In news- The Union Home Minister recently inaugurated the 17th Formation Day of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The theme of this year’s Formation Day is- “Cascading effects of disaster events in the Himalayan region”.
About NDMA-
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body for Disaster Management in India.
- It was established through the Disaster Management Act enacted by the Government of India on 23 December 2005.
- It is headed by the Prime Minister of India and can have up to nine other members. Since 2020, there have been five other members.
Functions and responsibilities-
- Lay down policies on disaster management;
- Approves the National Plan;
- Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan;
- Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan;
- Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments for the purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its effects;
- Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plans for disaster management;
- Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation;
- Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central Government;
- Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management;
- It develops practices, delivers hands-on training and organizes drills for disaster management and equips and trains disaster management cells at the state and local levels.
NDMA, under the Ministry of Home Affairs can also be assigned with the responsibility for protection of cyber critical infrastructure.
It issues guidelines on – Heat Waves, Landslides, Thunderstorm & Lightning, Dust/Hailstorm & Strong Winds, Boat Safety, Cultural Heritage Sites and Precincts, Museums, Earthquakes, Fire Services, Drought, Urban Flooding, Tsunamis, Chemical(Terrorism) Disasters, Landslides and Snow Avalanches, Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies, Biological Disasters, Cyclones and Floods.
