Disaster Management Amendment Bill, 2024

The Lok Sabha has recently passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to enhance the effectiveness of disaster management in India by modifying the existing Disaster Management Act of 2005.

Key Changes Introduced

The Bill transfers the responsibility for disaster plans from the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA). It also allows states to establish Urban Disaster Management Authorities for cities and capitals.

One provision of the Bill is the establishment of disaster databases at both national and state levels. These databases will help in better planning and response during emergencies.

Government’s Commitment to Funding

Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, brought into light the government’s increased funding for disaster management. The budget for State Disaster Relief Funds (SDRF) rose from ₹38,000 crore between 2004 and 2014 to ₹1,24,000 crore from 2014 to 2024. The National Disaster Response Fund also experienced similar growth.

Support for Urban Management

Kesineni Sivanath welcomed the Bill, particularly the creation of Urban Disaster Management Authorities. He advocated for district-level authorities to address local disaster management needs effectively.

Staffing Issues Within Authorities

Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka pointed out the staffing shortages within the NDMA. He noted that the authority is meant to have 80,557 members but only has 14,197, leading to concerns about operational effectiveness.

Dinesh Chandra Yadav stressed the importance of incorporating global warming effects into disaster management strategies. He indicated that the Bill’s proposals are based on recommendations from a task force aimed at strengthening disaster management frameworks.

GKToday Facts for Exams:

1. NDMA The National Disaster Management Authority coordinates disaster management in India. Established in 2005, it formulates policies and guidelines for disaster preparedness and response.
2. SDRF The State Disaster Relief Fund provides financial assistance for disaster response. The budget increased , reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing disaster management capabilities across states.
3. Urban Disaster Management Authority This authority focuses on disaster management in urban areas. It aims to address unique challenges posed by densely populated cities and improve local emergency response.
4. Global Warming Global warming impacts disaster frequency and intensity. Incorporating climate change considerations into disaster management plans is crucial for effective preparedness and mitigation strategies.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs