National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), controlled by the Prime Minister of India, is an apex body of Disaster Management. NDMA is set up by creating an engaging environment for institutional mechanisms at the District and State levels as directed by the Disaster Management Act, 2005 by providing sustained and collaborative efforts of all Government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, and People. NDMA-National Disaster Management Authority is instructed to lay down the plans, policies, and guidelines for Disaster Management in India. By following the (NDMA) – National Disaster Management Authority guidelines, the Disaster Management in India predicts the development of an ethos of Mitigation, Prevention, Mitigation, Response, and Preparedness. 

National Disaster Management Authority – NDMA

The NDMA – National Disaster Management Authority was formed on 27 September 2006, following the Disaster Management Act, 2005, with nine members and Prime Minister as its Chairperson. The Indian government aims to enable a national resolve to mitigate the destruction and damage caused by man-made and natural disasters via sustained and collaborative efforts of all Government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, and People. The NDMA Logo remembers the aspirations of the nation’s vision of empowering all stakeholders to enhance the efficacy of Disaster Management in India. NDMA has five significant branches such as

• Policy & Plans
• Mitigation 
• Operations & Communications 
• Information & Technology 
• Administration and Finance.

Evolution of NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority aims to harmonise response to either natural or man-made disasters and capacity-building in catastrophe resiliency and emergency response. The NDMA is an apex body that lays down plans, policies, and guidelines for Disaster Management in India to ensure effective and timely disaster response.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) evolved in August 1999 by setting up a High-Powered Committee (HPC) and a National Committee after the Gujarat earthquake (2001) to make suggestions on the preparation of Disaster Management plans and effective mitigation mechanisms.

The Tenth Five-Year Plan record also had a detailed chapter on Disaster Management in India for the first time. The Twelfth Finance Commission was also required to review the financial implementations for Disaster Management.

On 23 December 2005, the Government of India passed the Disaster Management Act, which resulted in the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) outcome. The Prime Minister executed it with the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) by respective Chief Ministers to spearhead and execute a holistic and integrated technique for Disaster Management in India.

Roles and Responsibilities of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

• It approves the National Disaster Plan during disaster management
• NDMA lays down plans and policies on disaster management
• They approve plans designed by Departments or Ministries of the Central Government following the National Plan
• It gives guidelines to be heeded by State Authorities in sketching up State plans
• NDMA design guidelines to be obeyed by different Ministries or Departments of Central Government to integrate measures for disaster mitigation for its effects in their growth plans and projects
• They Coordinate enforcement and enactment of disaster management plans and policies 
• It recommends the provision of funds for mitigation
• It provides aid to other countries affected by major disasters as specified by Central Government
• Also, they provide comprehensive guidelines and policies for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management

Achievements of Disaster Management in India

The National Disaster Management Authority in India has achieved various achievements. A few of them are

Cyclone mitigations in Odisha’s early warning system, well-planned, timely action, and large-scale evacuation plans helped 1.2 million people move safely into about 4,000 cyclone shelters, thereby protecting the lives of vulnerable populations in the coastal region.

The National Disaster Management Authority has discharged guidelines on hospital safety, school safety, and Minimum Standards for food, shelter, sanitation, water, and medical cover in Relief Camps. The Authority worked closely with the Non-governmental organisations to mitigate the impact of the Heat Wave, and the number of losses came down drastically.

The phrase disaster management is to be comprehended as a continuous and integrated process of organising, planning, implementing, and coordinating, which are essential for precluding the danger and its consequences, resulting in assessing measures such as rescue and evacuation, and relief. 

Conclusion

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) makes an immense effort to bring back the survival situation during disasters or catastrophes. They lay down the plans, policies, and guidelines for Disaster Management in India. By following the (NDMA) – National Disaster Management Authority guidelines, the Disaster Management in India predicts the development of an ethos of Mitigation, Prevention, Mitigation, Response, and Preparedness. The NDMA is an apex body that lays down plans, policies, and guidelines for Disaster Management in India. Also, it closely works with all Government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, and people to bring sustained and combined effect.