Disaster management Act 2005

Disaster management Act 2005

Question:-The National Disaster Management Authority was formed to manage post disaster situations. There have been instances where the NDMA has failed to perform effectively falling in bad light thereby. Critically examine how the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has performed in meeting its main objectives.

Formation and vision of NDMA: NDMA, National Disaster Management
Authority was formed based on the Disaster management act of 2005. The act was passed in order to effectively manage disasters and supervise resultant rehabilitation measures.

Objective of NDMA:

The vision of NDMA is to build a safer and make India a country that can bounce back to life immediately after a disaster. It aims at giving a technology driven strategy along with prompt action.

Drawbacks of NDMA:

- The NDMA was successful in handling the extremely severe cyclone of Phailin in Odisha, however the success and the goodwill was short lived since it proved otherwise during the floods in Jammu Kashmir and Uttarakhand.

- The nine years of its existence have done little to help the country in preparing for a disaster and though a blame game has been played, it is sure that its member lack the much needed expertise in dealing with natural calamities.

- NDMA is ineffective in core, remote areas and ill equipped to handle a potential disaster. It has failed in making any concrete management plans or establish reliable communication system. There seems to be a missing link between the ministries and NDMA.

Reasons for failure: The basis of NDMA are flawed since there is no prior experience or qualification required to become an NDMA member and no selection procedure. Also the fact that the attitude of most people that comes in way, that disaster is all about rescue and little about preparedness. This calls for a shift in the paradigm shift in thought process and attitude.

- While states like Gujarat, Odisha, Jammu Kashmir and Bihar, which have suffered earthquakes or floods, are better prepared rather than the rest of the states that lag behind. Suggestions of NDMA for hilly states that are active seismic zones have not been implemented by the state governments and the executive committee of NDMA, constituted in October 2008 has not met even once since then.

- NDMA must lay down feasible and effective policies and must ensure timely implementation by all authorities. Community programs must be organized for building capacity and trust with the community.

Facts and figures:

- The NDMA was formed in 2005.

- NDMA is governed by a 9 member board chaired by the Prime Minister of India.

- It runs programs like National Cyclone Risk Management Project, School Safety Project, Decision Support System.