Question.
Discuss disaster management in India at the Centre, State, and District Levels.
(UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-III/GS-3 2018)
Answer.
Disaster Management in India is a shared responsibility between the central government, state governments, and District administrations. Each level plays a specific role in planning, response, and recovery efforts.
The following are some descriptions of disaster management at each level:
Centre ( National ) Level:
The Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA) is the nodal agency responsible for disaster management at the National Level in India.
National Disaster Management Authority ( NDMA ) is the apex body for policy and coordination of disaster management. It formulates national policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management, and provides guidance and support to the state and district administrations.
There is a National Disaster Response Force ( NDRF), under the NDMA. It is a specialized force responsible for responding to disasters, conducting search and rescue operations, and providing emergency medical care.
State Level:
Each state in India has a State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) responsible for disaster management within its jurisdiction.
The SDMA formulates state-level policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management and coordinates with various departments and agencies involved in disaster responses.
The State Disaster Response Forces ( SDRF) worked under the State Disaster Management Authority ( SDMA) and also support NDRF during emergencies and carry out disaster response operations within the state.
The State Emergency Operation Centre ( SEOC) serves as the nerve center for coordinating and monitoring disaster response activities in the state.
District level:
The District Disaster Management Authority ( DDMA) is responsible for disaster management at the district level. District magistrate or Collector appointed as the Chairperson of the DDMA. It makes plans, coordinates, and implements disaster management activities within the district.
The district Emergency Operation Centre ( DEOC) acts as the coordination hub during emergencies, collecting and disseminating information, and coordinating response efforts at the district level.
Disaster Management in India follows a comprehensive approach that includes preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery phases.
Disaster management involves all three levels of government of India namely center, State, and district levels. Activities such as risk assessment, capacity building, early warning systems, evacuation planning, search and rescue operations, medical assistance, relief distribution, rehabilitation, reconstruction efforts, and capacity building programs are conducted at all three levels to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.
Public awareness campaigns, community participation, and engagement with non-governmental organizations ( NGOs) and volunteers also play a crucial role in disaster management in India.
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