Centralised Disaster Response in India

The Government of India has recently constituted the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to ensure a centralised disaster response in India. This step comes in the wake of severe monsoon-triggered floods and landslides across states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Manipur.

The creation of this central disaster committee aims to improve crisis management, emergency response, and overall disaster preparedness in India.

Formation and Legal Basis

The centralised disaster management framework in India has been strengthened through the formation of the NCMC.

• This committee is established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, using the powers provided under Section 8A(2).

• The Ministry of Home Affairs officially notified the constitution of the NCMC to improve government disaster response at the national level.

Composition of the NCMC

The National Crisis Management Committee is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary of India, ensuring top-level decision-making during emergencies. Other members include:

• The Union Home Secretary

• Defence Secretary

• Secretary (Coordination) from the Cabinet Secretariat

• Head of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA India)

The chairperson has the power to include subject-matter experts and officials from both central and state governments as required for national emergency response.

Primary Functions of the NCMC

The NCMC plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response in India by:

• Evaluating the country’s readiness for natural calamities and major national disasters.

• Issuing strategic directions to improve emergency response.

• Coordinating with state disaster management authorities, central ministries, and agencies for flood relief coordination.

• Monitoring the ongoing government disaster response activities.

Significance of Centralised Disaster Response in India

A centralised disaster response in India allows better coordination among all stakeholders, from the central government to local agencies and NGOs.

• It ensures that government initiatives for disaster management in India are implemented effectively and in real-time.

• The NCMC acts as an apex decision-making body, enabling quick mobilization of resources and efficient handling of disaster relief operations.

Context of Recent Disasters

The establishment of NCMC follows the recent flood relief coordination challenges caused by heavy monsoon rains and landslides in northern states. These events have highlighted the need for a strong central government disaster relief measure to reduce loss of life and property. The role of NCMC in disaster response is vital to managing large-scale emergencies with nationwide implications.

Government Initiatives for Disaster Management in India

Apart from the NCMC, several initiatives have been launched by the government to improve India's disaster management:

• Strengthening NDMA India to provide strategic guidelines.

• Enhancing national emergency response systems with modern technology.

• Launching awareness programs for disaster preparedness in India.

• Developing early-warning systems to reduce disaster impact.

How India Handles Natural Disaster Response

• With the NCMC and other central agencies, India's handling of natural disaster response has become more streamlined.

• The centralised disaster management framework in India ensures that the response to any national disaster is quick, well-coordinated, and effective.

Final Thoughts

The creation of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) marks a significant step toward building a centralised disaster response in India. With the rising frequency of natural calamities such as floods, landslides, and cyclones, having a robust and centralised disaster management framework in India is crucial for swift action and coordination.

The NCMC, supported by the NDMA India and various central and state agencies, ensures effective crisis management, emergency response, and disaster preparedness in India.

By strengthening government disaster response and streamlining national emergency response, the committee addresses gaps in flood relief coordination and other disaster scenarios. This proactive approach will not only enhance disaster preparedness and response in India but also set a benchmark for government initiatives for disaster management in India.

As climate events intensify, the role of NCMC in disaster response will continue to grow, ensuring timely interventions and improved resilience.