ROLE OF DEFENCE FORCES IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN INDIA – A REVIEW

India is one of ten most disaster prone countries of the world. In India the involvement of Defence Forces in providing support for rescue and relief work during calamities is a normal practice. The primary objective of this research paper was to conduct extensive research survey and to summarise the occurrences of natural calamities where Defence Forces were involved in Disaster Management. Defence Forces have done well whenever called for rescue and other operations during calamities. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) established in year 2005, has formulated policies and procedures for Disaster Management. Defence Forces who are having primary role as Defence of the country against external threat, are having one of the secondary roles as disaster management. For this, coordination between civil authorities and Defence Forces needs improvement. Forecasting, Coordination and Quick Response have emerged as key factors for better results. The grey areas in such operations have been identified during research survey and corrective action has been suggested at the end of the paper.