Recently, the Parliament passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024, with Rajya Sabha approving the legislation by a voice vote.

• The bill, which aims to enhance the efficiency of national and state disaster management authorities, was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha on 1 December.

Key changes in Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 compared to the Disaster Management Act, 2005

Disaster Management Act 2005

• Enacted in the aftermath of  the devastating 2004 tsunami.
• Three-tier structure for disaster management.
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Headed by the Prime Minister, responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management at the national level.
  • State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Headed by the Chief Ministers, responsible for disaster management at the state level.
  • District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs): Led by the District Magistrate, responsible for implementing disaster management plans at the district level.
• The Act mandates the preparation of disaster management plans at national, state, and district levels.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Establishes NDRF for specialized response to disasters, including search and rescue operations, medical aid, and relief distribution.
• Funding Mechanisms: Provides for the creation of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) to finance relief and response measures.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): Act established NIDM for disaster-related research, training, awareness, and capacity building.