MEVE 015: Unit 12 - Roles and Responsibilities of Different Agencies

 UNIT 12: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIFFERENT AGENCIES


12.0 Introduction

Disaster management is a multi-agency and multi-level responsibility involving various stakeholders, including governments, armed forces, civil society, and international organizations. Each agency has a specific mandate during different phases—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Understanding the roles and coordination among these actors is essential for effective disaster risk reduction and efficient emergency response.


12.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the importance of coordination and division of responsibilities in disaster management.
  • Identify the role of central, state, and district authorities.
  • Explain the responsibilities of police, armed forces, paramilitary forces, and specialized agencies.
  • Understand the importance of community participation and education.
  • Recognize the institutional framework supporting disaster management in India.

12.2 Role of Information, Education, Communication and Training

Public awareness, training, and timely information dissemination are critical to reduce disaster risk and enhance preparedness.

12.2.1 GIS and RS (Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing)

  • GIS helps in hazard mapping, vulnerability analysis, and decision-making.
  • Remote sensing (RS) is used for real-time monitoring of disasters (e.g., floods, forest fires, cyclones).
  • These tools support early warning systems, resource planning, and damage assessment.

12.2.2 Education

  • Incorporation of disaster management in school curricula.
  • Regular drills and mock exercises to train students and staff.
  • Higher education institutions offer specialized courses in disaster studies.
  • Community-based education and awareness programs help reduce local vulnerabilities.

12.3 Role and Responsibilities of Central Government

The Central Government, primarily through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), plays a lead role in disaster policy formulation, coordination, and funding.

Key responsibilities:

  • Framing national disaster policies and plans.
  • Operating the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
  • Mobilizing inter-state resources and international assistance.
  • Coordinating response operations in case of severe disasters.
  • Providing financial aid through National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

12.4 Role and Responsibilities of State Government

States are primarily responsible for managing disasters within their jurisdictions.

Functions include:

  • Formulation of State Disaster Management Plans.
  • Establishing State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
  • Coordinating district and local-level response activities.
  • Mobilizing State-specific resources and funds.

12.4.1 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)

  • Specialized force created at the state level, modeled after the NDRF.
  • Trained in search, rescue, and relief operations.
  • Works in close coordination with local authorities and the NDRF.

12.5 Role and Responsibilities of District Administration

The District Collector/District Magistrate is the key authority at the local level for disaster response and coordination.

Responsibilities:

  • Preparation of District Disaster Management Plan.
  • Coordination with local departments (health, police, PWD, etc.).
  • Mobilizing quick response teams and relief materials.
  • Leading rescue, evacuation, and rehabilitation efforts.
  • Ensuring transparent distribution of relief.

12.6 Institutional Framework of Disaster Management in India

The institutional setup includes the following:

  • NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) – apex policy-making body.
  • SDMAs – State-level planning and coordination.
  • DDMAs (District Disaster Management Authorities) – ground-level implementation.
  • NIDM (National Institute of Disaster Management) – capacity building and training.
  • NDRF – operational force for on-ground relief and rescue.

This framework promotes decentralized and coordinated disaster management across the country.


12.7 Role and Responsibilities of Armed Forces, Police, Para-Military Forces

12.7.1 Role and Responsibilities of Armed Forces

  • Mobilized during major disasters where civil capacity is overwhelmed.
  • Engineering Corps help in building temporary bridges, clearing debris.
  • Provide air support, medical care, and logistics.
  • Maintain law and order during large-scale emergencies.
  • Ensure quick restoration of communication and transport links.

12.7.2 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

  • Specialized multi-disciplinary force under MHA.
  • Comprises 12 battalions from BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and CISF.
  • Trained in CBRN emergencies, collapsed structure rescue, and flood rescue.
  • Equipped with advanced tools and technologies.
  • Deployed across zones to ensure quick response to disasters.

12.8 Challenges Faced by Armed Forces in Disaster Management

  • Difficult terrain and inaccessibility.
  • Communication disruptions.
  • Managing civilian cooperation and safety.
  • Lack of prior disaster-specific training in some regions.
  • Logistics constraints during concurrent emergencies.

Despite these challenges, armed forces play a crucial role in timely and effective response.


12.9 Role and Responsibilities of Police

  • Maintaining law and order at the disaster site.
  • Supporting evacuation and crowd control.
  • Preventing theft, looting, and ensuring security of relief supplies.
  • Assisting in search and rescue and traffic management.
  • Collecting and managing data on missing persons or casualties.

Police personnel often work in coordination with local administration and medical teams.


12.10 Role and Responsibilities of International Agencies, NGOs, and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

International Agencies (e.g., WHO, UNDP, IFRC):

  • Provide technical and financial assistance.
  • Help in capacity building and coordination of international relief.
  • Support disease control, nutrition, and shelter programs.

NGOs:

  • Mobilize community participation.
  • Provide relief materials and psychosocial support.
  • Assist in health services, child care, and shelter management.

CBOs:

  • Play a key role in local level preparedness.
  • Ensure community involvement in risk reduction.
  • Help identify local vulnerabilities and capacities.

12.11 Let Us Sum Up

  • Disaster management involves coordinated roles of multiple agencies at national, state, and local levels.
  • Central and state governments develop policy, plans, and mobilize resources.
  • Armed forces and police ensure safety, rescue, and law enforcement.
  • Specialized agencies like NDRF provide expert disaster response.
  • NGOs, CBOs, and international agencies enhance community resilience and support recovery.
  • Education, communication, GIS, and training are critical components for preparedness and response.

12.12 Key Words

  • NDRF: National Disaster Response Force.
  • SDRF: State Disaster Response Force.
  • NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority.
  • DDMA: District Disaster Management Authority.
  • GIS/RS: Geographic Information System/Remote Sensing.
  • NGOs/CBOs: Non-Governmental and Community-Based Organizations.
  • Institutional Framework: Organized system of disaster management authorities and roles.

 

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