National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
When we study disaster management for UPSC, NDMA becomes the central pillar. It is India’s apex body that decides how the country prepares for, responds to, and manages disasters. To understand NDMA fully, let us proceed:
Establishment – How was NDMA born?
India did not always have an organised, institutional mechanism for disaster management. The journey began with major disasters pushing the government to rethink the system.
(A) Early Committees
- High Powered Committee (1999)
– Set up to examine national-level disaster management planning. - National Committee (2001)
– Formed after the Gujarat earthquake (2001) to suggest mitigation strategies and plan preparation.
These committees gave recommendations, but the system was still fragmented.
(B) Turning Point: Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004)
The 2004 tsunami was a massive tragedy. It exposed the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for disaster management.
As a result, the Government took a landmark legislative step and enacted the:
👉 Disaster Management Act, 2005
This Act created a complete institutional architecture for disaster management.
(C) Formation of NDMA
Initially, NDMA was created in 2005 through an Executive Order.
Later, it was formally notified in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act.
(D) Composition of NDMA
NDMA consists of:
- Chairperson – Prime Minister (ex-officio)
- Up to 9 other members – nominated by the Chairperson
- Vice-Chairperson – designated by the Chairperson
- Status: Cabinet Minister
- Other Members – Status: Minister of State
➡️ This shows that NDMA is intended to be a high-powered, national-level decision-making authority.
(E) Administrative Control
NDMA works under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
This placement is logical because disaster management is closely linked to:
- internal security,
- coordination across states,
- emergency response mechanisms.
(F) Vision of NDMA
NDMA’s guiding vision is:
“To build a safe and disaster-resilient India through holistic, proactive, technology-driven and sustainable development involving all stakeholders.”
This is important for Mains answers because it captures the philosophy behind India’s disaster management architecture.
Objectives of NDMA – What does it aim to achieve?
NDMA’s objectives focus on creating a culture, a system, and a framework for disaster resilience.
Let us understand them one by one:
1. Create a culture of prevention and preparedness
Through knowledge sharing, innovation, and education.
2. Promote mitigation measures
Using a mix of:
- technology,
- traditional knowledge, and
- environmental sustainability.
3. Mainstream disaster management into development planning
This means every ministry, scheme, and project must factor in disaster resilience.
4. Build institutional and techno-legal frameworks
To ensure a regulatory environment where disaster risk reduction becomes mandatory and enforceable.
5. Strengthen disaster risk identification and monitoring
Because timely assessment helps prevent major losses.
6. Develop forecasting and early-warning systems
Along with dependable communication systems supported by IT.
7. Ensure efficient and humane response and relief
Especially focusing on the vulnerable sections of society.
8. Use reconstruction as an opportunity (“Build Back Better”)
This is a modern concept: using the post-disaster phase to build stronger, safer infrastructure.
9. Promote constructive partnership with the media
The media plays a crucial role in awareness, warnings, and public cooperation.
Functions of NDMA – What does it actually do?
Think of NDMA as the policy-making and strategy-setting body for disaster management in India.
Key Functions:
1. Lay down policies on disaster management
These policies guide the entire disaster management structure.
2. Approve the National Plan
This is India’s comprehensive disaster management blueprint.
3. Approve Plans of Ministries and Departments
Every Ministry must create its disaster management plan in alignment with the National Plan.
4. Issue guidelines to State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)
SDMAs prepare the State Plan based on these guidelines.
5. Ensure integration of mitigation into development
NDMA directs Ministries to incorporate disaster prevention into every project.
6. Coordinate enforcement and implementation of plans
Ensures uniformity and efficiency across the country.
7. Recommend provision of funds for mitigation
Because disaster management requires timely and adequate financing.
8. Extend support to other countries
When major disasters hit foreign nations, NDMA can assist—this enhances India’s global humanitarian role.
9. Strengthen preparedness, mitigation, and capacity-building
This includes training, infrastructure, and community-level resilience.
10. Guide the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)
NIDM develops training modules, research, and capacity-building programs.
Additional Functions – Beyond Planning and Policy
NDMA also performs operational and supervisory functions:
1. Recommend minimum standards of relief
For example:
- food requirements,
- shelter,
- drinking water,
- medical care, etc.
2. Recommend loan relief or concessional loans
For victims of severe disasters to rebuild their lives.
3. Supervise the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
NDRF is India’s specialized response force for disasters.
NDMA exercises general superintendence, direction, and control over it.
4. Authorise emergency procurement
In emergencies, normal tendering procedures can be bypassed.
NDMA can permit instant purchase of rescue materials, equipment, etc.
5. Prepare and submit an Annual Report to the Central Government
This report is laid before both Houses of Parliament.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)
If NDMA is the national-level architect of disaster management, the SDMA is the state-level engineer that adapts and implements that architecture within each state.
NDMA creates national policies →
SDMA converts them into state-specific policies →
DDMA executes them at the district level.
This three-tier structure ensures that disaster management is centralised for coordination but localised for effectiveness.
A. Establishment of SDMA
Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, every state is required to establish a State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
This ensures that disaster management is not dependent on ad-hoc committees but is institutionalised and permanent.
B. Composition of SDMA
The structure mirrors NDMA, but at the state level.
Members of SDMA:
- Chairperson – Chief Minister of the State (ex-officio)
- Vice-Chairperson – one member designated by the Chairperson
- Has the status of a Minister of State equivalent at the state level
- Other members – up to 8, nominated by the Chairperson
- Chairperson of the State Executive Committee (SEC) –
- Ex-officio member of SDMA
- Also acts as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SDMA
➡️ This structure ensures political leadership and bureaucratic continuity.
C. Functions of SDMA – What does it actually do?
The SDMA is responsible for policy-making and planning for disaster management at the state level.
Its functions include:
1. Lay down state disaster management policy
This guides the state’s overall strategy.
2. Approve the State Plan
This is prepared in alignment with NDMA guidelines.
3. Approve departmental disaster management plans
Every department—health, PWD, irrigation, police—must prepare plans.
4. Guide departments in integrating mitigation into development projects
For example:
- flood-resistant roads
- earthquake-resistant buildings
- fire-safety-compliant public spaces
5. Coordinate State Plan implementation
Ensures district and departmental coordination.
6. Recommend provision of funds
For mitigation, preparedness and emergency response.
7. Review development plans of departments
Ensures disaster-risk reduction is embedded in all major projects.
8. Review preparedness, mitigation and capacity-building measures
And issue guidelines whenever required.
9. Prepare annual report and submit to state government
This report is then laid before the State Legislature.
SDMA therefore creates a policy and oversight ecosystem for disaster resilience within the state.
District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)
(The Local-Level Implementing Body)
If NDMA is the brain and SDMA is the nervous system, DDMA is the hand—the part that actually acts on the ground.
The district is the most crucial administrative unit for disaster management because almost all disasters—floods, landslides, fires, cyclones—are first felt at this level.
1. Establishment of DDMA
Under the Disaster Management Act, every state must establish a DDMA for every district.
2. Composition of DDMA
The composition ensures representation of:
- local administration,
- elected bodies,
- police,
- health system.
Members of DDMA:
- Chairperson –
- Collector / District Magistrate / Deputy Commissioner (ex-officio)
- Co-chairperson –
- Elected representative of local authority
- Exception: In tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule, the Chief Executive Member of the District Council becomes the co-chairperson.
- Ex-officio Members:
- Chief Executive Officer of DDMA
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
- Up to 2 district-level officers nominated by the state government
- In districts with a Zilla Parishad, its Chairperson is also the co-chairperson.
This structure ensures:
- administrative leadership (DM),
- political representation (local representative),
- enforcement authority (SP),
- health expertise (CMO),
- execution support (CEO).
Functions of DDMA – What does it do on the ground?
DDMA is the planning, coordinating, and implementing authority at the district level.
It acts as the frontline organisation for managing disasters.
1. Prepare the District Disaster Management Plan
Including:
- District Response Plan
- Hazard mapping
- Resource inventory
2. Coordinate and monitor implementation of:
- National Policy
- State Policy
- National Plan
- State Plan
- District Plan
3. Identify disaster-prone areas in the district
And ensure preventive and mitigation measures are undertaken by:
- district departments,
- local authorities,
- municipal bodies, etc.
4. Ensure implementation of NDMA & SDMA guidelines
By all district-level departments.
5. Organise specialised training
For:
- officers and employees
- emergency service staff
- voluntary rescue workers
6. Facilitate community awareness
Through:
- NGOs
- local bodies
- public campaigns
7. Maintain and upgrade early-warning systems
And ensure timely dissemination of information to the public.
8. Coordinate all district-level agencies
Such as:
- health services
- police
- fire services
- municipal bodies
- NGOs
9. Identify buildings for relief centres and camps
And ensure they have:
- water supply
- sanitation
- safety measures
10. Perform any other function assigned by State Government or SDMA
Or anything necessary for effective disaster management.
The Three-Tier Disaster Management Structure
| Level | Body | Head | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | NDMA | Prime Minister | Policy, guidelines, national plans |
| State | SDMA | Chief Minister | State policy, state plan, department coordination |
| District | DDMA | Collector / DM | Ground-level planning, implementation and response |
This structure ensures:
- Top-down guidance,
- Bottom-up implementation, and
- Seamless coordination across all levels.