Context:

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which aims to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005 was recently passed by Lok Sabha. 

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• The Bill introduces several reforms to strengthen disaster management in India, particularly at the national and state levels. 
• It aims to improve preparedness, response, and mitigation measures, while also providing statutory backing to existing committees.
• It also aims to expand the role of urban and state-level disaster management authorities.

Key Changes and Provisions made by the Bill

Preparation of disaster management plans: 

• Under the Act of 2005, National and State Executive Committees were constituted for preparing national and state disaster management plans, respectively. They also assist National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in performing their functions. 
• However, the Bill proposes shifting the responsibility of disaster management plan preparation directly to NDMA and SDMA.

Appointments to NDMA:

• The Bill empowers NDMA to specify the number and category of its officers, and employees, with prior approval from the central government.
• NDMA may also appoint experts and consultants as necessary.

Enhanced Functions of NDMA and SDMA: The Bill adds new functions to the NDMA and SDMA at their respective levels. These include – 

• Taking periodic stock of disaster risks, including emerging risks from extreme climate events.
• Providing technical assistance to authorities below them.
• Recommending guidelines for minimum standards of relief.
• Preparing national and state disaster databases, respectively, containing information on – 
• Disaster risk type and severity.
• Allocation of funds and expenditure.
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation plans.
• NDMA will also assess the disaster preparedness of states and conduct post-disaster audits.

Formation of Urban Disaster Management Authorities:

• The Bill provides for the constitution of Urban Disaster Management Authorities for state capitals and cities with municipal corporations.
• The Urban Authority will comprise the Municipal Commissioner as the chairperson, the District Collector as the vice chairperson, and other members specified by the state government. 
• It will prepare and implement the disaster management plan for the area under it. 

Formation of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF):

• The Bill empowers state governments to establish State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF), on the lines of the existing National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
• State governments will define the functions of SDRFs and establish terms of service for its members.

Statutory Status of Existing Committees: The Bill provides statutory status to key bodies:

• National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC): Nodal body for handling major disasters with serious national implications. The Cabinet Secretary will chair the NCMC.
• High-Level Committee (HLC): Approves financial assistance to states during disasters and approves allocations from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund.
• The Minister of the department with administrative control over disaster management will chair the HLC.