Central Institutions For Disaster Management In India

The Central Institutions for Disaster Management were created after the enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 to provide disaster-related aid to the affected people. All such authorities work under the National Disaster Management Authority in India.

National Policy on Disaster Management

The Central Institutions for Disaster Management approved the National Policy on Disaster Management on October 22, 2009. The policy aims to develop a multi-disaster-oriented strategy through disaster preparedness and prompt response. The disaster management policy offers financial, legal, physical and even psychological provisions in the event of national disasters. This policy aims at reducing the causes of death and livelihood. 

National Disaster Management Authority

The Disaster Management Act 2005 aimed to develop a holistic approach towards disaster management in India. Under this act, the National Disaster Management Authority and State Disaster Management Authority were formed on December 23, 2005. It is mandatory to align the department’s plans with the national scheme. The National Institute of Disaster Management and the National Disaster Response Force were also set up under the guidance of the Act. Under the Act, the goal of the National Disaster Management Authority, headed by the Prime Minister of India, is to create a safer and more disaster-resilient India through a comprehensive, proactive, technology-driven, and long-term development plan.

Legal Institutional Framework of Disaster Management Act 2005

The following are the legal institutional frameworks of disaster management following the Disaster Management Act 2005: 

National Executive Committee 

• A National Executive Committee was established under Section 8 of Disaster Management Act, 2005 to assist the National Disaster Management Authority in performing its duties. The Home secretary manages the National Executive Committee as the Chairperson.
• The National Executive Committee prepares the national plan for disaster management. In addition, the National Executive Committee also monitors and coordinates disaster management per the section of the Disaster Management Act 2005.

National Disaster Response Force

The National Disaster Response Force is a specialised force that assists relevant state governments during a disaster. 

• It consists of Paramilitary and Armed forces. 
• It plans its deployment based on the State Disaster Management Authority and National Disaster Management Authority discussions and provides food, immediate health care and other essentials per specific disaster requirements.

State Disaster Management Authority

• The State Disaster Management Authority is the state-controlled Disaster Management Authority that works in hand with the National Disaster Management Authority to provide relief and assistance to the victims of any disaster in a particular state. 
• Every state has its State Disaster Management Authority, headed by the Chief Minister. It also forms the State Executive Committee, which assists the State Disaster Management Authority in various disaster-related actions and tasks. 
• The State Disaster Management Authority also coordinates with the National Disaster Response Force to plan rescue missions and relocate people in the affected area. In addition, the State Disaster Management Authority prepares arrangements for supplies, equipment and funding for use during disaster emergencies. It is also responsible for spreading awareness on disaster management in disaster-prone regions of the state and providing guidelines for people to prepare before and during a disaster.

District Disaster Management Authority

For the most vulnerable communities, the District Disaster Management Committee, monitored by the District Magistrate, develops disaster management plans at various panchayat and village levels.

• The District Disaster Management Authority provides district planning, coordination and implementation of district management policies in a district. It works following the guidelines provided by the National Disaster Management Authority. 
• In addition, the District Disaster Management Authority carries out various activities such as awareness creation, training, mock drills, and such programmes for all stakeholders. The government, non-governmental organisations, and the community allot funds for Capacity Building. 

Block-Level Disaster Management Authority

The Block-level Disaster Management Authority Nodal Officer leads the Block-level Disaster Management Committee. The management authority assists the block-level administration in developing a plan to manage disasters as anticipated or encountered.

Village-Level Disaster Management Authority

A Sarpanch/Village Head leads the Village-level Disaster Management Authority. The authority teams with local bodies to take action in case of natural disasters. Both Block-level and Village-level Disaster Management Authorities are the immediate authorities to respond to disastrous events.

Local Authorities

Local Authorities such as Panchayati Raj, municipalities, legal arrangement boards and town planning authorities oversee the local administration in regions. These local authorities work under the District Disaster Management Authority and provide possible aid during disaster emergencies.

Conclusion 

Every authority formed at the district, state and national level has a particular role in disaster management. These authorities are responsible for spreading awareness related to disaster protocol and providing relief to disaster-prone areas. All disaster management institutions form a reliable support force to build a disaster-resilient nation.