Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The Bill seeks to amend the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005 and attempts to integrate disaster management more effectively into development plans, aligning with recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission.
Key Features of Bill
It provides for creation of Disaster database at national and state levels.
It will include disaster assessments, fund allocation details, expenditure, preparedness and mitigation plans, risk register etc.
It empowers National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) to prepare the disaster plan at national level and state level instead of National Executive Committee and State Executive Committee.
National plan should be reviewed every three years and updated at least once in every five years.
Proposes “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for State capitals and large cities having Municipal Corporations.
Statutory recognition to existing bodies – National Crisis Management Committee (nodal body to deal with major disasters) and High-Level Committee (for approval of financial assistance).
Enables state government to constitute State Disaster Response Force to strengthen the disaster response capability of states.
Critiques of the Bill
Further centralizes disaster management, potentially complicating decision-making and delaying responses.
Lacks provisions for adequate financial devolution to states, hindering effective local disaster management.
Removes specific guidelines for using the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), which may lead to inefficiencies.
Excludes heatwaves from the definition of disasters, missing a significant climate-related threat.
Fails to address previous issues with the Disaster Management Act, 2005, including financial preparedness and response delays.
Does not sufficiently adapt to modern climate challenges and needs for updated, cooperative federalism
COMMENTS