Disaster management performs a significant role in governance with the aid of making sure preparedness, mitigation, and recovery in time of crisis. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 was enacted in India for a well-structured base for coping with the problems. The act provides a prison and institutional basis for lowering catastrophe dangers, improving preparedness, and ensuring a coordinated response. It significantly contributes in lowering the rate of loss of life, property, and infrastructure caused due to various natural and man-made calamities.

Due to the increase in both natural and human-made disasters the importance of disaster management has also grown like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate-change related disasters, industrial accidents, and extreme weather conditions underscore the necessity of a strong legal framework for the management and preparedness of the disaster. The Disaster Management Act, 2005, remains fundamental to India's disaster resilience and response mechanisms. This study aims to assess its effectiveness, significance, and areas for refinement in light of evolving disaster threats.

Introduction
Disasters-whether natural or human-induced-pose significant threats to societies worldwide. India, owing to its vast geographical expanse and diverse climatic conditions, is particularly susceptible to calamities such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, landslides, tsunamis, industrial accidents, and pandemics. Recognizing the necessity of a comprehensive legal framework, the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act in 2005. This legislation establishes a systematic approach to disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response at the national, state, and district levels. Additionally, it institutionalizes bodies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to oversee disaster management strategies and implement key disaster reduction initiatives.

Evolution of the act
The historical background of India's Disaster Management Act, 2005, reflects an evolution from a primarily reactive, relief-centric approach to a proactive, comprehensive strategy. Prior to its enactment, disaster management was largely fragmented, with responses often ad-hoc. The devastating Gujarat earthquake in 2001 highlighted the urgent need for a structured framework. This led to the formation of high-powered committees and increased emphasis on disaster management within national planning. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami further underscored the necessity for a robust legal and institutional framework.Consequently, the Disaster Management Act, 2005, was enacted, establishing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and outlining a hierarchical structure for disaster management from national to district levels.This act marked a paradigm shift, emphasizing prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and capacity building, thus laying the foundation for a more resilient India.

Provisions of the act:

• Institutional Framework: The Act mandates the formation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to handle disaster-related responsibilities at various levels. The NDMA, chaired by the Prime Minister, is responsible for national-level policy formulation, while the SDMAs, led by Chief Ministers, oversee disaster preparedness at the state level. This decentralized framework ensures that local bodies have the necessary authority to manage emergencies effectively.
   
• Powers and Responsibilities: NDMA is entrusted with the formulation of disaster management policies, approval of national disaster management plans, and ensuring a coordinated national response. It holds the authority to instruct governmental and private entities to undertake necessary disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.
   
• Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Measures: The Act emphasizes preparedness through activities such as periodic mock drills, ensuring resource availability for emergency response, and strengthening early warning systems. It mandates that government and private organizations devise disaster response strategies to minimize casualties and economic losses.
   
• Financial Provisions: The Act establishes the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) to facilitate financial support in disaster situations. These funds are crucial for relief operations, rehabilitation, and reconstruction following disasters. However, concerns regarding fund adequacy and delayed disbursement remain key challenges that require resolution for improved disaster management effectiveness.
   
• Enforcement and Penalties: The Act stipulates penalties for individuals and organizations that fail to comply with directives issued under its provisions. These measures promote accountability and ensure legal enforcement. Violations can result in monetary fines, legal proceedings, or imprisonment, serving as deterrents against negligence.
   
• Roles of Central and State Governments: The Act delineates specific responsibilities at various levels, ensuring an integrated approach to disaster risk reduction and management. While the central government focuses on policy formulation and financial support, state governments and local authorities are responsible for implementation and regional coordination.
   
• Technological Advancements in Disaster Management: The Act encourages the utilization of satellite-based monitoring, geospatial technologies, and digital communication tools for effective disaster prediction and response. With advancements in artificial intelligence and big data analytics, disaster management strategies have become more precise and efficient. The integration of social media for real-time information dissemination has also significantly improved public awareness and emergency response efficiency.

Challenges and Hurdles

Despite its significance, the Disaster Management Act, 2005, faces several execution challenges, such as:

• Lack of Coordination Among Agencies: Overlapping responsibilities among disaster management authorities often result in inefficiencies and delays in response.
• Low Public Awareness: Many citizens remain uninformed about their rights and responsibilities under the Act, leading to inadequate disaster preparedness at the community level.
• Insufficient Funding and Resource Allocation: Limited financial and infrastructural resources hinder effective disaster response and recovery efforts.
• Slow Adaptation to Emerging Threats: The Act does not comprehensively address contemporary risks such as cyber disasters, biological threats, and climate change-related crises.

Suggestions

While the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has significantly contributed to India's disaster preparedness, the following enhancements are suggested:

• Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): More emphasis should be placed on proactive preparedness rather than post-disaster relief measures.
• Greater Community Engagement: Disaster management initiatives should actively involve local communities to leverage their insights and participation.
• Increased Financial Allocation: Higher budgetary allocations should be made to disaster management agencies for infrastructure, technology adoption, and capacity building.
• Integration with Climate Change Policies: Given the escalating climate crisis, disaster management policies should be closely aligned with environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Enhanced Legal Enforcement: Stricter enforcement of disaster preparedness regulations and penalties for negligence must be ensured.
• Capacity Development Programs: Regular training sessions for disaster response teams, medical personnel, and security agencies should be institutionalized.
• Advancing Technology for Early Warning Systems: Leveraging AI-driven analytics, big data, and IoT-based early warning systems will enhance disaster prediction and mitigation efforts.

In Conclusion
The Disaster Management Act, 2005, has been instrumental in shaping India's disaster response and preparedness framework. It establishes a structured legal mechanism to manage disasters effectively. However, continuous reforms are required to make the framework more proactive, inclusive, and adaptable to modern challenges, including climate change, pandemics, and cyber threats. Enhancing disaster risk reduction strategies, fostering community participation, incorporating technological advancements, and ensuring robust legal enforcement will contribute to building a more disaster-resilient India. Future policy refinements should prioritize preventive measures and resilience-building to reduce disaster vulnerability and enhance emergency response efficiency.

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