On the recommendations of the Government of India, the Administration of Rohtak constituted the District Disaster Management Authority vide notification dated 09-10-2007. The district administration believes in effective planning with special emphasis on disaster prevention and mitigation. Proper mitigation measures help in preventing hazards from turning into disasters and increase the coping capacity of vulnerable populations. This requires systematic planning and coordination to ensure that Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is continuously promoted and integrated into the regular programmes of every department.

7.1 National Level

At the national level, different Ministries of the Government of India are responsible for managing different types of crisis and disaster situations.

Nodal Ministries for Disaster Management

• Ministry of Agriculture – Natural calamities such as drought, flood and earthquake.
• Ministry of Environment and Forests – Chemical accidents.
• Ministry of Railways – Railway accidents.
• Ministry of Civil Aviation – Air crashes and civil aviation related emergencies.
• Ministry of Mines – Mining accidents.

Crisis Management at National Level

• The Secretary of the concerned Ministry generally heads the Crisis Management Committee at the national level.
• The Committee includes representatives of Central Government agencies dealing with disaster response and recovery.
• In case of a major disaster, the Cabinet Secretary heads the Central Crisis Management Committee.
• A Control Room is established in the concerned nodal Ministry depending upon the nature of the disaster.

7.2 State Level

At the State level, different departments of the State Government act as nodal agencies for managing various types of disasters and crisis situations.

Nodal Authorities at State Level

• State Relief Commissioner / Secretary, Revenue Department – Natural disasters.
• Labour Secretary – Industrial accidents.
• Home Secretary – Railway accidents.

State Crisis Management Group

• In case of serious disasters, the Chief Secretary heads the State Crisis Management Group.
• The Group consists of representatives from concerned departments and agencies responsible for disaster response and recovery.
• The Group ensures coordination among departments for effective management of emergencies.

7.3 District Level

At the district level, the Collector / Deputy Commissioner acts as the focal point for disaster response and recovery activities. Being the chief administrative officer of the district, he exercises overall control over district offices of various State Government departments.

Functions at District Level

• Coordination of disaster response and recovery activities.
• Ensuring cooperation among different government departments.
• Sanction and distribution of relief assistance.
• Provision of financial support for relief and rural development works.
• Mobilization of support from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Administrative Structure

• Although no formal committee exists at the district level for coordinated disaster response, the Collector effectively leads an informal team of officers from various departments.
• Officials of the Revenue Department at different levels are empowered to sanction relief according to operational requirements.

Industrial and Chemical Disaster Management

In cases involving industrial accidents and hazardous chemicals, the Government of India has framed several rules under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Important Provisions

• Identification of hazardous chemicals and Major Accident Hazard (MAH) units.
• Notification of hazardous sites.
• Conduct of safety audits of MAH units.
• Preparation of On-site and Off-site Emergency Plans.

Relevant Rules

• Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals (MS&IHC) Rules, 1989.
• Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 2000.

These rules provide for the constitution of Crisis Management Groups at:

1. National Level
2. State Level
3. District Level
4. Local Level

Need for Improved Disaster Management Structure

Experience from various disasters has shown that the existing organizational structure for disaster management has not always been able to provide quick and coordinated responses during emergencies.

Government Initiatives

• The Government of India constituted a High Powered Committee to recommend Disaster Management Plans at National, State and District levels.
• The Committee was headed by Shri J.C. Pant, former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

Objectives of the Committee

• Preparation of model Disaster Management Plans.
• Development of an effective organizational structure for disaster management.
• Strengthening disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation systems at all levels.

The present framework aims to establish an effective organizational structure at the district level for efficient management of all phases of disasters and emergencies.