Lack of coordination in disaster management?
The system of disaster management and distribution of funds in india is under question. The tension between the central and state governments was clearly visible when tamil Nadu demanded timely and adequate assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) after Cyclone Fang. The state government has demanded Rs 6,675 crore from the Center to speed up relief and rehabilitation work.
But this is not the first time that differences have surfaced between the Center and the states regarding disaster relief. Amid the challenges posed by climate change, states are complaining that the funds received from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and NDRF are not only delayed but are also inadequate compared to the needs. This is affecting the efforts for timely relief and rehabilitation in disaster-affected areas.
In response to this crisis, the government has introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to bring transparency in fund distribution and give states more stake in the decision-making process. But the question is, will this bill actually address the existing gaps? Given the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, india needs a disaster management system that is swift, flexible and free of politics.
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