LOK SABHA
A proposal for
setting up a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in
the Ministry of Home Affairs has been initiated. The NDMA will,
interalia, be responsible for coordinating/mandating Government’s
policies for disaster reduction/mitigation; ensuring adequate
preparedness at all levels; coordinating response to a disaster
when it strikes and post disaster relief & rehabilitation.
The Minister
of State for Home, Shri I.D. Swami told the Lok Sabha in a written
reply that the Ministries/Departments of Health, Water Resources,
Agriculture, Atomic Energy, Environment & Forests, Railways,
Defence, Science & Technology, Chemicals and Indian Meteorological
Department are proposed to be represented on the NDMA.
He said the
guidelines circulated to the State Governments also recommend
creation of a separate Department/Authority for Disaster Management,
setting up of specialized composite search & rescue teams,
up-gradation of fire services as all-hazard response units,
establishment of composite control rooms, drawing up of State
Level Disaster Management Roadmap/Framework and District specific
disaster management plans, incorporating disaster management
aspects in plan projects/development schemes, ensuring adherence
to BIS codes for buildings in States falling under seismic zones
IV & V, maintaining an on-line inventory of resources available
for disaster management, creation of awareness and training
for Government functionaries and inclusion of basic disaster
related material in the text books for students of classes 8th,
9th and 10th.
The State Governments
have been advised to consider setting up a Disaster Management
Authority (DMA) under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary
at State Level for coordinated action towards mitigation and
preparedness for disasters as also for coordinated response
when a disaster strikes.
