The Indian Parliament has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, introducing significant changes to the existing Disaster Management Act, 2005. These amendments aim to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation capabilities by clarifying definitions, establishing new bodies, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
Key Amendments and Their Implications
The amendment clarifies that “man-made causes” of disasters do not include law and order situations. This distinction aims to prevent the misuse of the Disaster Management Act in handling routine law enforcement matters.
A new clause introduces the concept of a “disaster database,” which will compile crucial information related to disaster assessment, fund allocation, expenditure, preparedness, mitigation plans, and risk registers. This database will improve data-driven decision-making and enhance transparency.
The definition of “disaster management” is expanded to include “disaster risk reduction.” This encompasses efforts to reduce hazard exposure, vulnerability, and enhance preparedness and resilience. New clauses define “disaster risk” and “hazard,” providing a more comprehensive understanding of potential threats and their impacts. New definitions are added for “evacuation” and “exposure” giving clear meanings to these terms within the act.
The amendment formalizes the existing NCMC and HLC as statutory bodies under the Disaster Management Act. The NCMC, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, will act as the nodal body for major disasters with national ramifications.
The HLC, headed by the Minister in charge of disaster management, will handle financial assistance to states.
The amendment empowers state governments to constitute State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs) for specialized disaster response. The Act now allows state governments to take disciplinary action against officers who fail to perform their duties during a disaster, even if they have faced other actions.
The Central and state governments are now authorized to issue directives requiring individuals to take or refrain from specific actions to reduce disaster impact. Penalties are introduced for those who do not follow these directives.
