Natural Disaster Management: Indian Scenario

As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, a disaster is defined as a situation in which the normal life or ecosystem gets disrupted and some emergency actions are required to save and preserve the life and the environment.

Indian Scenario
Being highly vulnerable to natural disaster, 25 states out of a total of 35 states/UTs in India are considered disaster prone. 68% of Indian land is draught prone, 12% to flood and 8% to cyclone. Some of the natural disasters occurring in India are floods, droughts, cyclone, earthquake, landslides and avalanches etc. Impacts: Disaster results not only in the loss of life & shelter but also creates lack of food, increase in diseases, and disturb socio-economic activities. Therefore it is one if the major area of concern for developing countries like India.

Disaster Management System in India

The Disaster Management Division of Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal agency for all issues related to disaster management except the drought. This is looked after by the Ministry of Agriculture. Also the NGOs and local communities play on important role in the case of natural disaster in a particular area. Therefore their awareness and adequate training is very important in the areas which are prone to frequent disaster.

Natural Disaster Management Act - 2005

This act is aimed at preparedness, prevention and early planning towards disaster. By this Act three authorities namely, National Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority have been established. This Act states that there shall be no discrimination on the ground of gender, caste and community in providing compensation and relief. It provides penalties for obstruction, false claims etc. It ensures establishment of Disaster Response fund and Disaster Mitigation fund at central, state and district level. Importance from examination point of view: i) 2005 - paper I: (Q. - 10 - B): What is Disaster Management? Discuss the steps required to tackle natural disasters. ii) Short Notes - Disaster Management Act - 2005 iii) Impact & Importance of Local bodies & NGOs in participation with the government.

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