Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Environment – Disaster and disaster management
Context
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 introduced in the Lok Sabha has its limitations
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 3rd September 2024
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill is knotty
The central government introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in response to increasing climate-induced disasters. The Bill aims to amend the Disaster Management Act of 2005 but has faced criticism for further centralizing disaster management authority.
Notified list of Disasters
The notified list of disasters eligible for assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund/State Disaster Response Fund are:
Key Features of the Amendment Bill
- Provides for creation of Disaster database at national and state levels.
- It empowers National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) to prepare the disaster plan at national level and state level instead of National Executive Committee and State Executive Committee.
- National plan should be reviewed every 3 years and updated at least once in every 5 years.
- The Bill proposes Urban Disaster Management Authority for State capitals and large cities having Municipal Corporations.
- It calls for statutory recognition to existing bodies like National Crisis Management Committee
- The bill enables state government to constitute State Disaster Response Force to strengthen the disaster response capability of states.
Issues with the Bill
- Centralisation of Authority: The Bill proposes to give statutory status to existing organizations like the National Crisis Management Committee, increasing central control and complicating disaster response protocols.
- Delayed Response Issues: Increased centralization could lead to delayed disaster responses, as decision-making becomes more cumbersome, contradicting the swift action needed in disaster scenarios.
- Dilution of Financial Autonomy: The amendment removes specific purposes for which the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) can be used, centralizing financial decision-making and potentially delaying funds to affected states.
- Issues with the Definition of ‘Disaster’
- Narrow Scope: The Bill continues to use a restricted definition of “disaster,” not expanding it to include climate-induced events like heatwaves, despite their increasing frequency and severity.
- Exclusion of Climate-Induced Disasters: Current definitions exclude localized and varying impacts of climate change, like heatwaves , which can have severe consequences similar to traditional disasters.
- Challenges in Implementation
- Disproportionate Power Dynamics: The Bill fails to address the imbalance of power between central and state governments in disaster management, potentially undermining state autonomy in managing localized disasters.
- Financial Dependence: States may remain dependent on the central government for disaster relief funds, which can hinder timely and effective disaster response and management at the state level.
Need for a Comprehensive Approach
- Inclusion of Modern Disasters: There is a pressing need to broaden the definition of disasters to include climate-induced events, ensuring a more inclusive and adaptable framework.
- Cooperative Federalism: Disaster management requires cooperation between central and state governments, with a focus on shared responsibility rather than blame, to improve disaster preparedness and response.
- Decentralization of Powers: Empower state and local authorities with more autonomy and resources to respond quickly and effectively to disasters, especially those specific to local contexts.
- Clear Guidelines for Fund Usage: Provide transparent and clear guidelines for the use of NDRF and SDRF funds, ensuring timely disbursement to states and effective use of resources.
- Inclusion of Climate Change Impacts: Revise the list of disasters to include climate-induced events like heatwaves, droughts, and prolonged extreme weather conditions to align with global practices.
Conclusion
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 needs significant revision to better address contemporary challenges, especially those arising from climate change. A focus on decentralization, inclusive definitions, and cooperative federalism is essential for effective disaster management and minimizing human and economic losses in the future.
Related PYQ
How important is vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2013]
Practice Question
What are the key features of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024? Critically examine the issues associated with the Bill? [250 words]
Guidelines to Answer
- Introduction: Start with a brief overview of the relevance of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, especially in the wake of increasing climate-induced disasters.
- Briefly Describe Key Features
- Identify Major Issues
- Suggest a Way Forward
- Conclusion: Summarize the Main Points, recap the key features and issues highlighted in the body of your answer.