Legislative Reform
The Lok Sabha has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, marking a significant shift in India's approach to disaster management from reactive response to proactive prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.
The bill represents a major overhaul of the country's disaster management framework established in 2005.
Key Provisions
The amended law introduces:
Major Changes
| Aspect | New Provision |
|---|---|
| Focus | Prevention over response |
| Database | National disaster database creation |
| Plans | Mandatory state/district plans |
| Resources | Pre-positioned supplies |
| Training | Enhanced capacity building |
Institutional Changes
- NDMA powers expanded
- State authority strengthening
- District-level empowerment
- Urban disaster focus
- Climate adaptation integration
Proactive Approach
The shift emphasizes:
Prevention Measures
| Phase | Activities |
|---|---|
| Pre-disaster | Risk mapping, early warning |
| Mitigation | Infrastructure resilience |
| Preparedness | Drills, stockpiling |
| Response | Faster mobilization |
| Recovery | Build back better |
Climate Change Context
The bill responds to increasing climate threats:
Disaster Trends in India
| Disaster Type | Trend |
|---|---|
| Floods | Increasing frequency |
| Cyclones | Higher intensity |
| Heat waves | More severe |
| Droughts | More widespread |
| Landslides | Rising incidence |
Funding Provisions
Financial mechanisms enhanced:
Resources
- National Disaster Response Fund
- State Disaster Response Funds
- Private sector contributions
- International assistance framework
- Insurance integration
Technology Integration
Modern tools incorporated:
Digital Measures
| Technology | Application |
|---|---|
| AI/ML | Prediction models |
| Satellite | Real-time monitoring |
| Drones | Damage assessment |
| Apps | Public alerts |
| GIS | Risk mapping |
Parliamentary Debate
The bill saw bipartisan support:
Points Raised
- Treasury bench - Comprehensive reform
- Opposition - Implementation concerns
- Regional parties - State-specific needs
- Experts - Technical inputs welcomed
State Implementation
States will need to:
Required Actions
- Update state disaster plans
- Establish district authorities
- Conduct vulnerability mapping
- Create response inventories
- Train personnel
Community Involvement
Local participation emphasized:
Community Measures
| Initiative | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CERT teams | Community first responders |
| Awareness | Public education |
| Drills | Regular practice |
| Volunteers | Trained networks |
International Best Practices
The bill incorporates global learnings:
Influenced By
- Sendai Framework
- UN disaster reduction goals
- Japanese preparedness model
- US FEMA approaches
- European civil protection
Looking Ahead
Implementation challenges include:
Key Tasks
- Rules finalization
- Institutional capacity building
- Funding allocation
- Inter-agency coordination
- Public awareness campaigns
The legislation represents India's recognition of disaster risk as a development challenge requiring systematic, preventive approaches rather than ad-hoc responses.
