The government has introduced a bill to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The proposed amendments aim to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across the country. This Bill was published for the notice of the general public on August 1, 2024.
Key Highlights of the Bill
Clarification of Roles
The bill seeks to streamline the roles and responsibilities of various authorities and committees involved in disaster management.
Statutory Status for Key Bodies
The National Crisis Management Committee and the High Level Committee will be given statutory status, ensuring their continued operation and effectiveness.
Empowerment of Disaster Management Authorities
The National and State Disaster Management Authorities will be empowered to prepare disaster plans, replacing the previous role of the National and State Executive Committees.
Establishment of Disaster Database
The bill mandates the creation of disaster databases at both national and state levels to improve data management and analysis.
Urban Disaster Management Authority
To address the specific challenges of urban areas, the bill proposes the establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities in state capitals and large cities.
State Disaster Response Force
The creation of State Disaster Response Forces will enhance the capacity of states to respond to disasters effectively.
Omissions from the Act
The Bill seeks to omit sections related to “Guidelines for minimum standards of relief” and “Relief in loan repayment etc.” It also seeks to omit the section related to “Guidelines for minimum standards of relief by State Authority”.
The bill is a significant step towards building a more resilient India capable of effectively managing disasters and mitigating their impact.
