Concept2 stories
Disaster Management Act, 2005
In one line: The Disaster Management Act, 2005 created a three-level system of disaster authorities and shifted India's focus from relief to prevention and preparedness.
Key bodies
- NDMA: national apex body chaired by the Prime Minister; lays down policies, plans and guidelines.
- National Executive Committee: chaired by the Union Home Secretary; coordinates implementation.
- State Disaster Management Authority: chaired by the Chief Minister.
- District Disaster Management Authority: chaired by the District Collector or Magistrate.
- Funds: the National Disaster Response Fund (Section 46) and the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (Section 47).
Why it is in the news
The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal ministry for disasters. Its Secretary chaired the 3 September 2026 GLOF review.
Where to go next
- National GLOF Risk Mitigation Project
- South Lhonak GLOF of 2023
Disaster Management Act, 2005 in the news
- Karnataka seeks ₹7,142.64 crore in Central drought aid for 177 taluks 4 October 2026
The law that set up India's disaster authorities and funds.
- Centre asks Himalayan States to step up monitoring of glacial lakes and avalanche zones 4 September 2026
The law that sets up India's disaster management bodies
Previous-year questions on this
- 2026 · GS3 · 10 marks Discuss how the contradiction between 'rapid infrastructure development' and 'disaster-risk reduction' in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.
- 2024 · GS2 · 15 marks What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for…
- 2023 · GS3 · 10 marks Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam…
- 2017 · GS3 · 15 marks 'Climate Change' is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?
- 2014 · GS3 · 12.5 marks Drought has been recognised as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effect on various vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010…