The Hind: Page 04
Syllabus : GS 3 : Disaster And Disaster Management
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Union Minister Nityanand Rai, aims to establish a national disaster database and Urban Disaster Management Authorities in major cities.
- It empowers the National and State Disaster Management Authorities to prepare disaster plans, replacing previous executive committees, sparking opposition concerns about state authority encroachment.
Provisions in the Bill
- Creation of a Disaster Database: The Bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive disaster database at both national and state levels, which will include disaster assessments, fund allocation details, expenditures, preparedness and mitigation plans, and a risk register based on the type and severity of risks.
- Urban Disaster Management Authority: It proposes the formation of an “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for state capitals and large cities with municipal corporations, aimed at enhancing local disaster management capabilities.
- Empowerment of NDMA and SDMAs: The Bill empowers the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to prepare disaster management plans, replacing the previous role of the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees.
- Periodic Risk Assessment: The NDMA is tasked with periodically assessing the entire range of disaster risks in the country, including emerging risks due to extreme climate events.
- Statutory Status for Pre-Act Organizations: The Bill provides statutory recognition to certain pre-existing organizations, such as the National Crisis Management Committee and the High-Level Committee.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: It includes provisions allowing the Central and State governments to impose penalties for actions that hinder disaster management efforts, with fines not exceeding ₹10,000.
Question on Provisions
- Multiplicity of Authorities: Critics, including Trinamool Congress member Sougata Roy, expressed concerns that the creation of multiple authorities could lead to confusion and bureaucratic inefficiencies, potentially hampering effective disaster response.
- Constitutional Validity: Questions were raised regarding the constitutional basis for the Bill, as disaster management is not explicitly mentioned in the subjects of the Concurrent List.
- Concerns Over Central Authority: Opposition members, including Congress leader Manish Tewari, raised concerns that the Bill grants excessive rule-making powers to the Central government, potentially encroaching upon the legislative powers reserved for State governments.
Way Forward
- Clarification of roles: The Bill aims to bring more clarity and convergence in the roles of various authorities and committees involved in disaster management, addressing the need for streamlined coordination among stakeholders.
- Enhanced Local Management: By empowering local authorities through the establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities, the Bill seeks to ensure that disaster management plans are more relevant and tailored to specific regional challenges.
- Alignment with Development Plans: The Bill emphasizes the need to mainstream disaster management into development plans, aligning with recommendations from the Fifteenth Finance Commission and ensuring that disaster risk reduction is integrated into broader governance frameworks.
UPSC Mains PYQ : 2020
Ques: Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.
