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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