1. Natural Disaster Management: Indian Scenario
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, a disaster is defined as a situation in which the
normal life or ecosystem gets disrupted and some emergency actions are required to save
and preserve the life and the environment.
Indian Scenario
Being highly vulnerable to natural disaster, 25 states out of a total of 35 states/UTs in
India are considered disaster prone. 68% of Indian land is draught prone, 12% to flood
and 8% to cyclone. Some of the natural disasters occurring in India are floods, droughts,
cyclone, earthquake, landslides and avalanches etc.
Impacts: Disaster results not only in the loss of life & shelter but also creates lack of
food, increase in diseases, and disturb socio-economic activities. Therefore it is one if the
major area of concern for developing countries like India.
Disaster Management System in India
The Disaster Management Division of Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal agency for
all issues related to disaster management except the drought. This is looked after by the
Ministry of Agriculture.
Also the NGOs and local communities play on important role in the case of natural
disaster in a particular area. Therefore their awareness and adequate training is very
important in the areas which are prone to frequent disaster.
Natural Disaster Management Act - 2005
This act is aimed at preparedness, prevention and early planning towards disaster. By this
Act three authorities namely, National Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster
Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority have been
established.
This Act states that there shall be no discrimination on the ground of gender, caste and
community in providing compensation and relief. It provides penalties for obstruction,
false claims etc. It ensures establishment of Disaster Response fund and Disaster
Mitigation fund at central, state and district level.
Importance from examination point of view:
i) 2005 - paper I: (Q. - 10 - B): What is Disaster Management? Discuss the steps required
to tackle natural disasters.

2. ii) Short Notes - Disaster Management Act - 2005
iii) Impact & Importance of Local bodies & NGOs in participation with the government.
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