FEATURES OF THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024

AUTHOR : Ansari Sobiya

INTRODUCTION:

In terms of efficient disaster management, India, a nation vulnerable to a variety of natural and man-made calamities, has encountered several difficulties. An important piece of legislation that intended to establish a framework for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response was the Disaster Management Act of 2005. However, the current disaster management regulations need to be changed due to the quick speed of environmental changes, changing catastrophe risks, and growing complexity of crisis management. In light of this, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of disaster response procedures while addressing the new demands of disaster management. The structure created by the 2005 Act is subject to many significant revisions introduced by the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This article examines the Bill’s features, their effects, and their potential impact on disaster management in India.

1. ADDRESSING NEW DISASTER CATEGORIES:

One of the most significant modifications brought about by the Bill is the addition of new disaster categories. While the Disaster Management Act of 2005 largely addressed natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones, the 2024 Amendment Bill expands its scope to encompass health-related disasters (such as pandemics and biological hazards), technological disasters, and climate-induced crises.

HEALTH DISASTER:

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the shortcomings of the current disaster management system, which was not built to handle international health crises. In order to close this gap, the Bill acknowledges health disasters as a separate category, guaranteeing that pandemics, epidemics, and biological threats are addressed with greater precision and organization.

TECHNICAL DISASTERS:

As our reliance on technology grows, so does the possibility of technical disasters like cyberattacks, industrial accidents, and nuclear accidents. By recognizing the necessity of certain measures to reduce these risks, the Bill broadens the scope of disaster management.

DISASTERS CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE:

Natural catastrophes, including heat waves, droughts, and floods, have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Recognizing the necessity of readiness and mitigation actions to handle climate-induced disasters, the Bill reinforces provisions pertaining to climate adaptation.

2. ENHANCED ROLE OF LOCAL BODIES:

The significance of decentralized governance in disaster management is emphasized in the Bill. The 2024 Bill focuses on expanding the role of local bodies, especially at the Panchayati Raj and urban local levels, whereas the Disaster Management Act, 2005 established a centralized structure with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).

STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNANCE:

The Bill gives local organizations more authority in responding to and recovering from disasters. In the event of a disaster, these organizations will now be in charge of creating plans for disaster management, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating with other governmental levels. Effective use of local resources and expertise in disaster management is ensured by this decentralization.

CAPACITY BUILDING:

Building local capacities for disaster preparedness has become a responsibility of local authorities. This includes training disaster response teams, launching public awareness programs, and making sure that the resources needed are available. This will allow for quicker and more effective grassroots disaster response.

3. TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT:

The use of technology to improve disaster management capabilities is given a lot of attention in the Bill. Technology integration is essential for monitoring disaster risks, enhancing early warning systems, and guaranteeing a prompt and well-coordinated response.

The Bill encourages the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics for predictive modeling, risk mapping, and early warning systems. These technologies can be used to predict possible dangers, identify disaster-prone locations, and provide real-time data to speed up reaction times. The Bill suggests using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to compile comprehensive maps of areas at risk and track the development of disaster recovery. Coordinating relief efforts, locating regions in need of aid, and making sure that resources are allocated as efficiently as possible may all be accomplished with the use of GIS. In order to improve communication between impacted communities, emergency responders, and government organizations, the Bill calls for the creation of digital platforms and mobile applications. Real-time tracking of relief activities, assistance requests, and information dissemination are all possible with these systems.

4. STRENGTHENING DISASTER MITIGATION AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION:

The Bill emphasizes climate adaptation and disaster mitigation more. The 2024 changes stress a proactive approach to lessening the effect of disasters before they occur, since disaster relief efforts have historically concentrated on quick response and recovery.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE:

The Bill lays out steps to improve the resilience of ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure in light of the growing threat posed by climate change. This entails putting into practice sustainable development principles, encouraging climate-resilient farming methods, and incorporating climate change concerns into plans for disaster relief and urban planning.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR):

The Bill requires that state and federal development strategies incorporate disaster risk reduction. By encouraging stakeholders to foresee and lower disaster risks, this proactive strategy lessens the effect of disasters on populations that are already at risk.

5. FUNDING MECHANISMS AND FINANCIAL ALLOCATIONS:

To increase financial readiness for disasters, the Bill proposes new funding mechanisms. The Bill increases financial allocations to guarantee that resources are easily accessible for disaster mitigation, preparedness, and recovery, even though the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) were already in place under the 2005 Act.

NATIONAL DISASTER FUND:

The Bill suggests creating a specific National Disaster Fund with increased funding. During major disasters, this money will be used to guarantee prompt response mechanisms and give emergency relief. Additionally, the government must set aside a certain portion of the national budget each year for disaster management.

INSURANCE AND RISK FINANCING:

To guarantee that people and companies are financially shielded from the risks associated with catastrophes, the Bill promotes the adoption of disaster insurance schemes. Additionally, it suggests establishing a national insurance program for towns that are at risk.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPPS):

The Bill promotes private sector participation in disaster management, namely in supporting infrastructure projects aimed at lowering the risk of disasters and disaster preparedness initiatives. Financial resources as well as recovery and risk management experience can be brought in through PPPs.

6. STRENGTHENED DISASTER RESPONSE FRAMEWORK:

A more robust framework for disaster response is proposed by the Bill, with an emphasis on accountability, coordination, and quick resource deployment. The Bill highlights the necessity of a centralized command and control system during big catastrophes, even though local organizations will be crucial to disaster response. This will guarantee that all groups from governmental entities to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in disaster response are cooperating. Specialized disaster response teams should be established at the federal, state, and municipal levels, according to the Bill. These teams will receive training in search and rescue, medical treatment, and victim psychological assistance, among other disaster response topics.

7. REFORMS IN THE LAW AND INSTITUTIONS:

Institutional reforms are suggested by the Bill to enhance India’s disaster management governance. It proposes the creation of a brand-new National Disaster Management Agency with more authority to coordinate state- and district-level disaster response activities. The Bill requires all states and Union Territories to create state-level disaster management plans that adhere to federal regulations. These plans ought to be tested with simulated exercises and mock drills and updated on a regular basis. By establishing monitoring systems to keep tabs on the effectiveness of disaster response operations and the use of funds, the Bill strengthens accountability. Furthermore, sanctions for breaking disaster management rules have been reinforced.

CONCLUSION:

India’s disaster management system would be strengthened by the major revisions introduced by the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024. A more thorough and proactive strategy to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery is established by the Bill by tackling new issues like health crises, technological catastrophes, and climate change. The focus on climate adaptation, financial readiness, technological integration, and local governance represents a modernized approach to disaster management that is better suited to address the complexity of today’s disaster hazards. Although the Bill provides a solid framework for disaster management in India, its successful execution will require cooperation between the different governmental levels, as well as significant community and private sector involvement. If implemented correctly, these changes might greatly enhance India’s capacity to handle calamities and lower the impact on vulnerable populations.