National Disaster Management Authority (India)

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is an apex body of the Government of India, with a mandate to lay down policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management to ensure a timely and effective response to disasters. It was established through the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

NDMA is headed by the Prime Minister of India. The Authority is responsible for framing guidelines and policies for mitigating and responding to natural or man-made disasters. It works towards building 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, mitigation and preparedness.

Key functions of the NDMA include:

• Approving the National Disaster Management Plan.
• Laying down policies on disaster management.
• Laying down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and the State Governments in drawing up disaster management plans.
• Approving the plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan.
• Coordinating the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plan for disaster management.
• Recommending provision of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures.
• Providing support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central Government.
• Taking such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building for dealing with the threatening disaster situation or disaster as it may consider necessary.
• Laying down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).

NDMA's vision is to build a safer and disaster resilient India through a holistic, proactive, technology-driven and sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, mitigation and preparedness. Its mission is to develop and implement policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management; to enhance the capacity of individuals and institutions for disaster management; and to coordinate response efforts during disasters.