The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body for disaster
management in India. It was established in 2005 under the Disaster Management Act,
2005.
The NDMA is responsible for laying down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster
management. It also coordinates the response to disasters at the national level and
provides assistance to the states and Union Territories.
The NDMA's vision is to "build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-
active, technology driven and sustainable development strategy that involves all
stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, preparedness and mitigation."
The NDMA has played a key role in responding to some of the major disasters in India in
recent years, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2010 Kashmir floods, and
the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
The NDMA has also been working to improve disaster preparedness and mitigation in
India. This includes developing early warning systems, building flood and cyclone
shelters, and educating communities about disaster risks.
The NDMA is a vital organization that is playing an important role in making India more
resilient to disasters.
Evolution of NDMA
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in India has come a long way
since its inception, evolving from a reactive approach to a proactive and comprehensive
strategy. Here's a glimpse into its journey:
Pre-NDMA Era (1947-1999):
• Fragmented response: Disaster management was handled by various ministries
and departments without a central authority, leading to uncoordinated efforts
and delayed responses.
• Focus on relief: The primary focus was on post-disaster relief, with little
emphasis on preparedness and mitigation.
The Rise of Recognition (1999-2005):
• Growing awareness: Major disasters like the 1999 Odisha cyclone and the 2001
Gujarat earthquake highlighted the need for a dedicated disaster management
body.
• High-powered committees: The government formed high-powered committees
to recommend effective mitigation mechanisms and disaster management
plans.
• Tenth Five-Year Plan: Disaster management gained national importance with a
dedicated chapter in the Tenth Five-Year Plan document.
Birth of NDMA (2005 onwards):
• Disaster Management Act, 2005: This landmark act paved the way for the
establishment of NDMA as the apex body for disaster management in India.
• Formalization of NDMA: In 2006, NDMA was formally constituted with the Prime
Minister as its chairperson and nine other members.
• Holistic approach: NDMA shifted the focus from just relief to a four-pronged
strategy encompassing prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response.
Key Milestones in NDMA's Evolution:
• Development of National Disaster Management Plan: A comprehensive plan
outlining disaster management strategies for various hazards.
• Establishment of State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Replication
of NDMA's structure at the state level for decentralized and coordinated
response.
• Focus on capacity building: Training programs for officials, volunteers, and
communities to enhance preparedness and response skills.
• Adoption of technology: Early warning systems, communication networks, and
GIS-based tools for improved disaster management.
• Public awareness campaigns: Raising community awareness about disaster
risks and preparedness measures through various channels.
NDMA's Future:
• Climate change adaptation: Integrating climate change considerations into
disaster risk reduction strategies.
• Strengthening community resilience: Building the capacity of vulnerable
communities to cope with disasters.
• International cooperation: Collaborating with other countries and organizations
to share best practices and learn from each other's experiences.
The NDMA's evolution showcases India's commitment to building a disaster-resilient
nation. Its continuous efforts in preparedness, mitigation, and response have
significantly improved the country's ability to manage disasters and save lives.
Functions of NDMA:
• Policy and Plan Formulation
• Coordination and Response
• Capacity Building and Awareness
• International Cooperation
Responsibilities of NDMA:
• Ensuring timely and effective response to disasters across India.
• Promoting a culture of prevention, preparedness, and mitigation for all types of
natural and man-made hazards.
• Integrating disaster risk reduction into development plans and programs.
• Building partnerships and strengthening coordination among stakeholders at all
levels.
Policies of NDMA:
• National Disaster Management Policy (2009)
• National Guidelines for Disaster Management
• State Disaster Management Plans
• Sectoral Policies
By actively fulfilling its functions, taking responsibility for national disaster
preparedness and response, and developing comprehensive policies, the NDMA plays a
crucial role in building a safer and more resilient India.
Natural vs Man Made Disasters
Both natural and man-made disasters pose significant threats to people and the
environment, but they differ in their origin and characteristics:
Natural Disasters:
• Origin: Caused by geological, meteorological, or hydrological processes,
independent of human actions.
• Examples: Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods, wildfires,
tsunamis, landslides.
• Predictability: Can be somewhat predictable through scientific monitoring and
early warning systems, but often with uncertain timing and intensity.
• Impact: Can cause widespread damage, loss of life, economic disruption, and
displacement, depending on the type and severity of the disaster.
• Prevention: Limited options for complete prevention, but mitigation strategies
like building codes, land-use planning, and early warning systems can help
reduce impact.
Man-Made Disasters:
• Origin: Stem from human activity or failure to implement proper safety
measures.
• Examples: Industrial accidents, nuclear disasters, oil spills, transportation
accidents, cyberattacks, armed conflicts, chemical spills.
• Predictability: May be more predictable than natural disasters in some cases,
especially those stemming from negligence or preventable accidents.
• Impact: Can range from localized incidents to large-scale catastrophes,
depending on the nature of the event and the response effectiveness.
• Prevention: Can be significantly reduced through proper regulations, safety
protocols, risk assessments, and responsible actions, potentially avoiding
disasters altogether.
GLOBAL INITIATIVES: SENDAI FRAMEWORK
Sendai Framework: A global framework adopted in 2015 to reduce disaster losses by
2030, focusing on prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response.
NDMA's Role:
• Aligning national disaster management plans with the Sendai Framework's
priorities.
• Building capacity of state and district authorities to implement the framework.
• Raising awareness among stakeholders through workshops and campaigns.
• Monitoring progress, conducting evaluations, and collaborating with various
partners.
Specific Initiatives by NDMA:
• Strengthening State and District Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs and
DDMAs).
• Developing Hazard Risk Vulnerability Atlases to identify disaster-prone areas.
• Aligning state and district plans with the Sendai Framework.
• Promoting early warning systems for various hazards.
• Encouraging community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives.
Challenges:
• Resource constraints (financial and human).
• Coordination challenges among multiple stakeholders.
• Data gaps on disaster risks and impacts.
• Increasing disaster risks due to climate change and urbanization.
Prospects for Success:
• NDMA's continuous efforts in policy alignment, capacity building, awareness
raising, and partnerships.
• Allocation of necessary resources to address challenges.
• Strong collaboration among stakeholders for effective implementation.
The NDMA plays a crucial role in promoting the Sendai Framework in India. By aligning
policies, building capacity, raising awareness, and fostering partnerships, it's working to
build a more resilient nation. However, addressing challenges and allocating resources
are crucial to achieve the framework's ambitious goals.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a collection
of 17 interlinked objectives designed to serve as a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity
for people and the planet, now and into the future." Adopted by all United Nations Member
States in 2015, the SDGs aim to address the global challenges we face, including poverty,
hunger, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Here's a breakdown of the 17 SDGs:
1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequality
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Each SDG has a set of specific targets and indicators to track progress. Through collaboration
and collective effort, the SDGs aim to create a better future for all people and the planet.
Here are some additional points about the SDGs:
• Universality: The SDGs apply to all countries, regardless of their level of development.
• Integration: The SDGs are interdependent, and achieving one goal often depends on
progress in others.
• Participation: Everyone has a role to play in achieving the SDGs, from governments
and businesses to individuals and civil society organizations.
• Review and Progress: The SDGs are regularly reviewed and updated to track progress
and identify areas where more action is needed.
In conclusion, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex national
agency responsible for leading disaster governance efforts in India. Established in 2005 with
a progressive mandate, NDMA has grown in its vision, scope and capacities over 15+ years.
With policies and plans aligned to global frameworks, NDMA adopts a holistic, coordinated
and evidence-based approach for disaster risk reduction spanning risk mapping, mitigation
investments, early warning systems, and emergency response.
By driving large scale resilience initiatives that cross-cut technological, economic and social
aspects, NDMA builds national adaptiveness in the face of rising disaster risks. Its emphasis
on administrative coordination, technology leverage and risk-informed policy steering
enables integrated and effective disaster management practice focused on protecting lives,
livelihoods and development gains.
