National Policy on Disaster Management(NPDM)

National Policy on Disaster Management(NPDM)

1. Preamble 

The Context 

1.1.1 Disasters disrupt progress and destroy the hard-earned fruits of 

painstaking developmental efforts, often pushing nations, in quest for 

progress, back by several decades. Thus, efficient management of disasters, 

rather than mere response to their occurrence has, in recent times, received

increased attention both within India and abroad. This is as much a result of 

the recognition of the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters as it is 

an acknowledgement that good governance, in a caring and civilised society,

needs to deal effectively with the devastating impact of disasters. 

Disaster Risks in India

1.2.1 India is vulnerable, in varying degrees, to a large number of natural as

well as man-made disasters. 58.6 per cent of the landmass is prone to 

earthquakes of moderate to very high intensity; over 40 million hectares (12 

per cent of land) is prone to floods and river erosion; of the 7,516 km long 

coastline, close to 5,700 km is prone to cyclones and tsunamis; 68 per cent 

of the cultivable area is vulnerable to drought and hilly areas are at risk from 

landslides and avalanches. Vulnerability to disasters/ emergencies of 

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) origin also exists. 

Heightened vulnerabilities to disaster risks can be related to expanding 

population, urbanization and industrialization, development within high-risk 

zones, environmental degradation and climate change (Maps 1-4). 

1.2.2 In the context of human vulnerability to disasters, the economically 

and socially weaker segments of the population are the ones that are most

seriously affected. Within the vulnerable groups, elderly persons, women, 

children - especially women rendered destitute and children orphaned on

account of disasters and the differently abled persons are exposed to higher 

risks. 

Paradigm shift in Disaster Management (DM) 

1.3.1 On 23 December, 2005, the Government of India (GoI) took a 

defining step by enacting the Disaster Management Act, 2005, (hereinafter 

referred to as the Act) which envisaged the creation of the National Disaster 

Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister, State 

Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by the Chief Ministers, 

and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) headed by the 

Collector or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner as the case may 

be, to spearhead and adopt a holistic and integrated approach to DM. There 

will be a paradigm shift, from the erstwhile relief-centric response to a 

proactive prevention, mitigation and preparedness-driven approach for 

conserving developmental gains and also to minimise losses of life, 

livelihoods and property

2.Approach and Objectives 

Vision 

2.1.1 To build a safe and disaster resilient India by developing a holistic, 

proactive, multi-disaster oriented and technology driven strategy through a 

culture of prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response. 

Disaster Management 

 

2.2.1 A disaster1 refers to a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave

occurrence from natural or man-made causes, which is beyond the coping 

capacity of the affected community. DM involves a continuous and 

integrated process of planning, organising, coordinating and implementing 

measures which are necessary or expedient for: 

Prevention of danger or threat of any disaster. 

Mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or 

consequences. 

Capacity building including research and knowledge management. 

Preparedness to deal with any disaster. 

Prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster. 

Assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster. 

Evacuation, rescue and relief. 

Rehabilitation and reconstruction. 

A legal and institutional framework binds all these elements together 

(Diagram I). 

Fundamental 

to Prompt

and Effective 

Response.

Holistic &

Continuous 

Process.

Proactive Strategy.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT CONTINUUM

Approach 

2.3.1 A holistic and integrated approach will be evolved toward disaster 

management with emphasis on building strategic partnerships at various 

levels. The themes underpinning the policy are: 

Community based DM, including last mile integration of the policy, 

plans and execution. 

Capacity development in all spheres. 

Consolidation of past initiatives and best practices. 

Cooperation with agencies at national and international levels. 

Multi-sectoral synergy. 

 Objectives 

2.4.1 The objectives of the national policy on disaster management are: 

Promoting a culture of prevention, preparedness and resilience at all 

levels through knowledge, innovation and education. 

Encouraging mitigation measures based on technology, traditional 

wisdom and environmental sustainability. 

Mainstreaming disaster management into the developmental planning 

process. 

Establishing institutional and techno-legal frameworks to create an 

enabling regulatory environment and a compliance regime. 

Ensuring efficient mechanism for identification, assessment and 

monitoring of disaster risks. 

Developing contemporary forecasting and early warning systems 

backed by responsive and failsafe communication with information 

technology support.

Promoting a productive partnership with the media to create 

awareness and contributing towards capacity development. 

Ensuring efficient response and relief with a caring approach towards 

the needs of the vulnerable sections of the society. 

Undertaking reconstruction as an opportunity to build disaster resilient 

structures and habitat for ensuring safer living. 

Promoting productive and proactive partnership with media in disaster 

management.

3. Institutional and Legal Arrangements 

Disaster Management Act, 2005 

3.1.1 The Act lays down institutional, legal, financial and coordination 

mechanisms at the national, state, district and local levels. These institutions 

are not parallel structures and will work in close harmony. The new

institutional framework is expected to usher in a paradigm shift in DM

from relief-centric approach to a proactive regime that lays greater emphasis

on preparedness, prevention and mitigation. 

Institutional Framework under the DM Act 

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) 

3.2.1 The NDMA, as the apex body for disaster management, is headed by 

the Prime Minister and has the responsibility for laying down policies, plans 

and guidelines for DM (and coordinating their enforcement and

implementation for ensuring timely and effective response to disasters) . The 

guidelines will assist the Central Ministries, Departments and States to

formulate their respective DM plans. It will approve the National Disaster 

Management and DM plans of the Central Ministries/Departments. It will 

take such other measures as it may consider necessary, for the prevention of 

disasters, or mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building, for dealing 

with a threatening disaster situation or disaster. Central ministries/ 

departments and State Governments will extend necessary cooperation and 

assistance to NDMA for carrying out its mandate. It will oversee the 

provision and application of funds for mitigation and preparedness 

measures. NDMA has the power to authorize the Departments or authorities 

concerned, to make emergency procurement of provisions or materials for 

rescue and relief in a threatening disaster situation or disaster. The general 

superintendence, direction and control of National Disaster Response Force 

(NDRF) are vested in and will be exercised by the NDMA. The National 

Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) works within the framework of 

broad policies and guidelines laid down by NDMA

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