UNIT III

DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Components of Disaster Management – Preparedness of rescue and relief, mitigation,
rehabilitation and reconstruction – Disaster Risk Management and post disaster management –
Compensation and Insurance – Disaster Management Act (2005) and Policy – Other related policies,
plans, programmers and legislation – Institutional Processes and Framework at State and Central Level
– (NDMA – SDMA – DDMA – NRDF – Civic Volunteers)

COMPONENTS OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) involves a comprehensive approach to
minimizing the risks and impacts of disasters. The components of DRRM can be categorized into four
key areas:
1. Prevention and Mitigation
 Hazard Assessment and Mapping: Identifying and mapping potential hazards to understand
areas at risk.
 Structural Measures: Implementing physical structures like flood barriers, earthquake-
resistant buildings, and levees to reduce vulnerability.
 Non-Structural Measures: Developing policies, building codes, and land-use planning to
minimize exposure to hazards.
 Education and Awareness: Raising awareness among communities about risks and preventive
measures.
 Environmental Management: Promoting sustainable practices to reduce environmental
degradation that can exacerbate disasters.
2. Preparedness
 Early Warning Systems: Establishing systems to detect and communicate warnings about
potential disasters.
 Emergency Planning: Developing and maintaining disaster response plans at local, regional,
and national levels.
 Training and Drills: Conducting regular training and simulation exercises for responders and
the community.
 Resource Stockpiling: Ensuring the availability of essential supplies like food, water, and
medical kits.
 Community Involvement: Engaging communities in preparedness activities to ensure they are
equipped to respond to disasters.
3. Response
 Search and Rescue Operations: Mobilizing teams to locate and rescue affected individuals.
 Emergency Relief: Providing immediate assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care
to those affected by the disaster.
 Coordination: Ensuring efficient coordination among government agencies, NGOs, and
international organizations.
 Communication: Establishing reliable communication channels to keep all stakeholders
informed.
 Damage Assessment: Evaluating the extent of damage to prioritize response efforts.
4. Recovery and Rehabilitation
 Restoration of Services: Re-establishing essential services such as electricity, water, and
transportation.
 Reconstruction: Rebuilding damaged infrastructure and housing, often with improved
standards to reduce future risks.
 Economic Recovery: Supporting businesses and communities to restore livelihoods through
financial aid, grants, and loans.
 Psychosocial Support: Providing counseling and support services to help individuals and
communities cope with trauma.
 Review and Lessons Learned: Assessing the effectiveness of response and recovery efforts to
improve future disaster management plans.
These components work together to create a resilient system that can effectively prevent, prepare for,
respond to, and recover from disasters.

PREPAREDNESS OF RESCUE AND RELIEF, MITIGATION, REHABILITATION

AND RECONSTRUCTION
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) focuses on minimizing the impact of
disasters through a well-structured approach that includes preparedness, rescue and relief, mitigation,
rehabilitation, and reconstruction. Here’s a breakdown of these components:
1. Preparedness
Preparedness involves planning and organizing resources and actions to ensure that individuals,
communities, and organizations are ready to respond effectively to disasters.
 Early Warning Systems: Implementing systems to detect potential disasters and promptly
alert the community.
  Emergency Plans: Creating detailed plans for how to respond to various types of disasters,
including evacuation routes, shelter locations, and communication strategies.
 Training and Drills: Regularly conducting training sessions and drills for emergency
responders, volunteers, and the general public to ensure everyone knows their roles and
responsibilities.
 Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about disaster risks and how to prepare
for them.
 Resource Stockpiling: Ensuring that essential supplies such as food, water, medical supplies,
and equipment are readily available.
2. Rescue and Relief
Rescue and relief activities are critical during and immediately after a disaster, focusing on saving
lives and providing immediate assistance to those affected.
 Search and Rescue Operations: Deploying trained teams to locate, rescue, and provide first
aid to individuals affected by the disaster.
 Emergency Medical Care: Establishing medical camps and providing urgent medical care to
the injured.
 Temporary Shelters: Setting up temporary shelters for displaced persons to provide protection
and basic needs.
 Distribution of Essential Supplies: Providing food, water, clothing, and other essentials to
affected individuals.
 Psychosocial Support: Offering mental health services and counselling to help individuals
cope with the trauma.
3. Mitigation
Mitigation involves taking steps to reduce the severity of the impact of disasters, often focusing on
long-term strategies to reduce risks.
 Hazard Mapping and Zoning: Identifying and mapping areas at risk of specific hazards and
regulating land use to avoid high-risk areas.
 Structural Measures: Implementing physical measures such as building flood defences,
retrofitting buildings for earthquake resistance, and constructing storm shelters.
 Non-Structural Measures: Developing policies, regulations, and building codes that promote
disaster-resilient construction and development practices.
 Environmental Management: Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems such as wetlands
and forests that can act as natural barriers against disasters.
4. Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation focuses on restoring normalcy in communities affected by disasters, addressing both
the physical and social impacts.
 Restoration of Basic Services: Repairing and restoring essential services such as water,
electricity, and transportation infrastructure.
 Livelihood Recovery: Supporting individuals and communities in restoring their livelihoods,
including financial assistance, job creation, and vocational training.
 Housing and Infrastructure Repair: Repairing or rebuilding damaged homes, schools,
hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.
 Community Support Programs: Implementing programs to support community cohesion and
resilience, including education, health, and social services.
5. Reconstruction
Reconstruction involves rebuilding affected areas with a focus on improving resilience to future
disasters.
 Rebuilding Infrastructure: Constructing new, more resilient infrastructure to replace what
was destroyed, including roads, bridges, and public buildings.
 Housing Reconstruction: Building disaster-resistant homes for those who lost their homes,
often incorporating modern construction techniques and materials.
 Economic Recovery: Providing financial support to restart businesses and stimulate economic
activity in affected areas.
 Review and Improvement: Evaluating the disaster response and recovery efforts to learn
lessons and improve future disaster management practices.
By integrating these components, DRRM aims to reduce the vulnerability of communities to disasters
and enhance their capacity to recover and rebuild in a more resilient manner.

DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT AND POST DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Post-Disaster Management are critical components of
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). These concepts focus on reducing the risks before
disasters occur and managing the aftermath effectively to ensure rapid recovery and long-term
resilience. Here’s a detailed look at both:
1. Disaster Risk Management (DRM)
Disaster Risk Management involves a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and
reducing risks of disaster. It is a proactive process aimed at preventing or minimizing the damage
caused by natural or human-made disasters.
Key Components of DRM:
 Risk Assessment and Analysis:
o Hazard Identification: Identifying potential hazards such as earthquakes, floods,
hurricanes, or technological failures.
o Vulnerability Analysis: Assessing the vulnerability of people, property, infrastructure,
and economic activities to the identified hazards.
o Risk Mapping: Creating maps that highlight areas of high risk, helping in planning and
decision-making.
 Prevention and Mitigation:
o Structural Measures: Implementing engineering solutions such as dams, levees, and
earthquake-resistant buildings to reduce exposure to hazards.
o Non-Structural Measures: Enforcing building codes, land-use planning, and zoning
laws that discourage development in high-risk areas.
o Community-Based Initiatives: Engaging local communities in disaster preparedness
and risk reduction activities.
 Preparedness:
o Early Warning Systems: Establishing systems to monitor hazards and provide timely
warnings to prevent loss of life.
o Emergency Preparedness Plans: Developing and regularly updating plans that outline
roles, responsibilities, and procedures during an emergency.
o Training and Capacity Building: Conducting training for emergency responders,
government agencies, and the community to enhance preparedness.
2. Post-Disaster Management
Post-Disaster Management focuses on the actions taken after a disaster has occurred. The goal
is to provide immediate relief, restore normalcy, and rebuild in a way that reduces future risks.
Key Components of Post-Disaster Management:
 Rescue and Relief:
o Immediate Response: Mobilizing emergency services for search and rescue
operations, providing first aid, and stabilizing the situation.
 o Relief Operations: Distributing food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to affected
populations. Ensuring that vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people
with disabilities receive adequate care.
o Coordination: Ensuring that relief efforts are well-coordinated among government
agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and local communities.
 Recovery:
o Damage and Needs Assessment: Conducting a detailed assessment of the damage to
infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods to prioritize recovery efforts.
o Restoration of Services: Re-establishing essential services such as electricity, water
supply, healthcare, and transportation.
o Economic Recovery: Supporting the economic recovery of affected areas through
financial aid, job creation, and support for businesses.
 Rehabilitation and Reconstruction:
o Rebuilding Infrastructure: Constructing new and improved infrastructure,
incorporating disaster-resilient features to withstand future disasters.
o Housing Reconstruction: Building safer homes for those who lost their residences,
often incorporating modern construction practices to reduce future risks.
o Psychosocial Support: Providing counseling and mental health services to help
individuals cope with trauma and stress caused by the disaster.
o Community Recovery Programs: Implementing programs to restore community
cohesion and support social recovery, including education, health, and social services.
 Evaluation and Improvement:
o Post-Disaster Review: Evaluating the response and recovery efforts to identify what
worked well and what didn’t, aiming to improve future disaster management strategies.
o Risk Reduction in Reconstruction: Ensuring that the reconstruction process includes
measures to reduce the risk of future disasters, such as building better infrastructure and
enforcing stricter building codes.
Integration of DRM and Post-Disaster Management
DRM and Post-Disaster Management are interconnected. Effective disaster risk management
reduces the severity of the impact when a disaster occurs, while post-disaster management focuses on
ensuring a swift and resilient recovery. By integrating both, DRRM aims to create a cycle of
continuous improvement where lessons from past disasters inform future preparedness and risk
reduction strategies.
 COMPENSATION AND INSURANCE
Compensation and insurance are essential components of Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (DRRM). They provide financial protection and support to individuals, businesses, and
communities affected by disasters, helping them recover more quickly and reducing the long-term
economic impact. Here’s a detailed look at these components:
1. Compensation
Compensation refers to the financial assistance provided by the government or other agencies
to individuals and businesses affected by a disaster. It is usually given as a form of relief to help
victims rebuild their lives.
Key Aspects of Compensation:
 Government Aid Programs:
o Direct Financial Assistance: Governments often provide direct cash transfers to
affected individuals and families to help them cover immediate needs like food, shelter,
and medical care.
o Subsidies and Grants: Governments may offer subsidies or grants for rebuilding
homes, restoring businesses, or rehabilitating damaged infrastructure.
o Compensation for Loss of Life and Injury: Financial compensation may be provided
to families who have lost loved ones or to individuals who have been injured during a
disaster.
 Legal Framework:
o Disaster Relief Acts: Many countries have legislation in place that outlines the
compensation mechanisms for disaster-affected individuals. This may include eligibility
criteria, the amount of compensation, and the process for claiming it.
o Claims Process: The process for claiming compensation typically involves assessing
the extent of damage or loss, submitting the necessary documentation, and undergoing
verification by relevant authorities.
 Challenges:
o Delays in Disbursement: Bureaucratic processes can sometimes delay the distribution
of compensation, leaving victims in prolonged hardship.
o Inadequate Coverage: Compensation amounts may not fully cover the losses,
especially in cases of widespread or severe disasters.
o Equity Issues: Ensuring that compensation reaches the most vulnerable populations
can be challenging, particularly in regions with poor governance or corruption.
2. Insurance
Insurance provides a financial safety net by covering the costs associated with disaster-related
losses. It transfers the financial risk from individuals and businesses to insurance companies, enabling
quicker recovery after a disaster.
Key Aspects of Insurance:
 Types of Disaster Insurance:
o Property Insurance: Covers damages to homes, businesses, and other properties
caused by disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or fires.
o Crop Insurance: Provides coverage for farmers against losses due to natural disasters,
protecting their livelihoods and ensuring food security.
o Business Interruption Insurance: Compensates businesses for lost income and
operational costs during the period they are unable to operate due to a disaster.
o Life and Health Insurance: Provides financial protection to families in case of death
or injury of a loved one during a disaster.
 Insurance Mechanisms:
o Premiums and Pay-outs: Policyholders pay regular premiums, and in the event of a
disaster, the insurance company pays out a sum to cover the insured losses.
o Risk-Based Pricing: Premiums are often based on the level of risk associated with the
insured property or individual. High-risk areas may have higher premiums.
o Reinsurance: Insurance companies may also purchase reinsurance to protect
themselves against large-scale disasters that could lead to substantial claims.
 Role in DRRM:
o Encouraging Risk Reduction: Insurance can incentivize individuals and businesses to
adopt risk-reduction measures, as policies may offer lower premiums for properties
with enhanced disaster resilience.
o Supporting Rapid Recovery: Insurance payouts provide immediate funds for
rebuilding and recovery, reducing the time it takes for affected individuals and
businesses to return to normalcy.
o Spreading Financial Risk: By pooling the risks of many policyholders, insurance
helps spread the financial burden of disasters across a larger group, making it more
manageable.
 Challenges:
o Affordability: Insurance premiums can be expensive, particularly for high-risk areas,
making it inaccessible for low-income households or small businesses.
 o Coverage Gaps: Some types of disasters may not be covered under standard insurance
policies, requiring individuals to purchase additional coverage.
o Moral Hazard: There is a risk that insured parties may take fewer precautions against
disasters, relying on insurance pay-outs instead.
Integration of Compensation and Insurance in DRRM
Compensation and insurance are complementary tools in DRRM. While compensation provides
immediate relief and assistance, insurance offers a more structured and sustainable approach to
managing disaster-related financial risks. Together, they play a crucial role in reducing the economic
impact of disasters and supporting long-term recovery and resilience.
 Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between governments and insurance companies
can enhance the reach and effectiveness of insurance, particularly through schemes that make
disaster insurance more affordable and accessible.
 Disaster Insurance Pools: Some countries establish national disaster insurance pools, where
the government acts as a reinsurer, sharing the financial risk of disasters and making insurance
more accessible to the public.
 Micro insurance: Targeted at low-income households, micro insurance provides affordable
coverage for disaster-related losses, often with simplified processes and lower premiums.
By integrating compensation and insurance into the broader DRRM strategy, communities can be
better prepared to withstand and recover from the financial impacts of disasters.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT (2005) AND POLICY

The Disaster Management Act of 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster Management
are foundational frameworks in India for managing disasters and reducing associated risks. They
provide a structured approach to disaster management, focusing on prevention, preparedness, response,
and recovery.
1. Disaster Management Act, 2005
The Disaster Management Act of 2005 is a legislative framework enacted by the Indian
Parliament to establish an efficient and coordinated disaster management system across the country.
Here are the key aspects of the Act:
Key Provisions:
 Establishment of Authorities:
o National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The Act established the NDMA,
headed by the Prime Minister, to lay down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster
management and ensure a coordinated response.
 o State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Headed by the respective Chief
Ministers, SDMAs are responsible for crafting state-level disaster management policies
and ensuring their implementation.
o District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs): Chaired by the District
Collector, DDMAs coordinate disaster management activities at the district level.
 National and State Executive Committees:
o National Executive Committee (NEC): An executive committee that assists the
NDMA in disaster management tasks. It prepares national plans and policies for
disaster risk reduction.
o State Executive Committees (SECs): These assist SDMAs in managing disaster-
related activities within the state.
 Plans and Frameworks:
o National Plan: A national plan is prepared for disaster management, providing a
blueprint for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.
o State and District Plans: States and districts are mandated to develop disaster
management plans that align with the national plan but are tailored to local risks and
vulnerabilities.
 Roles and Responsibilities:
o Roles of Ministries and Departments: The Act assigns specific disaster management
roles to various central and state government ministries and departments.
o Role of Local Authorities: Urban local bodies, Panchayati Raj institutions, and other
local authorities are mandated to take part in disaster management and implement plans
at the local level.
 Funding Mechanisms:
o National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): A fund established to meet the expenses
for emergency relief and response efforts.
o State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): A similar fund at the state level to handle
immediate relief measures during disasters.
o Mitigation Funds: The Act provides for the creation of mitigation funds at the
national, state, and district levels for disaster risk reduction initiatives.
 Penalties for Non-Compliance:
o The Act includes provisions for penalties and punishments for any violations or non-
compliance with disaster management policies and orders.
2. National Policy on Disaster Management
The National Policy on Disaster Management was developed to operationalize the Disaster
Management Act of 2005. It provides a comprehensive framework for managing disasters in India,
emphasizing a holistic and integrated approach to disaster management.

Key Objectives:
 Holistic Disaster Risk Reduction:
o Prevention and Mitigation: The policy emphasizes reducing disaster risks through
preventive measures, structural and non-structural mitigation strategies, and sustainable
development practices.
o Preparedness: Enhancing the preparedness of communities, authorities, and
organizations to respond to disasters effectively.
 Institutional Strengthening:
o Strengthening institutional structures at the national, state, district, and local levels to
ensure an effective disaster management system.
o Enhancing coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies,
NGOs, private sector, and communities.
 Capacity Building:
o Developing capacities at all levels, including training, awareness programs, and
capacity building of disaster management professionals.
o Promoting research and development in disaster management and encouraging the use
of modern technologies in disaster risk reduction.
 Community Participation:
o Encouraging community participation in disaster management planning and decision-
making processes.
o Involving vulnerable communities in risk assessment and preparedness activities to
enhance their resilience.
 Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR):
o Integrating disaster risk reduction into development policies, planning, and
implementation at all levels.
o Ensuring that development projects, particularly those in high-risk areas, include
disaster risk assessments and mitigation measures.
  Public-Private Partnership:
o Promoting partnerships between government agencies and the private sector in disaster
management, particularly in the areas of early warning systems, infrastructure
resilience, and resource mobilization.
 Response and Recovery:
o Developing efficient response mechanisms that are prompt and well-coordinated to
minimize the impact of disasters.
o Ensuring that recovery and reconstruction efforts are aligned with the principles of
"Build Back Better," aiming to enhance resilience against future disasters.
 Knowledge Management:
o Establishing and strengthening networks for disaster management knowledge,
information sharing, and research.
o Promoting the use of indigenous knowledge and practices in disaster management,
alongside modern technologies.
Integration of the Act and Policy in DRRM
The Disaster Management Act of 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster Management work
together to create a robust framework for disaster risk reduction and management in India. The Act
provides the legal and institutional framework, while the policy offers strategic guidance for
operationalizing this framework.
 Legal Backing: The Act gives legal authority to the policy, ensuring that disaster management
initiatives are mandatory and enforceable.
 Coordinated Approach: Both the Act and the policy emphasize coordination among different
levels of government, as well as with NGOs, communities, and the private sector.
 Focus on Resilience: The Act and policy together promote a culture of disaster resilience by
integrating risk reduction into every aspect of planning and development.
This integrated approach helps India better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, with a
focus on reducing vulnerability and building long-term resilience.

OTHER RELATED POLICIES, PLANS, PROGRAMMERS AND LEGISLATION

In addition to the Disaster Management Act of 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster
Management, there are several other policies, plans, programs, and legislation in India that contribute
to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). These frameworks work together to build a
comprehensive system for managing disasters, reducing risks, and enhancing resilience. Below is an
overview of key related elements:
1. National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)
 Overview: The NDMP, first introduced in 2016 and periodically updated, is a comprehensive
plan outlining the strategies, priorities, and actions required for disaster management in India.
 Key Features:
o Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, and Response: The plan provides detailed
guidelines for each phase of disaster management.
o Sectorial Plans: Includes specific plans for various sectors like health, education,
infrastructure, and agriculture, focusing on integrating disaster risk reduction.
o Inclusive Approach: Emphasizes the inclusion of vulnerable groups such as women,
children, elderly, and persons with disabilities in disaster management planning.
o Capacity Building: Focuses on enhancing the capacity of stakeholders at all levels,
including training, awareness programs, and community engagement.
2. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
 Overview: Launched in 2008, the NAPCC outlines India's strategy to address climate change,
which is closely linked to disaster risk management.
 Key Missions:
o National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture: Aims to enhance resilience of
agriculture to climate change and other risks, including disaster-related risks.
o National Water Mission: Focuses on water conservation, equitable distribution, and
water management, addressing the risks of water-related disasters.
o National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: Aims to reduce the vulnerability of urban
areas to climate-induced disasters through sustainable urban planning.
3. National Building Code (NBC)
 Overview: The NBC provides guidelines for the design and construction of buildings in India,
with a strong emphasis on disaster resilience.
 Key Features:
o Earthquake-Resistant Design: Includes standards for making buildings resilient to
earthquakes, especially in seismic zones.
o Fire Safety: Provides comprehensive guidelines for fire safety in buildings, crucial for
reducing the risk of fire-related disasters.
o Flood-Resistant Construction: Guidelines for construction in flood-prone areas,
including elevation requirements and flood-proofing techniques.
4. Environmental Policies
 Environmental Protection Act, 1986: Provides a legal framework for the protection and
improvement of the environment, which is closely linked to disaster risk reduction, especially
for environmental hazards like floods, landslides, and cyclones.
 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: Regulates activities in coastal areas to
protect ecosystems and reduce the risk of coastal disasters like tsunamis and storm surges.
5. National Health Policy
 Overview: The National Health Policy of 2017 includes provisions for disaster preparedness in
the health sector.
 Key Features:
o Health Infrastructure: Strengthening health infrastructure to be resilient to disasters.
o Emergency Medical Response: Establishing systems for prompt and effective medical
response during disasters.
o Public Health Surveillance: Enhancing surveillance systems to detect and respond to
disease outbreaks that may follow disasters.
6. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
 Overview: A government-sponsored crop insurance scheme launched in 2016, aimed at
providing financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to natural disasters.
 Key Features:
o Comprehensive Coverage: Covers risks such as droughts, floods, landslides, and other
weather-related disasters.
o Affordable Premiums: Subsidized premiums to ensure accessibility for farmers.
o Quick Settlement: Focuses on the timely assessment of crop damage and quick
settlement of claims.
7. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
 Overview: While primarily a social security measure, MGNREGA plays a significant role in
disaster management by providing employment for disaster mitigation activities.
 Key Features:
o Infrastructure Development: Workers are employed in creating infrastructure that can
reduce disaster risks, such as embankments, water conservation structures, and
reforestation projects.
o Post-Disaster Recovery: Provides employment in rehabilitation and reconstruction
efforts following disasters.
8. National Social Assistance Program (NSAP)
 Overview: A welfare program that provides financial assistance to vulnerable groups,
including during disasters.
 Key Features:
o Immediate Relief: Direct cash transfers to assist those affected by disasters,
particularly elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities.
o Social Security: Enhances the resilience of vulnerable populations by providing a
safety net that can be crucial during and after disasters.

9. Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991

 Overview: This Act mandates that businesses involved in hazardous activities must have
insurance coverage to provide immediate relief to victims of accidents or disasters caused by
such activities.
 Key Features:
o Compensation for Victims: Ensures that victims receive prompt compensation without
having to prove fault or negligence.
o Environmental Hazards: Particularly relevant for industries where there is a risk of
environmental disasters such as chemical spills, explosions, or radiation leaks.
10. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC)
 Overview: Established to support climate change adaptation projects, which also contribute to
disaster risk reduction.
 Key Features:
o Funding Projects: Provides financial assistance for projects aimed at reducing
vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
o Focus on Vulnerable Areas: Prioritizes projects in areas highly susceptible to climate
change impacts, including coastal zones, drought-prone regions, and floodplains.
11. National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP)
 Overview: A government initiative aimed at reducing the vulnerability of coastal communities
to cyclones and other hydro-meteorological hazards.
 Key Features:
o Infrastructure Development: Construction of cyclone shelters, roads, and bridges to
enhance disaster resilience.
o Early Warning Systems: Enhancing the capacity for timely and accurate early
warning systems to reduce loss of life and property.
12. State-Specific Legislation and Policies
 Many Indian states have developed their own disaster management policies and legislation,
which complement national efforts. These may include state-specific disaster management acts,
policies on land use and building codes, and localized disaster management plans.
Integration and Coordination
All these policies, programs, and legislation are designed to work together under the broader
framework of the Disaster Management Act of 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster Management.
The integration of various sectors—health, environment, agriculture, infrastructure—into disaster
management ensures a holistic approach to reducing risks and enhancing resilience across the country.
Coordination among these frameworks at national, state, and local levels is key to effective disaster
management in India.

INSTITUTIONAL PROCESSES AND FRAMEWORK AT STATE AND CENTRAL

LEVEL
(NDMA – SDMA – DDMA – NRDF – CIVIC VOLUNTEERS)
Structured to ensure a coordinated response at all levels—national, state, and district. This structure is
established by the Disaster Management Act of 2005 and includes various bodies and mechanisms,
such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management
Authorities (SDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), the National Disaster
Response Force (NDRF), and civic volunteers. These institutions work together to manage disasters
effectively and reduce risks across the country.
1. National Level: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
 Overview:
o The NDMA is the apex body responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines
for disaster management in India.
o It is headed by the Prime Minister of India and includes members appointed by the
central government.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Policy and Planning: Develops national policies and plans for disaster management,
which serve as a guideline for state and district authorities.
o Coordination: Coordinates disaster management efforts across various central
ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders.
o Capacity Building: Promotes training, research, and capacity-building activities to
strengthen disaster management practices across the country.
 o Guidelines: Issues guidelines for different types of disasters, detailing the actions to be
taken by various stakeholders.
 Functions:
o National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): Prepares and implements the NDMP,
which outlines the disaster management framework at the national level.
o Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitors the implementation of disaster management
plans and evaluates the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery efforts.
o Public Awareness: Promotes awareness and education campaigns on disaster risk
reduction and preparedness.
2. State Level: State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)
 Overview:
o SDMAs are established in each state and union territory, headed by the respective Chief
Ministers.
o They are responsible for implementing disaster management policies and plans at the
state level.
 Key Responsibilities:
o State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP): Formulates and implements the SDMP,
which aligns with the NDMP but is tailored to the specific risks and needs of the state.
o Coordination: Coordinates with various state departments, local authorities, and non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure a cohesive disaster management
approach.
o Capacity Building: Oversees training programs, drills, and capacity-building initiatives
for state officials, local bodies, and communities.
 Functions:
o Guidelines and Protocols: Develops state-specific guidelines for disaster
preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
o Resource Allocation: Allocates resources and funds for disaster management activities,
including emergency response and long-term mitigation projects.
o Public Awareness: Conducts awareness campaigns and community outreach programs
to educate the public about disaster risks and preparedness measures.
3. District Level: District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs)
 Overview:
o DDMAs are established at the district level, typically chaired by the District Collector
or District Magistrate.
 o They are the frontline agencies responsible for disaster management at the grassroots
level.
 Key Responsibilities:
o District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP): Develops and implements the DDMP,
which addresses the specific vulnerabilities and risks of the district.
o Local Coordination: Coordinates with local authorities, civic bodies, NGOs, and
community groups to ensure effective disaster management and response.
o Emergency Response: Manages immediate response efforts during disasters, including
evacuation, rescue, relief distribution, and medical assistance.
 Functions:
o Preparedness Activities: Organizes disaster preparedness activities such as drills,
simulations, and training programs for local communities.
o Risk Assessment: Conducts risk assessments and vulnerability mapping to identify
high-risk areas and populations within the district.
o Community Engagement: Engages with local communities to raise awareness,
promote disaster-resilient practices, and involve them in disaster management planning.
4. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
 Overview:
o The NDRF is a specialized force constituted under the NDMA to respond to disasters
and emergencies.
o It comprises several battalions of personnel trained in search and rescue operations,
medical aid, and disaster relief.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Disaster Response: Deploys teams to disaster-affected areas for rescue operations,
relief distribution, and providing medical assistance.
o Training and Capacity Building: Conducts training programs for state disaster
response forces (SDRFs), local authorities, and community volunteers.
o Collaboration: Works closely with state and district authorities, the armed forces, and
international agencies during large-scale disaster response operations.
 Functions:
o Immediate Action: Provides rapid deployment of specialized teams to disaster sites,
ensuring timely and effective response.
o Search and Rescue: Executes search and rescue missions in disaster-hit areas,
including those affected by natural and man-made disasters.
 o Disaster Relief: Assists in the provision of relief materials, setting up temporary
shelters, and restoring basic services in affected areas.
5. Civic Volunteers and Community-Based Organizations
 Overview:
o Civic volunteers and community-based organizations play a crucial role in DRRM by
bridging the gap between authorities and local communities.
o These groups often include members of the community, NGOs, self-help groups, and
local leaders.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Community Engagement: Mobilizes communities for disaster preparedness activities,
awareness campaigns, and risk reduction initiatives.
o Local Response: Assists in immediate response efforts during disasters, such as
helping with evacuation, first aid, and relief distribution.
o Capacity Building: Participates in training programs and drills organized by DDMAs
or other agencies to enhance their disaster response capabilities.
 Functions:
o Awareness Campaigns: Conducts local awareness campaigns on disaster risks, early
warning systems, and emergency preparedness.
o First Responders: Acts as first responders during disasters, providing immediate
assistance until official response teams arrive.
o Rehabilitation Support: Assists in post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery efforts,
including rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and providing psychological support.
6. Integration and Coordination
 Multi-Level Coordination:
o The NDMA, SDMAs, DDMAs, NDRF, and civic volunteers work in a coordinated
manner to manage disasters effectively. The NDMA provides overarching policies and
guidelines, while SDMAs and DDMAs tailor these to local needs and oversee their
implementation.
o The NDRF provides specialized response capabilities, while civic volunteers ensure
community engagement and participation in disaster management efforts.
 Communication and Information Sharing:
o A robust communication network is essential for the coordination between these bodies,
particularly during disasters. This includes real-time information sharing, early warning
systems, and regular updates on response efforts.
  Capacity Building and Training:
o Continuous training and capacity-building initiatives are organized at all levels to
ensure that personnel, volunteers, and communities are well-prepared to respond to
disasters.
 Resource Mobilization:
o Resources, including financial, human, and material resources, are mobilized at
national, state, and district levels to support disaster management activities.
Conclusion
The institutional framework for disaster management in India is designed to ensure a
coordinated and effective response to disasters, with the NDMA at the national level, SDMAs at the
state level, and DDMAs at the district level. The NDRF provides specialized response capabilities,
while civic volunteers and community-based organizations ensure local-level engagement and
preparedness. This multi-tiered approach enables a comprehensive and resilient disaster management
system across the country.

UNIT – III – COMPLETED