An Overview on Disaster Management in India

India is vulnerable to large number of natural or man-made disasters. To deal with devastating effect of disasters there is a need of good policies for disaster risk reduction. Disaster management in India had undergone a paradigm shift from earlier relief centric approach to prevention, mitigation and preparedness-driven approach. Disaster management act in India was enacted on 23 December 2005 which led to the formation of National disaster management authority, state disaster management authority and district disaster management authority. The main role of these organizations is laying down policies, plans and guidelines for effective management of disaster and carrying out relief and rehabilitation in the areas affected due to disaster. Besides these organizations local authorities like panchayats, municipalities, district and cantonment board are responsible for implementing disaster management plan in accordance with the guidelines laid by NDMA and SDMA and provide immediate relief in areas affected due to disaster. Besides, these organization armed forces, Para military forces, state police and fire services, civil defence and home guards provide immediate response to disasters and help in search and rescue operations, health and medical operations and restoration of transport and communication facilities. Disaster management support programme under Indian space research organization help in efficient management of disasters and is responsible for hazard zonation and mapping and vulnerability analysis of all disaster prone areas. Main objective of international organizations is to share good practices and lessons learned for reducing disaster risks and attaining sustainable development. United Nations played a key role in integration of national and international organizations for strengthening regional disaster management system and share space based data for effective management of disasters .there is a need for installation of early warning system for identifying, assessing and monitoring disaster risks.