The Disaster Management Act of 2005 is the Government of India's effort at planning and coordinating disaster responses (natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones as well as man-made ones like chemical spills, industrial accidents, and pandemics).
It sets into the jurisdiction the mechanism for disaster prevention, preparedness planning, responses and recovery all over India, providing thus the legal framework for disasters.
Some of the unique aspects:
- Provided here is the creation of a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headed by the Prime Minister.
- State and District Disaster Management Authorities are constructed to undertake planning and response for disaster down to the very local level.
- Assign central, state and local functions in disaster management.
- Focuses on risk reduction; early warning systems – rescue, relief, and rehabilitation.
- Empower authorities to take special measures during emergencies (lockdowns during pandemics).
FAQs – Disaster Management Act, 2005
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1. What is the Disaster Management Act 2005?
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It is a law that facilitates preparation, response, and recovery from natural disasters (floods and earthquakes) and man-made ones (chemical leaks and pandemics) by the government.
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2. What was the objective of this Act?
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This Act was enacted for fast, effective, and organised response action during the event of disasters, preserving lives and property from destruction, and minimising their consequences on subsequent incidences of disasters.
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3. What is considered a "disaster" under this Act?
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The damage, loss of life, or disruption in the life of a community are termed as disasters. Examples include earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis, floods, accidents, or the manifestation of harmful diseases.
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4. Who is responsible for disaster management in India?
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National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at the centre and State and District Disaster Management Authorities at the state and district levels.
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5. Who is Chief of NDMA?
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The Chairperson of NDMA is the Prime Minister of India.
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6. What do State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) do?
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They handle disaster planning and response at the state level through the Chief Minister.
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7. What is the work of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)?
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DDMAs take care of preparedness, relief, and rescue measures at the local level. Their head is the District Collector or Magistrate.
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8. What special powers does the Act give to the authorities in case of emergencies?
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Authorities can issue warnings, evacuate people, close public places, enforce lockdowns, and take any steps to save lives depending on the situation.
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9. In what way does this law benefit a common person during disasters?
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It requires doing things for people during and after a disaster, such as providing or arranging rescue services, food, shelter, medical care, and rebuilding.
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10. What is the National Plan under this Act?
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It's a guide on how India is supposed to prepare and respond to disasters at the national, state and district levels.
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11. What will happen if somebody does not comply with emergency rules?
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He can get fined or jailed under Sections 51 to 60 of the Act for contravening or disobeying lawful directions during a disaster or obstruction of officials.
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12. Did COVID-19 fall under this Act?
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Yes. This Act laid the foundations of the lockdowns, safety norms, and health guidelines prescribed for the Containment of COVID-19.
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13. Does this Act also make provisions for prevention?
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Yes. This Act promotes disaster preparedness, training, awareness, and reducing risk before disaster happens.
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14. Are there any provisions for local community participation in disaster management?
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Yes. They encourage local bodies and NGOs and volunteers in rescuing and relief campaigns and awareness-building.
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15. Why is the Act important?
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This will ensure that India will have a well-thought-out, legally structured mitigation and management framework to respond to and protect its citizens from disasters efficiently.
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