Disaster Management Framework, Laws and Phases in India - UPSC Notes

For every UPSC aspirant, the key to success lies in smart preparation. The wide range of subjects to cover can often feel confusing. Disaster management is a crucial topic that surprises candidates due to its scope and complexity. Access to good quality notes that cover key concepts gives you an advantage in understanding India’s disaster management framework. 

This blog will walk you through everything you need about Disaster Management for your UPSC exam. We will discuss India’s vulnerability to various disasters and key laws that shape India’s approach to disaster risk reduction and recovery. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of these topics to tackle questions easily.

Understanding the Disaster Management Syllabus for UPSC

Disaster management forms an important part of your General Studies (GS) Paper II, GS Paper III, and  Essay paper. Understanding the syllabus for disaster management is key to building a strong foundation. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the UPSC disaster management syllabus is your first step towards preparing this topic. Now, let’s understand how various levels of disaster management are structured and practised in India.

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Introduction to Disaster Management in India

India is highly vulnerable to many natural and man-made disasters. This makes robust disaster management crucial.

1. India's Vulnerability to Disasters

• Geographical Factors: India's diverse geography exposes it to various hazards. The Himalayan region is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Coastal areas are vulnerable to cyclones, tsunamis, and sea-level rise. The Indo-Gangetic plains face floods, droughts, and heat waves.
• Climatic Factors: The Indian monsoon, while vital for agriculture, can also cause devastating floods. Climate change intensifies extreme weather events and increases the frequency of disasters.
• Socioeconomic Factors: High population density, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure increase disaster vulnerability. Poorly planned urbanization and environmental degradation further raise these risks.

2. National Disaster Management Structure

• Apex Body: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body responsible for disaster management policy and coordination. The Prime Minister heads the NDMA.
• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Each state has an SDMA responsible for disaster management at the state level. The Chief Minister heads the SDMA.
• District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs): DDMAs, headed by the District Collector/Magistrate, are responsible for disaster management at the district level.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): NIDM is a premier training and research institution for disaster management.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): NDRF is a specialized force trained and equipped for disaster response operations.

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India's disaster management structure has helped it move from a reactive to a more proactive and comprehensive approach. In the upcoming section, let’s understand the different phases of disaster management.

Phases of Disaster Management

Disaster management is a continuous cycle involving various phases. Each phase plays a crucial role in minimizing the impact of disasters.

1. Pre-Disaster Phase

It focuses on proactive measures to reduce vulnerability and increase preparedness before a disaster occurs. It has the following features:

• Prevention: It aims to prevent a disaster from happening or minimize its impact. Examples include enforcing building codes, regulating industrial waste disposal, and promoting safe agricultural practices.
• Mitigation: These measures aim to reduce the severity of a disaster's impact. Examples include building earthquake-resistant structures, land-use planning and public awareness campaigns.
• Preparedness: It involves planning and preparing to respond to and manage disasters effectively. This includes conducting drills, stocking essential supplies, training personnel, and establishing early warning systems.

2. During Disaster Phase

This phase includes the immediate actions taken during and after a disaster to save lives and minimize further damage.

• Response Actions: This includes search and rescue operations, providing first aid and medical assistance, and distributing relief supplies.
• Evacuation: It involves moving people from dangerous areas to safer locations before or during a disaster.
• Emergency Assistance: Providing immediate support to those affected, including food, water, shelter, medical care, and other essential needs. 

3. Post-Disaster Phase

This phase focuses on long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts after the immediate impact of the disaster is over.

• Recovery: Restoring the affected community to its pre-disaster state or better. This involves rebuilding infrastructure, restoring essential services, and providing economic assistance.
• Rehabilitation: Supporting survivors' physical and psychological well-being by providing medical care, counseling services, and assistance with rebuilding homes and livelihoods.
• Reconstruction: This involves long-term planning and investment to ensure a more resilient and sustainable recovery.

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Effective disaster management requires a continuous cycle of planning, preparedness, response, and recovery. In the next section, let’s understand the institutional framework that makes it possible.

Institutional Framework for Disaster Management in India

India has a multi-tiered institutional framework for disaster management. It involves various agencies at the national, state, and district levels.

1. National Level

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): It is the apex body responsible for laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management. NDMA's key functions include:
  • Approving the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP).
  • Laying down guidelines for different ministries and departments.
  • Coordinating response to large-scale disasters.
  • Providing technical and financial assistance to states.
• National Executive Committee (NEC): It implements the National Plan and assists the NDMA. The Union Home Secretary chairs the NEC and comprises secretaries from various ministries and departments. Its key functions include
  • Implementing the NDMP
  • Reviewing disaster management preparedness.
  • Providing technical and logistical support to states.
  • Monitoring and evaluating relief and rehabilitation efforts.

2. State Level

• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): They are responsible for disaster management at the state level and coordinate disaster response and relief efforts. Its key functions include
  • Developing state-specific disaster management plans.
  • Coordinating with district administrations.
  • Ensuring preparedness and response capacity at the state level.
  • Managing relief and rehabilitation operations.
• State Executive Committees (SECs): Responsible for implementing the State Disaster Management Plan and assisting the SDMA. The state's Chief Secretary chairs it and coordinates inter-departmental actions for disaster management. Its key functions include
  • Coordinating with district administrations and state-level agencies.
  • Monitoring and evaluating disaster preparedness and response.

3. District Level:

• District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs): Responsible for disaster management at the district level. It is chaired by the District Collector/Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner. Its key functions include
  • Preparing district-specific disaster management plans.
  • Coordinating with local bodies and communities.
  • Ensuring preparedness and response capacity at the district level.
  • Managing relief and rehabilitation operations at the grassroots level.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): While a national-level force, the NDRF plays a crucial role at the district level during disaster response. They work closely with the DDMAs during emergencies and provide specialized response capabilities, including search and rescue and medical assistance.

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This multi-tiered framework, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities at each level, aims to ensure a coordinated and effective response to disasters. Let’s now discuss the significant laws guiding India’s disaster management approach.

Key Disaster Management Laws in India

India's approach to disaster management has evolved from a reactive to a proactive strategy. It focuses on preparedness, mitigation, and community participation. This shift is reflected in its legal and policy frameworks:

1. Disaster Management Act, 2005

The Disaster Management Act of 2005 marked a paradigm shift in disaster management in India. It moved from a relief-centric approach to one focusing on prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery. Its key features include:

• Institutional Framework: Established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
• National Disaster Management Plan: Mandated formulation of a national plan outlining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders.
• Focus on Mitigation: Emphasized disaster mitigation measures, including vulnerability reduction and capacity building.
• Financial Mechanisms: Provided for creating National and State Disaster Management Funds.
• Community Participation: Recognized the importance of involving local communities in disaster preparedness and response.

2. National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) 2009

Building upon the Disaster Management Act 2005, the NPDM 2009 provided a comprehensive policy framework for disaster management in India. Its key features include:

• Holistic Approach: Adopted a holistic and integrated approach to disaster management, covering all aspects of the disaster cycle.
• Emphasis on Prevention and Mitigation: Prioritized disaster prevention and mitigation through risk assessment, land-use planning, and early warning systems.
• Capacity Building: Focused on capacity building at all levels, including community-based disaster preparedness.
• Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction: Promoted the integration of disaster risk reduction into development planning.
• Specific Guidelines: Provided specific guidelines for managing different types of disasters.

3. National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2019

The NDMP 2019 is the operational framework for implementing the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the NPDM, 2009. It provides specific guidelines and action plans for managing various types of disasters. Its key features include:

• All-Hazards Approach: Adopts an all-hazards approach, covering a wide range of natural and man-made disasters.
• Specific Plans for Different Disasters: Includes specific plans for managing different types of disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and droughts.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Standard Operating Procedures: Provides standard operating procedures for different phases of disaster management.
• Emphasis on Technology: Emphasizes the use of technology for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

These three instruments represent India’s shift towards a more proactive, holistic, and community-centric approach to disaster management. The next section will explain how India’s disaster management framework is integrated with international standards.

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Integration with International Standards in Disaster Management

India actively participates in international disaster management initiatives and aligns its policies with global frameworks.

1. Alignment with Sendai Framework

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is a global blueprint for reducing disaster risk and losses. India is a signatory to the framework and has integrated its principles into its disaster management policies. Its key aspects include:

• Understanding Disaster Risk: India is working towards a better understanding of disaster risk in all its dimensions through improved data collection and analysis.
• Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance: India is aligning the institutional framework for disaster management with the Sendai Framework's emphasis on multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction: India is increasing investments in disaster risk reduction measures, including structural and non-structural mitigation activities.
• Enhancing Disaster Preparedness: India focuses on enhancing its disaster preparedness for effective response and "build back better" in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

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2. Implementation of Prime Minister’s 10-Point Agenda:

The Prime Minister's 10-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction further strengthens India's commitment to disaster management and aligns with the Sendai Framework. The key points are:

• All development sectors must be committed to disaster risk reduction: Mainstream disaster risk reduction in all development planning and implementation.
• Risk coverage must extend to all: Ensuring that disaster risk reduction measures benefit all sections of society, particularly vulnerable groups.
• Greater emphasis on local capacity building: Empowering local communities to manage disaster risks effectively.
• Leverage technology for disaster risk management: Utilizing technology for early warning systems, risk assessment, and disaster response.
• Disaster resilient infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure that can withstand disasters.
• Early warning systems must be people-centric: Developing early warning systems that are accessible and understandable to all.
• Global cooperation for disaster risk reduction: Promoting international collaboration on disaster risk reduction.
• Documentation of best practices: Sharing best practices and lessons learned in disaster management.
• More involvement of youth and community volunteers: Engaging youth and community volunteers in disaster preparedness and response.
• Emphasis on “Build Back Better”: Ensuring that post-disaster reconstruction creates more resilient communities.

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Alignment with these standards demonstrates India’s commitment to building a more disaster-resilient nation. Let’s review some helpful tips to help you prepare for disaster management topics in the UPSC exam.

Helpful Tips for Preparing Disaster Management for UPSC

Let’s ensure you have a helpful strategy for easily cracking disaster management topics. The following tips will help prepare and revise the topics we discussed above.

• Focus on Key Acts and Laws: Pay special attention to the Disaster Management Act 2005, the role of NDMA, NDRF, and other legal frameworks.
• Use Current Affairs for Context: Relate your studies to recent disasters in India (like floods, earthquakes, or cyclones) and how the government responded.
• Revise National and State-Level Structures: Understand how each level operates, the responsibilities of various agencies, and their role in disaster preparedness and relief.
• Prepare Real-World Case Studies: Study real-world case studies of major disasters and know the timelines, key interventions, and lessons learned. 
• Practice Writing: Disaster management-related questions often require a structured response—practice writing answers with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions. 
• Make Short Notes: Create concise, easy-to-review notes for key definitions, laws, and disaster management phases. This will help you with quick revisions, especially when the exam approaches.

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These tips will help you create a strategy to prepare for disaster management topics for the UPSC exam. 

Conclusion

Disaster management is a critical topic for the UPSC exam. You can ace your preparation on this topic by focusing on key concepts, laws, and real-world events. Understanding how India responds to and prepares for crises is important to score well in this subject. You will be able to gain confidence in disaster management topics with constant revision and staying updated with current affairs.

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