NDMA, Disaster Management Act & Sendai Framework
The institutional framework for disaster management in India was codified through the landmark Disaster Management Act of 2005. It created a three-tier governance architecture comprising the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs). Operative response capabilities are anchored by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a multi-battalion specialized paramilitary force trained for multi-hazard interventions. Internationally, India aligns its disaster risk governance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), which succeeded the Hyogo Framework. The Sendai Framework sets seven global targets and four priority action areas, prioritizing disaster risk understanding, risk governance, resilient investment, and effective preparedness for recovery and reconstruction.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The Disaster Management Act was enacted on 23 December 2005, establishing NDMA under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of India.
- The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was constituted under Section 44 of the DM Act, 2005.
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) was adopted at the Third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan.
- The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) serves as the apex national nodal body for capacity building and training.