Disaster Management Framework in India
India has a multi-tier disaster management framework involving national, state and district-level institutions. This framework aims to ensure disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation in a coordinated manner.
Institutional Framework
National Level
National Disaster Management Authority
- The National Disaster Management Authority is the apex body for disaster management in India.
- It is headed by the Prime Minister.
- Functions:
- lay down policies on disaster management
- approve the National Plan
- approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan
- lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan
- lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the Government of India for the purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects
- coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plan for disaster management
- recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation
- provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central Government
- take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building for dealing with the threatening disaster situation or disaster as it may consider necessary
- lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management.
National Executive Committee
- The National Executive Committee assists the NDMA in the discharge of its functions and has the responsibility for implementing the policies and plans of the National Authority and ensuring the compliance of directions issued by the Central government for the purpose of disaster management in the country.
- It is headed by the Union Home Secretary.
- Functions:
- Act as the coordinating and monitoring body for disaster management;
- Prepare the National Plan to be approved by the National Authority;
- Coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy;
- Lay down guidelines for preparing disaster management plans by different Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and the State Authorities;
- Provide necessary technical assistance to the State Governments and the State Authorities for preparing their disaster management plans in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;
- Monitor the implementation of the National Plan and the plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India;
- Monitor the implementation of the guidelines laid down by the National Authority for integrating of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation by the Ministries or Departments in their development plans and projects;
- Monitor, coordinate and give directions regarding the mitigation and preparedness measures to be taken by different Ministries or Departments and agencies of the Government;
- Evaluate the preparedness at all governmental levels for responding to any threatening disaster situation or disaster and give directions, where necessary, for enhancing such preparedness;
- Plan and coordinate specialised training programme for disaster management for different levels of officers, employees and voluntary rescue workers;
- Coordinate response in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
- lay down guidelines for, or give directions to, the concerned Ministries or Departments of the Government of India, the State Governments and the State Authorities regarding measures to be taken by them in response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
- Require any department or agency of the Government to make available to the National Authority or State Authorities such men or material resources as are available with it for the purposes of emergency response, rescue and relief;
- Advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India, State Authorities, statutory bodies, other governmental or non-governmental organisations and others engaged in disaster management;
- Provide necessary technical assistance or give advice to the State Authorities and District Authorities for carrying out their functions under this Act;
- Promote general education and awareness in relation to disaster management; and
- Perform such other functions as the National Authority may require it to perform.
National Disaster Response Force
- The National Disaster Response Force is a specialised force for disaster response.
- Presently, the NDRF comprises 16 Battalions drawn from the CAPF, viz BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles.
- It is trained for search, rescue, evacuation and relief operations during disasters such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, building collapse, chemical disasters and biological emergencies.
- It plays an important role in immediate response and capacity building of local communities.
National Institute of Disaster Management
- Under the Disaster Management Act 2005, NIDM has been assigned nodal responsibilities for human resource development, capacity building, training, research, documentation and policy advocacy in the field of disaster management.
- The DM Act has assigned the following specific functions to the Institute:
- Develop training modules, undertake research and documentation in disaster management and organise training programmes.
- Formulate and implement a comprehensive human resource development plan covering all aspects of disaster management.
- Provide assistance in national level policy formulation.
- Provide required assistance to the training and research institutes for development of training and research programmes for stakeholders including Government functionaries and undertake training of faculty members of the State level training institutes.
- Provide assistance to the State Governments and State training institutes in the formulation of State level policies, strategies, disaster management framework and any other assistance as may be required by the State Governments or State training institutes for capacity-building of stakeholders, Government including its functionaries, civil society members, corporate sector and people’s elected representatives.
- Develop educational materials for disaster management including academic and professional courses.
- Promote awareness among stakeholders including college or school teachers and students, technical personnel and others associated with multi-hazard mitigation, preparedness and response measures.
- Undertake, organise and facilitate study courses, conferences, lectures, seminars within and outside the country to promote the aforesaid objects.
- Undertake and provide for publication of journals, research papers and books and establish and maintain libraries in furtherance of the aforesaid objects.
- Do all such other lawful things as are conducive or incidental to the attainment of the above objects.
- Undertake any other function as may be assigned to it by the Central Government.
State Level
State Disaster Management Authority
- The State Disaster Management Authority is the apex disaster management body at the state level.
- It is headed by the Chief Minister.
- Functions:
- lay down the State disaster management policy;
- approve the State Plan in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;
- approve the disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the Government of the State
- lay down guidelines to be followed by the departments of the Government of the State for the purposes of integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in their development plans and projects and provide necessary technical assistance therefor
- coordinate the implementation of the State Plan
- recommend provision of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures
- review the development plans of the different departments of the State and ensure that prevention and mitigation measures are integrated therein
- review the measures being taken for mitigation, capacity building and preparedness by the departments of the Government of the State and issue such guidelines as may be necessary.
State Executive Committee
- The State Executive Committee assists the SDMA in implementing disaster management plans and policies.
- It is headed by the Chief Secretary.
- Functions:
- coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy, the National Plan and the State Plan
- examine the vulnerability of different parts of the State to different forms of disasters and specify measures to be taken for their prevention or mitigation
- lay down guidelines for preparation of disaster management plans by the departments of the Government of the State and the District Authorities
- monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the Government of the State and District Authorities
- monitor the implementation of the guidelines laid down by the State Authority for integrating of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation by the departments in their development plans and projects
- evaluate preparedness at all governmental or non-governmental levels to respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster and give directions, where necessary, for enhancing such preparedness
- coordinate response in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster
- give directions to any Department of the Government of the State or any other authority or body in the State regarding actions to be taken in response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster
- promote general education, awareness and community training in regard to the forms of disasters to which different parts of the State are vulnerable and the measures that may be taken by such community to prevent the disaster, mitigate and respond to such disaster
- advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the Government of the State, District Authorities, statutory bodies and other governmental and non-governmental organisations engaged in disaster management
- provide necessary technical assistance or give advice to District Authorities and local authorities for carrying out their functions effectively
- advise the State Government regarding all financial matters in relation to disaster management
- examine the construction, in any local area in the State and, if it is of the opinion that the standards laid for such construction for the prevention of disaster is not being or has not been followed, may direct the District Authority or the local authority, as the case may be, to take such action as may be necessary to secure compliance of such standards
- provide information to the National Authority relating to different aspects of disaster management
- lay down, review and update State level response plans and guidelines and ensure that the district level plans are prepared, reviewed and updated
- ensure that communication systems are in order and the disaster management drills are carried out periodically
- perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the State Authority or as it may consider necessary.
State Disaster Response Force
- Many states have created State Disaster Response Forces for quick response at the state level.
- They support rescue, evacuation and emergency relief during floods, cyclones, landslides, fires and other disasters.
- They act as the first organised response force before or along with NDRF support.
District Level
District Disaster Management Authority
- The District Disaster Management Authority is the key institution at the district level.
- It is headed by the District Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner.
- The elected representative of the local authority is usually the co-chairperson.
- Function:
- prepare a disaster management plan including district response plan for the district
- coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy, State Policy, National Plan, State Plan and District Plan
- ensure that the areas in the district vulnerable to disasters are identified and measures for the prevention of disasters and the mitigation of its effects are undertaken by the departments of the Government at the district level as well as by the local authorities
- ensure that the guidelines for prevention of disasters, mitigation of its effects, preparedness and response measures as laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority are followed by all departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district
- give directions to different authorities at the district level and local authorities to take such other measures for the prevention or mitigation of disasters as may be necessary;
- lay down guidelines for prevention of disaster management plans by the department of the Government at the districts level and local authorities in the district
- monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the Departments of the Government at the district level
- lay down guidelines to be followed by the Departments of the Government at the district level for purposes of integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in their development plans and projects and provide necessary technical assistance therefor
- review the state of capabilities for responding to any disaster or threatening disaster situation in the district and give directions to the relevant departments or authorities at the district level for their up gradation as may be necessary
- review the preparedness measures and give directions to the concerned departments at the district level or other concerned authorities where necessary for bringing the preparedness measures to the levels required for responding effectively to any disaster or threatening disaster situation
- organise and coordinate specialised training programmes for different levels of officers, employees and voluntary rescue workers in the district
- facilitate community training and awareness programmes for prevention of disaster or mitigation with the support of local authorities, governmental and non-governmental organisations;
- set up, maintain, review and upgrade the mechanism for early warnings and dissemination of proper information to public
- prepare, review and update district level response plan and guidelines
- coordinate response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster
- ensure that the Departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities prepare their response plans in accordance with the district response plan;
- lay down guidelines for, or give direction to, the concerned Department of the Government at the district level or any other authorities within the local limits of the district to take measures to respond effectively to any threatening disaster situation or disaster
- advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the Government at the district level, statutory bodies and other governmental and non-governmental organisations in the district engaged in the disaster management
- coordinate with, and give guidelines to, local authorities in the district to ensure that measures for the prevention or mitigation of threatening disaster situation or disaster in the district are carried out promptly and effectively
- provide necessary technical assistance or give advice to the local authorities in the district for carrying out their functions
- review development plans prepared by the Departments of the Government at the district level, statutory authorities or local authorities with a view to make necessary provisions therein for prevention of disaster or mitigation
- examine the construction in any area in the district and, if it is of the opinion that the standards for the prevention of disaster or mitigation laid down for such construction is not being or has not been followed, may direct the concerned authority to take such action as may be necessary to secure compliance of such standards
- identify buildings and places which could, in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster, be used as relief centers or camps and make arrangements for water supply and sanitation in such buildings or places
- establish stockpiles of relief and rescue materials or ensure preparedness to make such materials available at a short notice
- provide information to the State Authority relating to different aspects of disaster management
- encourage the involvement of non-governmental organisations and voluntary social welfare institutions working at the grassroots level in the district for disaster management
- ensure communication systems are in order, and disaster management drills are carried out periodically
- perform such other functions as the State Government or State Authority may assign to it or as it deems necessary for disaster management in the District.
Financial Mechanisms
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
- The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), constituted under Section 48 (1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is the primary fund available with State Governments for responses to notified disasters. The Central Government contributes 75% of SDRF allocation for general category States/UTs and 90% for special category States/UTs (NE States, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir).
- Disaster (s) covered under SDRF: Cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, frost and cold waves.
- Local Disaster: A State Government may use up to 10 percent of the funds available under the SDRF for providing immediate relief to the victims of natural disasters that they consider to be ‘disasters’ within the local context in the State and which are not included in the notified list of disasters of the Ministry of Home Affairs subject to the condition that the State Government has listed the State specific natural disasters and notified clear and transparent norms and guidelines for such disasters with the approval of the State Authority, i.e., the State Executive Authority (SEC).
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
- The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), constituted under Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, supplements SDRF of a State, in case of a disaster of severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.
- The allocation of funds under SDRF and NDRF is based on the recommendations of the successive Financial Commissions. For SDRF, the contribution is made by the Central Government and State Governments in the ratio of 75:25 to all states, except for the North-Eastern and Himalayan States, for which it is 90:10 ratio, while in NDRF, the entire contribution in the fund comes from the Central Government.
- Disaster management grants: The 16th Finance Commission has recommended disaster management corpus of Rs 2,04,401 crore for State Disaster Relief and Management Funds (SDRF and SDMF). The cost-sharing pattern between the centre and states is recommended to be: (i) 90:10 for north-eastern and Himalayan states, and (ii) 75:25 for all other states.
National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) & State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF)
- The 15th Finance Commission, in its report had made recommendations for setting up Mitigation Funds and suggested allocations at National and State level.
- Accepting the recommendations of the Finance Commission, the Central Government had constituted the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) on 05.02.2021 and also advised all the State Governments to set up State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) in the State. So far, all the States, except Telangana, have intimated setting up of SDMF.
- For the first time allocation of funds, exclusively for the mitigation of disaster risks, has been made by the Government, both at national and state level. It will help the States in carrying out mitigation activities for reducing the impact of disasters.
- Central Government contributes 75% for all States (90% for North-Eastern and Himalayan States) as Centre share in SDMF.
Key Legislations & Policies
Disaster Management Act, 2005
- On 23 December 2005, the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers.
- Key Features:
- National, State, and District Level Authorities: The Act mandates the establishment of the NDMA, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to manage disasters at their respective levels.
- National Plan: The NDMA is responsible for preparing a National Plan for disaster management, which outlines the overall strategy, policies, and guidelines for disaster management in India.
- State and District Plans: SDMAs and DDMAs prepare their respective plans, taking into account the National Plan and local conditions.
- Prevention and Mitigation: The Act emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent or mitigate the effects of disasters, including risk assessment, early warning systems, and infrastructure development.
- Preparedness and Response: The Act provides for measures to enhance preparedness for disasters, including capacity building, training, and resource mobilization.
- Coordination: The Act promotes coordination among different government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders in disaster management.
- Funding: The Act provides for the creation of a National Disaster Response Fund and State Disaster Response Funds to finance disaster management activities.
- Penalties: The Act includes provisions for penalties for obstructing or refusing to comply with the directions issued under the Act.
National Policy on Disaster Management, 2009
- The National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) 2009, approved on October 22, 2009, provides a framework for handling disasters in a holistic, proactive, and technology-driven manner.
- It focuses on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response, aiming to build a safe and disaster-resilient India.
- The policy emphasizes a culture of prevention, preparedness, and resilience at all levels through knowledge, innovation, and education.
- Key Objectives and Features:
- Promoting a culture of prevention, preparedness and resilience at all levels through knowledge, innovation and education.
- Encouraging mitigation measures based on technology, traditional wisdom and environmental sustainability.
- Mainstreaming disaster management into the developmental planning process.
- Establishing institutional and techno-legal frameworks to create an enabling regulatory environment and a compliance regime.
- Ensuring efficient mechanism for identification, assessment and monitoring of disaster risks.
- Developing contemporary forecasting and early warning systems backed by responsive and failsafe communication with information technology support.
- Promoting a productive partnership with the media to create awareness and contributing towards capacity development. Ensuring efficient response and relief with a caring approach towards the needs of the vulnerable sections of the society.
- Undertaking reconstruction as an opportunity to build disaster resilient structures and habitat for ensuring safer living. Promoting productive and proactive partnership with media in disaster management.
- Holistic Approach: The NPDM aims to address all aspects of disaster management, including institutional, legal, and financial arrangements.
- Multi-Disaster Focus: It considers various types of disasters, not just natural disasters, and aims to be multi-disaster oriented.
- Proactive and Technology-Driven: The policy emphasizes proactive measures and the use of technology for disaster management.
- Community Participation: It underscores the importance of community participation in disaster management efforts.
- Capacity Building: The NPDM highlights the need for capacity building at all levels, including training and education.
- Knowledge Management and Research: The policy emphasizes the importance of knowledge management and research and development in disaster management.
- Inclusiveness: It considers the needs of all sections of society, including marginalized groups.
- Mainstreaming Disaster Management: The NPDM aims to integrate disaster management into national development plans.
- Focus on Prevention and Mitigation: The policy emphasizes preventing disasters and mitigating their impact.
- Techno-legal Regime: The NPDM focuses on strengthening the legal and technical framework for disaster management.
- Key areas covered by the NPDM:
- Prevention and Mitigation: Measures to prevent disasters and reduce their risk.
- Preparedness: Actions to be taken before a disaster strikes.
- Response: Actions taken during a disaster, including evacuation, rescue, and relief.
- Rehabilitation and Reconstruction: Actions taken after a disaster to restore normalcy and rebuild affected areas.
- Capacity Development: Training and education for disaster management professionals and the public.
- Knowledge Management and Research: Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating knowledge about disaster management.
- Institutional and Legal Framework: Establishing the necessary institutions and laws to support disaster management.
- Financial Arrangements: Ensuring adequate funding for disaster management activities
National Disaster Management Plan, 2019
- India’s first National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) was released in 2016. The NDMP was later revised in 2019.
- This plan is fully aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015, Sustainable Development Goals and Conference of Paris (COP21) Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
- The primary aim of this plan is to make India disaster resilient and significantly reduce the loss of lives and assets.
- NDMP’s main pillars:
- Conforming to the national legal mandates—the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) 2009
- Participating proactively for realising the global goals as per agreements to which India is signatory—Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Conference of Parties (COP21), Paris Agreement on Climate Change
- Prime Minister’s Ten Point Agenda for DRR articulating contemporary national priorities
- Social inclusion as a ubiquitous and cross-cutting principle
- Objectives:
- Improve the understanding of disaster risk, hazards, and vulnerabilities.
- Strengthen disaster risk governance at all levels from local to centre
- Invest in disaster risk reduction for resilience through structural, nonstructural and financial measures, as well as comprehensive capacity development
- Enhance disaster preparedness for effective response
- Promote “Build Back Beer” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction
- Prevent disasters and achieve substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, health, and assets (economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental)
- Increase resilience, prevent the emergence of new disaster risks, reduce the existing risks and manage the residual risks
- Promote the implementation of integrated and inclusive economic, structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational, environmental, technological, political and institutional measures to prevent and reduce hazard exposure and vulnerabilities to disaster
- Empower both local authorities and communities as partners to reduce and manage disaster risks
- Strengthen scientific and technical capabilities in all aspects of disaster management
- Capacity development at all levels to effectively respond to multiple hazards and for community-based disaster management
- Provide clarity on roles and responsibilities of various Ministries and Departments involved in different aspects of disaster management
- Promote the culture of disaster risk prevention and mitigation at all levels
- Facilitate the mainstreaming of disaster management concerns into the developmental planning and processes
- Ensuring DRR is socially inclusive, gender sensitive and empowering
- Build and strengthen the resilience of poor communities to prevent disasters aggravating poverty and to protect livelihoods
- Enhanced mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies within the agriculture sector including sustainable farming
- Special focus on disaster risk reduction measures for agriculture and livestock
- Promoting resilient health systems to develop the capacities and resilience of communities to cope and recover from disaster impacts
- Enhance the resilience of health systems by integrating DRR into all levels of health care
- Promote disaster-resilient schools, colleges and other educational facilities
- Promote women’s leadership and active participation in disaster risk reduction
- Strengthen efforts to mainstream DRR into water management and reduce the likely impacts of water-related hazards
- Strengthening and promoting the resilience of new and existing critical infrastructure
- Integration of disaster risk reduction considerations and measures into financial and fiscal instruments
- Mainstreaming DRR into development and implementation of all projects and schemes (rural and urban)
- Strengthen disaster risk modelling, assessment, mapping, monitoring and multi-hazard early warning systems
- Promote comprehensive surveys on multi-hazard disaster risks and the development of regional disaster risk assessments and maps, including climate change scenarios
- Implementation of ecosystem-based approaches regarding shared resources, such as within river basins, mountainous regions and coastlines
- Effective use of science, technology and traditional knowledge in all aspects of DRR
Prime Minister’s Ten-Point Agenda on DRR is as under:
- All development sectors must imbibe the principles of disaster risk management.
- Risk coverage must include all, starting from poor households to SMEs to multi-national corporations to nation states.
- Women’s leadership and greater involvement should be central to disaster risk management.
- Invest in risk mapping globally to improve global understanding of Nature and disaster risks.
- Leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of disaster risk management efforts.
- Develop a network of universities to work on disaster-related issues.
- Utilise the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies for disaster risk reduction.
- Build on local capacity and initiative to enhance disaster risk reduction.
- Make use of every opportunity to learn from disasters and, to achieve that, there must be studies on the lessons after every disaster.
- Bring about greater cohesion in international response to disasters.
International Efforts/Framework
Yokohama Strategy, 1994
- This was the first international effort exclusively devoted to Disaster Risk Reduction. The Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World: Guidelines for Natural Disaster Prevention, Preparedness and Mitigation and its Plan of Action is widely known as “Yokohama Strategy”, was adopted in the year 1994. It provides landmark guidance on disaster risk reduction
- Key Principles
- Risk assessment is fundamental and essential for developing effective disaster risk reduction policies and measures.
- Prevention and preparedness are paramount rather than relying on postdisaster relief.
- Disaster reduction should be integrated into all levels of development planning and policies.
- Capacity building is crucial for disaster management
- Early warning systems are vital.
- Community participation is essential.
- Application of knowledge and technology for enhancing disaster risk reduction efforts.
- International cooperation is necessary to support disaster reduction efforts particularly in developing countries.
- Strategy
- Development of a global culture of prevention as an essential component of an integrated approach to disaster reduction
- Adoption of a policy of self-reliance in each vulnerable country and community comprising capacity-building as well as allocation and efficient use of resources
- Education and training in disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation
- Development and strengthening of human resources and material capabilities and capacity of research and development institutions for disaster reduction and mitigation
- Identification and networking of existing centres of excellence so as to enhance disaster prevention, reduction and mitigation activities
- Improvement of awareness in vulnerable communities, through a more active and constructive role of the media in respect of disaster reduction
- Involvement and active participation of the people in disaster reduction, prevention and preparedness, leading to improved risk management
- In the second half of the Decade, emphasis should be given to programmes that promote community-based approaches to vulnerability reduction
- Improved risk assessment, broader monitoring and communication of forecasts and warnings
- Adoption of integrated policies for prevention of, preparedness for, and response to natural disasters and other disaster situations including environmental and technological hazards
- Improved coordination and cooperation among ongoing national, regional and international disaster research activities, at universities, regional and sub-regional organizations and other technical and scientific institutions
- Effective national legislation and administrative action, higher priority at the political decision-making level
- Placing higher priority on the compilation and exchange of information on natural disaster reduction, especially at regional and sub-regional levels, through the strengthening of existing mechanisms and improved use of communication techniques;
- Promotion of regional and sub-regional cooperation between countries exposed to the same natural hazards through exchange of information, joint disaster reduction activities and other formal or informal means
- Making available the existing technology for broader application to disaster reduction
- Integration of the private sector in disaster reduction efforts through promotion of business opportunities
- Promotion of the involvement of non-governmental organization in natural hazard management, in particular those dealing with environmental and related issues and including indigenous non-governmental organizations
- Strengthening the capacity of the United Nations system to assist in the reduction of losses from natural and related technological disasters, including coordination and evaluation of activities through the Decade and other mechanisms.
Hyogo Framework, 2005
- After the implementation of The Yokohama Strategy for ten years, the next summit was organised at Hyogo in 2005.The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) was a global plan for reducing disaster risk from 2005 to 2015. It was adopted by 168 United Nations member states at the World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, Japan in January 2005.
- Priorities for Action 2005-2015
- Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation.
- Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
- Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels.
- Reduce the underlying risk factors.
- Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted at the Third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan, on March 18, 2015.
- The Sendai Framework is the successor instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015
- Goal
- The goal envisaged in the Sendai Framework is to “Prevent new and reduce existing disaster risk through the implementation of integrated and inclusive economic, structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational, environmental, technological, political and institutional measures that prevent and reduce hazard exposure and vulnerability to disaster, increase preparedness for response and recovery, and thus strengthen resilience”
- Targets
- Major targets for the fifteen years (2015-2030) are as follows:
- Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower average per 100,000 global mortality between 2020-2030 compared to 2005 2015;
- Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, aiming to lower the average global figure per 100,000 between 2020-2030 compared to 2005 2015;
- Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030;
- Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, among them health and educational facilities, including through developing their resilience by 2030;
- Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020;
- Priorities for Action Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for implementation of this framework by 2030;
- Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030.
- Priority Areas
- Priority 1: Understanding disaster risk:
- This involves identifying and assessing hazards and vulnerabilities to better prepare for potential disasters.
- Priority 2:
- Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk: This includes improving policies, institutional frameworks, and legal mechanisms for disaster risk reduction.
- Priority3:
- Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience: This involves investing in both structural and non-structural measures to reduce the risk of disasters, such as building stronger infrastructure or implementing early warning systems.
- Priority4:
- Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction: This focuses on developing effective early warning systems, improving disaster response, and ensuring effective recovery and rehabilitation efforts after a disaster. This emphasizes ensuring that recovery and reconstruction efforts are not only about rebuilding but also about making communities more resilient to future disasters.
- In their approach to disaster risk reduction, States, regional and international organizations and other relevant stakeholders should take into consideration the key activities listed under each of these four priorities and should implement them, as appropriate, taking into consideration respective capacities and capabilities, in line with national laws and regulations.
- In the context of increasing global interdependence, concerted international cooperation, an enabling international environment and means of implementation are needed to stimulate and contribute to developing the knowledge, capacities and motivation for disaster risk reduction at all levels, in particular for developing countries.
India’s disaster management framework has evolved from a relief-centric approach to a broader system focused on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and resilience. Institutions such as NDMA, NEC, NDRF, NIDM, SDMA, SEC and DDMA provide a multi-level governance structure for disaster management.
The framework is supported by legal provisions under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, financial mechanisms such as SDRF, NDRF, NDMF and SDMF, and policy frameworks such as the National Policy on Disaster Management and National Disaster Management Plan. Going ahead, India needs stronger local capacity, better coordination, improved risk mapping, greater community participation and deeper integration of disaster risk reduction into development planning.
Sample Mains Questions
Q1. Discuss the institutional framework for disaster management in India.
(150 words, 10 marks)
Q2. Explain the role of NDMA, NDRF and NIDM in India’s disaster management framework.
(150 words, 10 marks)
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