India’s Disaster Management overhaul
Context:
India’s disaster management framework is undergoing significant reforms to address the increasing frequency and intensity of natural and man-made disasters. Recently, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed in the Lok Sabha to enhance the nation’s preparedness and response mechanisms.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Disaster Management)
Key dimensions of the article:
- Legislative Enhancements
- Challenges in Current Disaster Management
- Proposed Strategic Measures
Legislative Enhancements:
- Centralised Planning Authority: The new amendment to the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, plans to directly empower the NDMA and SDMAs to prepare and implement disaster management plans.
- Urban Disaster Focus: To specifically target urban-related disasters, Urban Disaster Management Authorities are being established.
Challenges in Current Disaster Management:
- Overcentralization: Delayed response from the NDRF to disburse funds to states is affecting timely relief efforts.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: The urge to build more and more buildings by lacking safety measures is leading to increased susceptibility to disasters.
- Early Warning System Gaps: Technological limitations and inadequate last-mile connectivity result in delayed or inaccessible disaster warnings for vulnerable communities.
Proposed Strategic Measures:
- Decentralized Governance: More power and autonomy to be granted to State and District Disaster Management Authorities
- Infrastructure Resilience: Enforcing strict adherence to the National Building Code, promoting climate-resilient construction, and integrating disaster risk assessments into urban planning.
- Technological Integration: Upgrading early warning systems through advanced technologies like AI and GIS and ensuring effective dissemination of alerts to all societal segments.
Conclusion:
India aims to enhance its resilience against an array of disaster threats. The new Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, signifies a transformative shift towards a more robust and responsive disaster management system in India.
