Why in the News?
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raises serious concerns. Instead of addressing the shortcomings of the Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005, the Bill reduces opportunities for participation, accountability, and efficient governance.
What are the lapses in the recent bill?
- Top-Down Terminology: The Bill employs terms like “monitor” and “guidelines,” which suggest a top-down approach, rather than fostering community engagement through terms like “supervision” and “direction.”
- This undermines trust between authorities and local communities, which are crucial in disaster response.
- Neglect of Local Roles: While the Bill defines critical concepts such as ‘hazard’, ‘resilience’, and ‘vulnerability’, it fails to recognise the essential roles of local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
- Lack of Intersectional Consideration: The Bill does not address intersectional discrimination affecting vulnerable groups like women, disabled individuals, lower castes, and LGBTQIA communities. Ignoring these factors limits the Bill’s inclusivity and effectiveness.
- Absence of Accountability Mechanisms: The omission of performance evaluations for district authorities raises concerns about accountability. Without mechanisms to assess preparedness and response effectiveness, there is a risk of shifting blame onto individual philanthropic efforts during disasters.
- Exclusion of Law and Order Issues: By stating that ‘man-made causes’ do not include law and order matters, the Bill complicates the role of police in disaster management while still involving them in executive committees.
- Removal of Relief Standards: Key provisions regarding minimum standards of relief for disaster victims have been omitted from the Bill. This includes special provisions for vulnerable populations such as widows and orphans, which diminishes the support system for those affected by disasters.
- Centralisation of Power: The Bill centralises decision-making by transferring responsibilities from local executive committees to national authorities, potentially leading to inefficiencies and delays in disaster response.
- Neglect of Animal Welfare: The Bill does not address the impact of disasters on animals or include provisions for their welfare, which is a significant oversight given the scale of animal casualties during disasters.
- Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA): The rationale behind establishing a separate UDMA is unclear, raising questions about its effectiveness given existing municipal structures that may not adequately address urban flooding issues caused by poor planning.
What are the lessons learnt from a spectrum of areas?
- Community Engagement: Successful disaster responses have historically relied on local knowledge and community action.
- For example, in Cyclone Aila (2009, Sundarbans): Local villagers and fisherfolk initiated rescue operations well before official disaster response teams could arrive, saving countless lives.
- Intersectionality Matters: Acknowledging diverse vulnerabilities ensures that disaster management strategies are comprehensive and equitable.
- For example, Kerala Floods (2018): Specific interventions for women and children in relief camps improved health and hygiene outcomes, showcasing the value of targeted measures.
- Accountability is Crucial: Clear accountability mechanisms are necessary to ensure that authorities fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
- For example, in Uttarakhand Flash Floods (2013): Lack of timely action by district authorities and poor preparedness exacerbated the disaster’s impact, underscoring the need for performance evaluations.
Can Regional collaboration work out?
Regional collaboration could significantly enhance disaster management efforts, particularly in South Asia where cross-border challenges are prevalent:
- Shared Resources and Knowledge: Collaborative frameworks among countries like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BRICS could facilitate resource sharing and knowledge exchange during disasters.
- Joint Preparedness Plans: Developing regional action plans based on shared vulnerabilities can strengthen collective responses to disasters.
- Addressing Zoonotic Diseases: Given the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases, a coordinated regional approach could improve public health responses during disasters.
What is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is a comprehensive international agreement aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience globally.
- It was adopted by UN member states during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan, from March 14 to 18, 2015.
- India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Community Participation and Inclusivity: Amend the Bill to explicitly involve local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
- Promote Accountability and Regional Cooperation: Introduce performance evaluations for district authorities to ensure preparedness and effective disaster responses.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (UPSC IAS/2018)
