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Source- This post on Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has been created based on the article “Govt. introduces Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha” published in The Hindu on 3 August 2024.
Why in News?
The Government has recently introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha.
About the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024:
1. Amendment of the Act- It amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005, aimed at enhancing the effective management of disasters.
2. Establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authority- It establishes an ‘Urban Disaster Management Authority‘ for state capitals and large cities with municipal corporations, excluding Delhi and Chandigarh.
3. Shift of responsibilities in the preparation of Disaster Plans- It empowers the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities to prepare disaster plans at the national and state levels, respectively. It shifts this responsibility from the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees.
4. Experts and Consultants appointment- It grants NDMA the power to appoint experts and consultants to fulfill its functions effectively.
5. Disaster Database- It establishes a disaster database at national and state levels. It includes disaster assessment, fund allocation details, expenditure, preparedness and mitigation plans, risk registers, and other relevant matters as determined by Union government policy.
6. Statutory Recognition- It provides statutory recognition to existing bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee and the High-Level Committee.
7. Establishment of State Disaster Response Force- It requires State Governments to establish a ‘State Disaster Response Force‘.
8. Penalties- The new Section 60A empowers both Central and State Governments to direct individuals to take necessary actions or refrain from them to mitigate disaster impacts. It also imposes penalties for non-compliance, not exceeding ₹10,000.
UPSC Syllabus: Disaster Management
