Module 5

Disaster Management Policy Environment and local Action – Disaster Management Act
2005; Disaster Management Authority at National, State and District levels; Roles and
responsibilities Funding for Disaster Management – State Disaster Mitigation fund, State
Disaster response fund (SDRF), National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), Prime Minister
National Relief Fund (PMNRF), Chief Minister Relief Fund and Role. Capacity Building –
Setting up EOCs, disaster Response Force; Training and Capacity building of all stakeholders
– National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM); Disaster Management Centres (DMC)
in every State; Centres of Excellence
Introduction
Disaster Management (DM) requires a strong policy framework and effective local
implementation.
Policy Environment → Provides guidelines, laws, and institutional setup
Local Action → Ensures ground-level implementation and community participation
Both are essential for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Disaster Management Policy Environment

The policy environment refers to the set of laws, policies, institutions, and frameworks that
guide disaster management activities at national and international levels.
Key Components of Policy Environment
1. Legal Framework: Laws governing disaster management
Example: Disaster Management Act, 2005 (India)
2. Institutional Framework- These bodies plan and implement disaster management
strategies.
NDMA (National level)
SDMA (State level)
DDMA (District level)
3. National Policies and Plans
National Disaster Management Policy
National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)
4. Role of Government- Policy formulation, Resource allocation, Capacity building,
Coordination among agencies.
Local Action in Disaster Management
Local action refers to community-level efforts and implementation of disaster management
practices at the grassroots level.
Components of Local Action:
1. Community Participation- Involvement of local people in planning and response,
Use of local knowledge
2. Community-Based Disaster Management- Local disaster preparedness programs,
Training and awareness campaigns, Formation of local disaster management
committees
3. Role of Local Authorities- Panchayats and municipalities, District administration,
Local emergency response teams
4. Early Warning and Communication- Dissemination of warnings at village level,
Use of local networks and volunteers.
5. Capacity Building- Training of local volunteers, Mock drills, Awareness programs

Disaster Management Act, 2005

The Disaster Management Act, 2005 is a landmark legislation enacted by the Government of
India to provide a legal and institutional framework for disaster management. It was
introduced to ensure a systematic, coordinated, and proactive approach to disaster
management across the country.
Objectives of the Act:
1. Provide a legal framework for disaster management
2. Ensure effective coordination among agencies
3. Focus on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery
4. Establish institutional mechanisms at national, state, and district levels
5. Promote capacity building and awareness

Disaster Management Authorities at National, State and District Levels

Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, India has a three-tier institutional structure for
disaster management:
National Level → Policy and coordination
State Level → Implementation and planning
District Level → Execution at ground level
This ensures a top-down policy approach and bottom-up implementation.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Headed by the Prime Minister of
India, includes up to 9 members. Acts as the apex body for disaster management, provides
overall strategic direction and leadership.
Functions:

• Formulate national disaster management policies

• Approve the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)
• Issue guidelines for disaster management
• Coordinate with ministries and departments
• Promote capacity building and awareness

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA): Headed by the Chief Minister, includes
state-level officials and experts. Acts as a link between national and district levels,
Responsible for state-level planning and coordination.
Functions:

• Formulate state disaster management policies

• Prepare and implement State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP)
• Coordinate with district authorities
• Ensure implementation of national guidelines

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA): Headed by District Collector / District

Magistrate, Co-chaired by elected representatives. Executes disaster management at the
grassroots level, Ensures local preparedness and response.
Functions:

• Prepare District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP)

• Implement disaster management activities
• Coordinate with local bodies and communities
• Manage emergency response and relief operations

State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF)

The State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) is a financial mechanism created under the
Disaster Management Act, 2005 to support long-term disaster risk reduction and mitigation
activities at the state level. Unlike response funds, SDMF focuses on preventing disasters and
reducing their impact before they occur. The State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) is a
fund established by state governments to finance mitigation and prevention measures aimed
at reducing disaster risks and vulnerabilities.
Objectives of SDMF:
 • Reduce disaster risks and vulnerabilities
• Support long-term mitigation strategies
• Strengthen infrastructure against hazards
• Promote disaster-resilient development
• Enhance preparedness and capacity building

State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) is the primary fund available with State
Governments for meeting the expenditure on immediate disaster response and relief.
Funding Pattern: Shared between Central and State Government
General states: 75% Central + 25% State
Special category states: 90% Central + 10% State
Objectives of SDRF:

• Provide quick relief to disaster-affected people

• Support emergency response activities
• Reduce immediate human suffering
• Ensure availability of essential services

National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)

The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is a central government fund used to provide
financial assistance to states during severe disasters when the resources of the state (SDRF)
are insufficient. It is a fund managed by the Central Government to support relief and
response activities in case of major disasters.
Objectives of NDRF:

• Provide additional financial assistance to states

• Support large-scale disaster response
• Reduce disaster-related losses
• Ensure effective relief and rehabilitation

Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)

The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is a public charitable fund used to
provide financial assistance to people affected by natural disasters and major emergencies. It
is managed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and supported by voluntary contributions
from individuals, organizations, and institutions.
Objectives of PMNRF:

• Provide financial support to disaster-affected individuals

• Assist families of victims in distress
• Support medical treatment for serious illnesses
• Offer quick relief during emergencies
Key Features of PMNRF

• Funded through voluntary donations

• Operates at the national level
• Provides direct financial assistance to individuals
• Managed by the Prime Minister’s Office
• Flexible use for various emergencies

Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF)

The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) is a state-level fund used to provide immediate
financial assistance to people affected by disasters and emergencies. It is managed by the
State Government under the Chief Minister, and funded mainly through voluntary
contributions.
Objectives of CMRF:

• Provide immediate financial relief to disaster victims

• Support families affected by natural calamities
• Assist in medical emergencies
• Reduce suffering of affected individuals

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) is the premier institute for training,
research, and capacity building in disaster management in India.
Functions of NIDM:

• Conducts training programs and workshops

• Provides research and policy support
• Develops guidelines and manuals
• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices
• Supports capacity building at national and state levels

Disaster Management Centres (DMCs) in States

Disaster Management Centres (DMCs) are state-level institutions responsible for training,
research, and implementation support in disaster management.
Functions of DMCs:

• Conduct training for state and district officials

• Support State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)
• Develop disaster management plans
• Promote community awareness programs
• Coordinate with local agencies

Centres of Excellence
Centres of Excellence are specialized institutions focused on advanced research, innovation,
and training in disaster management.
Functions:

• Conduct advanced research on disasters

• Develop innovative mitigation technologies
• Provide specialized training programs
• Support policy development
Examples: Universities and research institutions, Technical institutes working on hazard
assessment, GIS, climate studies.
Question Bank
1. Explain the Disaster Management Policy Environment. Discuss the importance of
local action in disaster management.
2. Explain the objectives and features of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Describe
its role in disaster risk reduction.
3. Explain the structure of Disaster Management Authorities in India. Discuss the
functions of NDMA, SDMA, and DDMA.
4. Explain the roles and responsibilities of central and state governments in disaster
management. Discuss the role of district administration and local authorities.
5. Explain the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). Discuss its importance in
disaster risk reduction.
6. Explain the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and its funding pattern. Discuss
the uses of SDRF in disaster management.
7. Explain the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Differentiate between
SDRF and NDRF.
8. Explain the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Discuss the Chief
Minister Relief Fund (CMRF) and its role.
9. Explain the concept of capacity building in disaster management. Discuss the role of
NIDM and Disaster Management Centres (DMCs).
10. What are Centres of Excellence in disaster management? Explain their role in
research, training, and innovation.