Role of Governance in tackling natural

disaster

B.A.LLB ( Hons )
Subject – Political Science
Semester – 6

Group Members
1. Romak Jayanta Roy Chowdhury
Enrollment no. - 2011215001058
Registration no. - 200010588348

Introduction
The government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens during
times of crisis. In order to do this, the government needs to have a well-planned and
coordinated disaster management system in place that can quickly respond to emergencies.

One of the key roles of governance in addressing natural disasters is to ensure that there is
proper infrastructure in place to deal with potential disasters. This includes things like building
codes, early warning systems, and evacuation plans. The government also needs to have an
emergency response plan in place that can be activated quickly when disasters occur.

Another important aspect of governance in tackling natural disasters is to ensure that there is
proper communication and coordination between different government agencies and
departments. This can help to avoid confusion and overlap, and ensure that resources are used
effectively.

Overall, effective governance is essential in tackling natural disasters in India. By taking a

proactive approach and having a well-planned and coordinated disaster management system in
place, the government can help to minimize the impact of disasters on its citizens.

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Overview of Role of governance in tackling
natural disaster
Policymakers have the responsibility to create and implement policies that anticipate and
mitigate the effects of natural disasters, as well as provide relief and recovery assistance to
affected communities.
In order to achieve this, policymakers should prioritize risk reduction strategies such as mapping
vulnerable areas, creating early warning systems, and developing evacuation plans. They should
also invest in disaster preparedness programs and infrastructure improvements to better
withstand natural disasters.
Furthermore, policymakers should ensure that there is a coordinated response effort among
government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders. This
includes establishing a clear chain of command, providing resources for emergency response
teams, and working collaboratively with affected communities and organizations to address
their needs.
Overall, effective policy making can help to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, save lives,
and promote a swift recovery for affected communities.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body responsible for disaster
management in India. It works in collaboration with state governments, non-governmental
organizations, and other stakeholders to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. The
NDMA has also developed guidelines for various sectors, such as agriculture, education, and
health, to ensure that they are adequately prepared for natural disasters.
Apart from the NDMA, other institutions such as the National Institute of Disaster Management
(NIDM) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been established to provide
training and specialized support during disasters. The government has also initiated various
measures, such as building flood control structures, early warning systems, and cyclone shelters,
to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

Policy

The National Policy framework has been prepared after due deliberation and keeping in view
the National Vision to build a safe and disaster-resilient India by developing a holistic, proactive,
multi-disaster and technology-driven strategy for DM. This will be achieved through a culture of
prevention, mitigation and preparedness to generate a prompt and efficient response during
disasters. The entire process will center-stage the community and will be provided momentum
and sustenance through the collective efforts of all government agencies and Non-
Governmental Organizations.

In order to translate this vision into policy and plans, the NDMA has adopted a mission-mode
approach involving a number of initiatives with the help of various institutions operating at the
national, state and local levels. Central ministries, States and other stakeholders have been
involved in the participatory and consultative process of evolving policies and guidelines.
This Policy framework is also in conformity with the International Strategy for Disaster
Reduction, the Rio Declaration, the Millennium Development Goals and the Hyogo Framework
2005-2015. The themes that underpin this policy are:-

 Community-based disaster management, including last mile integration of the policy,

plans and execution.
 Capacity development in all related areas.
 Consolidation of past initiatives and best practices.
 Cooperation with agencies at the national, regional and international levels.
 Compliance and coordination to generate a multi-sectorial synergy.

Approach
Effective governance can help to prevent, mitigate, and respond to disasters in a timely and
efficient manner. Here are some key points to consider:

Preparedness: Governments must have well-defined policies and procedures in place to prepare
for natural disasters. This includes developing emergency response plans, conducting regular
simulations and drills, and investing in infrastructure to withstand disasters.
Early warning systems: Governments must have effective early warning systems in place to
detect and alert people about impending disasters. This can include meteorological monitoring,
geological surveys, and community-based warning systems.

Risk reduction: Governments must take steps to reduce the risk of disasters by investing in
infrastructure, building codes, and land-use planning. This can help to minimize the impact of
disasters and reduce the number of lives lost.

Response and recovery: Governments must have effective response and recovery plans in place
to address the immediate aftermath of a disaster. This includes search and rescue operations,
medical assistance, and emergency shelter.
Long-term recovery and reconstruction: Governments must also plan for long-term recovery
and reconstruction efforts, including job creation, economic development, and rebuilding
critical infrastructure.

Overall, effective governance is essential for tackling natural disasters. It requires a coordinated
effort between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to
ensure that policies and programs are implemented effectively and efficiently.
The national Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister of India, is
the apex body for Disaster Management in India. Setting up of NDMA and the creation of an
enabling environment for institutional mechanisms at the State and District levels is mandated
by the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

NDMA Vision

“To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-active, technology driven and
sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of
prevention, preparedness and mitigation.”

Functions and Responsibilities

NDMA, as the apex body, is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster
Management to ensure timely and effective response to disasters. Towards this, it has the
following responsibilities:-

 Lay down policies on disaster management.

 Approve the National Plan.
 Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in
accordance with the National Plan.
 Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan.
 Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the
Government of India for the Purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of
disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects.
 Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plans for disaster
management.
  Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation.
 Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be
determined by the Central Government.
 Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or
preparedness and capacity building for dealing with threatening disaster situations or
disasters as it may consider necessary.
 Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of
Disaster Management.

Conclusion
Governance plays a crucial role in tackling natural disasters in India. The government has the
responsibility to provide timely and effective relief measures, rescue operations, and
rehabilitation efforts to the affected communities. To achieve this, the government needs to
have a well-planned disaster management strategy in place that involves a comprehensive risk
assessment, early warning systems, and disaster response plans.

The government should also invest in capacity building of local communities and stakeholders to
enhance their disaster preparedness and response capabilities. This can include providing
training programs, setting up emergency response centers, and equipping them with necessary
resources and equipment.

In addition, the government should promote sustainable development practices that prioritize
resilience, such as enforcing building codes and land-use regulations, conserving natural
resources, and developing infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters.

Overall, effective governance is vital in mitigating the impact of natural disasters in India and
ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Thank You