Disaster Management Amendment Bill 2024 to be Introduced in Lok Sabha Today, Here’s Why It's Needed

The government is set to introduce the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on August 1. The Bill aims to create a “disaster database at the national and State level” and provides for the establishment of an “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for State capitals and large cities with Municipal Corporations. This database will include disaster assessment, fund allocation details, expenditure, preparedness and mitigation plans, risk registers according to the type and severity of risk, and other relevant matters as determined by the Central Government. The Bill grants the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) the responsibility to prepare disaster plans at the national and State levels respectively, replacing the plans previously made by the National Executive Committee and the State Executive Committees. Additionally, the NDMA may appoint experts and consultants as needed to fulfill its functions. The Bill also empowers the NDMA to periodically assess the entire range of disaster risks in the country, including emerging risks from extreme climate events and other factors that may lead to future disasters.