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The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha, aims to fortify India’s disaster management framework by addressing the evolving challenges of disaster preparedness and response. It emphasizes enhancing the capabilities of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), while also integrating international best practices and fostering global partnerships to create a more resilient disaster management system.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Create a More Robust Disaster Management Framework

• Establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities: The Bill proposes the creation of Urban Disaster Management Authorities for state capitals and large cities, aiming to address the unique challenges of urban disasters. This provision ensures tailored disaster response strategies in densely populated areas, reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience.
  For instance: Similar models in Tokyo and New York demonstrate the effectiveness of localized disaster management frameworks.
• Development of a Comprehensive Disaster Database: The Bill mandates the creation of a national and state-level disaster database, encompassing disaster assessments, fund allocations, and risk registers.
  For instance: This data-driven approach enables precise risk analysis and informed decision-making, akin to the United Nations’ Global Assessment Report (GAR) on Disaster Risk Reduction, which helps countries manage disaster risks more effectively.
• Decentralization of Disaster Planning: Empowering the NDMA and SDMAs to prepare decentralized disaster plans, the Bill promotes local-level preparedness and swift response.
  For instance: This mirrors successful practices seen in countries like Japan, where local governments play a crucial role in disaster management.
• Periodic Stock-Take of Disaster Risks: The Bill empowers the NDMA to periodically assess the full spectrum of disaster risks, including emerging threats from climate change. This forward-looking approach ensures that India’s disaster management strategies remain relevant and adaptive.
  For example: The European Union’s Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre conducts similar periodic assessments to anticipate future disaster risks.
• Statutory Status and Clarity of Roles: By granting statutory status to pre-existing bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee, the Bill aims to streamline disaster management functions and clarify the roles of various authorities, strengthening the coordination between agencies, and reducing bureaucratic delays during disasters.
  For instance: Similar to the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States.

The Key Provisions Can Enhance India’s Preparedness and Response to Disasters:

• Enhanced Urban Disaster Resilience: The establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities will enable cities to develop specialized disaster response plans, reducing casualties and damage during urban disasters.
  For instance: The Chennai floods (2015) highlighted the need for such dedicated urban authorities to manage city-specific risks effectively.
• Improved Data-Driven Decision Making: The comprehensive disaster database will provide real-time information for decision-makers, enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of disaster response.
  For example: During the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, the lack of such a database hindered rescue operations, underscoring the importance of data-driven management systems.
• Localized and Decentralized Preparedness: Decentralizing disaster planning to NDMA and SDMAs ensures that disaster response strategies are tailored to local conditions, improving their effectiveness.
  For example: The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami demonstrated the importance of local preparedness, where decentralized planning could have mitigated the impact on coastal communities.
• Proactive Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Periodic stock-taking of disaster risks by the NDMA will enable proactive measures against potential threats, such as extreme climate events.
  For instance: The increasing frequency of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal region exemplifies the need for continuous risk assessment to protect vulnerable populations.
• Streamlined and Efficient Disaster Management: Clarifying the roles of various authorities and granting statutory status to key committees will reduce delays in disaster response, ensuring that aid reaches affected areas swiftly.
  For example: The coordinated response during the 2018 Kerala floods, facilitated by clear role definitions, highlighted the benefits of such an approach.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, represents a significant step towards creating a more resilient and adaptive disaster management framework in India. By integrating advanced technology, decentralizing planning, and enhancing legal structures, the Bill positions India to better handle future disasters. As climate change and urbanization increase the complexity of disaster risks, the provisions of this Bill will be crucial in safeguarding lives and infrastructure, ensuring a safer and more prepared nation.

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