
III. the manner in which the mitigation measures shall be integrated
with the development plans and projects;
District Plan shall include: A District Plan on disaster management
shall be prepared in consultation with the local authorities and
having regard to the National and the State Plans.
I. the areas in the district, vulnerable and risks of disasters
prevail, by the departments;
II. the measures to be taken for prevention and mitigation of
disasters, by the Departments of the Government at the district level
and the local authorities in the district;
III. the capacity building and preparedness measures required to be
taken by the Departments of the Government at the district level and
the local authorities in the district to respond to any threatening
disaster situation or disaster; and
IV. the response plans and procedures, in the event of a disaster,
providing for –
• Allocation of responsibilities to the Departments of the Government
at the district level and the local authorities in the district;
• Prompt response to disaster and relief thereof;
• Procurement of essential resources;
• Establishment of communication links; and
• Dissemination of information to the public.
In spite of frequent communication some State Government are not serious:
• State Disaster Management Acts are yet to be spelt and made
effective in many states as per National Policy 2009.
• District Disaster Management Authorities are yet to be initiated.
• District Plans are still in relief and rescue mode. Mitigation and
Preparedness as per DM Act 2005 get least space in the plan.
• New guidelines for CRF and NCCF are national commitments towards
minimum standards but needs to be revisited in terms of practicality
and needed relief and popularization of these facilities must be a
priority agenda, so that people get the actual benefit.
• More attention on preparedness and mitigation required.
• Preparedness and Mitigation fund need to be defined more explicitly.

• Recent disasters like Kosi floods 2008, unregulated water discharge
from Nepal originated rivers, Tsunami and Mumbai floods have
demonstrated that much needs to be done.
• Growing economy and urbanization have exposed more areas, assets and
people to risks.
• Enforcement of building codes and zonal regulations in rural and
urban areas still a huge task.
• Communicating early warning to the last mile must be a priority in
reducing risks.
• Diversifying livelihood opportunities in disaster prone areas.
• Promoting effective regional cooperation under HFA.
Gaps in the Act and policy:
The Act 2005 and policy 2009 do not explicitly say what will happen if
states fail to perform.
Role of NGOs, media, community are very ill defined.