The Disaster Management Act, 2005
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of States
Section
Section 19 Omitted.
[Guidelines for minimum standard of relief by State Authority.] Omitted by the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 (10 of 2025), s. 11(w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 20 Constitution of State Executive Committee.
(1) The State Government shall, immediately after issue of notification under sub-section (1) of section 14, constitute a State Executive Committee to assist the State Authority in the performance of its functions and to coordinate action in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the State Authority and ensure the compliance of directions issued by the State Government under this Act.
(2) The State Executive Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:---
(a) the Chief Secretary to the State Government, who shall be Chairperson, ex officio;
(b) four Secretaries to the Government of the State of such departments as the State Government may think fit, ex officio.
1[(c) the Director General of Police of the State shall be member of the State Executive Committee, ex officio.]
(3) The Chairperson of the State Executive Committee shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be prescribed by the State Government and such other powers and functions as may be delegated to him by the State Authority.
(4) The procedure to be followed by the State Executive Committee in exercise of its powers and discharge of its functions shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.
(2) The State Executive Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:---
(a) the Chief Secretary to the State Government, who shall be Chairperson, ex officio;
(b) four Secretaries to the Government of the State of such departments as the State Government may think fit, ex officio.
1[(c) the Director General of Police of the State shall be member of the State Executive Committee, ex officio.]
(3) The Chairperson of the State Executive Committee shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be prescribed by the State Government and such other powers and functions as may be delegated to him by the State Authority.
(4) The procedure to be followed by the State Executive Committee in exercise of its powers and discharge of its functions shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.
1. Ins. by Act 10 of 2025, s. 12 (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 21 Constitution of sub-committees by State Executive Committee.
(1) The State Executive Committee may, as and when it considers necessary, constitute one or more sub-committees, for efficient discharge of its functions.
(2) The State Executive Committee shall, from amongst its members, appoint the Chairperson of the sub-committee referred to in sub-section (1).
3) Any person associated as an expert with any sub-committee may be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by the State Government.
(2) The State Executive Committee shall, from amongst its members, appoint the Chairperson of the sub-committee referred to in sub-section (1).
3) Any person associated as an expert with any sub-committee may be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by the State Government.
Section 22 Functions of the State Executive Committee.
(1) The State Executive Committee shall have the responsibility for implementing the National Plan and State Plan and act as the coordinating and monitoring body for management of disaster in the State.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the State Executive Committee may---
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(b) examine the vulnerability of different parts of the State to different forms of disasters and specify measures to be taken for their prevention or mitigation;
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(d) monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the Government of the State 2[, the District Authorities and the Urban Authorities];
(e) monitor the implementation of the guidelines laid down by the State Authority for integrating of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation by the departments in their development plans and projects;
(f) evaluate preparedness at all governmental or non-governmental levels to respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster and give directions, where necessary, for enhancing such preparedness;
(g) coordinate response in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(h) give directions to any Department of the Government of the State or any other authority or body in the State regarding actions to be taken in response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
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(j) advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the Government of the State, District Authorities 4[, Urban Authorities,] statutory bodies and other governmental and nongovernmental organisations engaged in disaster management;
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(l) advise the State Government regarding all financial matters in relation to disaster management;
(m) examine the construction, in any local area in the State and, if it is of the opinion that the standards laid for such construction for the prevention of disaster is not being or has not been followed, may direct the 6[District Authority, Urban Authority or the local authority], as the case may be, to take such action as may be necessary to secure compliance of such standards;
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(o) lay down, review and update State level response plans and guidelines and ensure that the district level plans are prepared, reviewed and updated;
(p) ensure that communication systems are in order and the disaster management drills are carried out periodically;
(q) perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the State Authority or as it may consider necessary.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the State Executive Committee may---
(b) examine the vulnerability of different parts of the State to different forms of disasters and specify measures to be taken for their prevention or mitigation;
(d) monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the Government of the State 2[, the District Authorities and the Urban Authorities];
(e) monitor the implementation of the guidelines laid down by the State Authority for integrating of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation by the departments in their development plans and projects;
(f) evaluate preparedness at all governmental or non-governmental levels to respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster and give directions, where necessary, for enhancing such preparedness;
(g) coordinate response in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(h) give directions to any Department of the Government of the State or any other authority or body in the State regarding actions to be taken in response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(j) advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the Government of the State, District Authorities 4[, Urban Authorities,] statutory bodies and other governmental and nongovernmental organisations engaged in disaster management;
(l) advise the State Government regarding all financial matters in relation to disaster management;
(m) examine the construction, in any local area in the State and, if it is of the opinion that the standards laid for such construction for the prevention of disaster is not being or has not been followed, may direct the 6[District Authority, Urban Authority or the local authority], as the case may be, to take such action as may be necessary to secure compliance of such standards;
(o) lay down, review and update State level response plans and guidelines and ensure that the district level plans are prepared, reviewed and updated;
(p) ensure that communication systems are in order and the disaster management drills are carried out periodically;
(q) perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the State Authority or as it may consider necessary.
1. Cls. (a) and (c) omitted by Act 10 of 2025, s. 13, (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for "and District Authorities" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
3. Cl. (i) omitted by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
4. Ins. by , s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
5. Cl. (k) omitted by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
6. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for "District Authority or the local authority" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
7. Cl. (n) omitted by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for "and District Authorities" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
3. Cl. (i) omitted by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
4. Ins. by , s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
5. Cl. (k) omitted by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
6. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for "District Authority or the local authority" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
7. Cl. (n) omitted by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 23 State Plan.
(1) There shall be a plan for disaster management for every State to be called the State Disaster Management Plan.
1[(2) The State Authority shall coordinate the preparation of the State Plan having regard to the National Plan and guidelines laid down by the National Authority, and in consultation with local authorities, District Authorities, Urban Authorities and the peoples representatives as the State Authority may deem fit.]
2[(3) The State Plan shall be approved by the State Authority.]
(4) The State Plan shall include,---
3[(a) the exposure of different parts of the State to different hazards and vulnerability of its people, assets, infrastructure, livelihood and economic activity to those hazards;]
(b) the measures to be adopted for prevention and mitigation of disasters;
(c) the manner in which the mitigation measures shall be integrated with the development plans and projects;
(d) the capacity-building and preparedness measures to be taken;
(e) the roles and responsibilities of each Department of the Government of the State in relation to the measures specified in clauses (b), (c) and (d) above;
(f) the roles and responsibilities of different Departments of the Government of the State in responding to any threatening disaster situation or disaster.
4[(5) The State Authority shall review the State Plan once in every three years and update atleast once in every five years.]
(6) Appropriate provisions shall be made by the State Government for financing for the measures to be carried out under the State Plan.
(7) Copies of the State Plan referred to in sub-sections (2) and (5) shall be made available to the Departments of the Government of the State and such Departments shall draw up their own plans in accordance with the State Plan.
1[(2) The State Authority shall coordinate the preparation of the State Plan having regard to the National Plan and guidelines laid down by the National Authority, and in consultation with local authorities, District Authorities, Urban Authorities and the peoples representatives as the State Authority may deem fit.]
2[(3) The State Plan shall be approved by the State Authority.]
(4) The State Plan shall include,---
3[(a) the exposure of different parts of the State to different hazards and vulnerability of its people, assets, infrastructure, livelihood and economic activity to those hazards;]
(b) the measures to be adopted for prevention and mitigation of disasters;
(c) the manner in which the mitigation measures shall be integrated with the development plans and projects;
(d) the capacity-building and preparedness measures to be taken;
(e) the roles and responsibilities of each Department of the Government of the State in relation to the measures specified in clauses (b), (c) and (d) above;
(f) the roles and responsibilities of different Departments of the Government of the State in responding to any threatening disaster situation or disaster.
4[(5) The State Authority shall review the State Plan once in every three years and update atleast once in every five years.]
(6) Appropriate provisions shall be made by the State Government for financing for the measures to be carried out under the State Plan.
(7) Copies of the State Plan referred to in sub-sections (2) and (5) shall be made available to the Departments of the Government of the State and such Departments shall draw up their own plans in accordance with the State Plan.
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2025, s. 14, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
3. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for cl. (a) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
4. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for sub-section (5) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
3. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for cl. (a) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
4. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for sub-section (5) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 24 Powers and functions of State Executive Committee in the event of threatening disaster situation.
For the purpose of, assisting and protecting the community affected by disaster or providing relief to such community or, preventing or combating disruption or dealing with the effects of any threatening disaster situation, the State Executive Committee may
(a) control and restrict, vehicular traffic to, from or within, the vulnerable or affected area;
(b) control and restrict the entry of any person into, his movement within and departure from, a vulnerable or affected area;
(c) remove debris, conduct search and carry out rescue operations;
(d) provide shelter, food, drinking water, essential provisions, healthcare and services in accordance with the standards laid down by the National Authority and State Authority;
(e) give direction to the concerned Department of the Government of the State, any District Authority 1[, any Urban Authority] or other authority, within the local limits of the State to take such measure or steps for rescue, evacuation or providing immediate relief saving lives or property, as may be necessary in its opinion;
(f) require any department of the Government of the State or any other body or authority or person in charge of any relevant resources to make available the resources for the purposes of emergency response, rescue and relief;
(g) require experts and consultants in the field of disasters to provide advice and assistance for rescue and relief;
(h) procure exclusive or preferential use of amenities from any authority or person as and when required;
(i) construct temporary bridges or other necessary structures and demolish unsafe structures which may be hazardous to public;
(j) ensure that non-governmental organisations carry out their activities in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner;
(k) disseminate information to public to deal with any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(l) take such steps as the Central Government or the State Government may direct in this regard or take such other steps as are required or warranted by the form of any threatening disaster situation or disaster.
(a) control and restrict, vehicular traffic to, from or within, the vulnerable or affected area;
(b) control and restrict the entry of any person into, his movement within and departure from, a vulnerable or affected area;
(c) remove debris, conduct search and carry out rescue operations;
(d) provide shelter, food, drinking water, essential provisions, healthcare and services in accordance with the standards laid down by the National Authority and State Authority;
(e) give direction to the concerned Department of the Government of the State, any District Authority 1[, any Urban Authority] or other authority, within the local limits of the State to take such measure or steps for rescue, evacuation or providing immediate relief saving lives or property, as may be necessary in its opinion;
(f) require any department of the Government of the State or any other body or authority or person in charge of any relevant resources to make available the resources for the purposes of emergency response, rescue and relief;
(g) require experts and consultants in the field of disasters to provide advice and assistance for rescue and relief;
(h) procure exclusive or preferential use of amenities from any authority or person as and when required;
(i) construct temporary bridges or other necessary structures and demolish unsafe structures which may be hazardous to public;
(j) ensure that non-governmental organisations carry out their activities in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner;
(k) disseminate information to public to deal with any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(l) take such steps as the Central Government or the State Government may direct in this regard or take such other steps as are required or warranted by the form of any threatening disaster situation or disaster.
1. Ins. by Act 10 of 2025, s. 15 (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 25 Constitution of District Disaster Management Authority.
(1) Every State Government shall, as soon as may be after issue of notification under sub-section (1) of section 14, by notification in the Official Gazette, establish a District Disaster Management Authority for every district in the State with such name as may be specified in that notification.
(2) The District Authority shall consist of the Chairperson and such number of other members, not exceeding seven, as may be prescribed by the State Government, and unless the rules otherwise provide, it shall consist of the following, namely:
(a) the Collector or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, of the district who shall be Chairperson, ex officio;
(b) the elected representative of the local authority who shall be the co-Chairperson, ex officio:
Provided that in the Tribal Areas, as referred to in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution, the Chief Executive Member of the district council of autonomous district, shall be the co-Chairperson, ex officio;
(c) the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority, ex officio;
(d) the Superintendent of Police, ex officio;
(e) the Chief Medical Officer of the district, ex officio;
1[(f) not exceeding two other Members to be appointed by the State Government who may be taken from other district level officers, disaster management experts and civil society organisation.]
(3) In any district where zila parishad exists, the Chairperson thereof shall be the co-Chairperson of the District Authority.
(4) The State Government shall appoint an officer not below the rank of Additional Collector or Additional District Magistrate or Additional Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, of the district to be the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority to exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be prescribed by the State Government and such other powers and functions as may be delegated to him by the District Authority.
(2) The District Authority shall consist of the Chairperson and such number of other members, not exceeding seven, as may be prescribed by the State Government, and unless the rules otherwise provide, it shall consist of the following, namely:
(a) the Collector or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, of the district who shall be Chairperson, ex officio;
(b) the elected representative of the local authority who shall be the co-Chairperson, ex officio:
Provided that in the Tribal Areas, as referred to in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution, the Chief Executive Member of the district council of autonomous district, shall be the co-Chairperson, ex officio;
(c) the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority, ex officio;
(d) the Superintendent of Police, ex officio;
(e) the Chief Medical Officer of the district, ex officio;
1[(f) not exceeding two other Members to be appointed by the State Government who may be taken from other district level officers, disaster management experts and civil society organisation.]
(3) In any district where zila parishad exists, the Chairperson thereof shall be the co-Chairperson of the District Authority.
(4) The State Government shall appoint an officer not below the rank of Additional Collector or Additional District Magistrate or Additional Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, of the district to be the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority to exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be prescribed by the State Government and such other powers and functions as may be delegated to him by the District Authority.
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2025, s. 16, for cl. (f) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 26 Powers of Chairperson of District Authority.
(1) The Chairperson of the District Authority shall, in addition to presiding over the meetings of the District Authority, exercise and discharge such powers and functions of the District Authority as the District Authority may delegate to him.
(2) The Chairperson of the District Authority shall, in the case of an emergency, have power to exercise all or any of the powers of the District Authority but the exercise of such powers shall be subject to ex post facto ratification of the District Authority.
(3) The District Authority or the Chairperson of the District Authority may, by general or special order, in writing, delegate such of its or his powers and functions, under sub-section (1) or (2), as the case may be, to the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority, subject to such conditions and limitations, if any, as it or he deems fit.
(2) The Chairperson of the District Authority shall, in the case of an emergency, have power to exercise all or any of the powers of the District Authority but the exercise of such powers shall be subject to ex post facto ratification of the District Authority.
(3) The District Authority or the Chairperson of the District Authority may, by general or special order, in writing, delegate such of its or his powers and functions, under sub-section (1) or (2), as the case may be, to the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority, subject to such conditions and limitations, if any, as it or he deems fit.
Section 27 Meetings.
The District Authority shall meet as and when necessary and at such time and place as the Chairperson may think fit.
Section 28 Constitution of advisory committees and other committees.
(1) The District Authority may, as and when it considers necessary, constitute one or more advisory committees and other committees for the efficient discharge of its functions.
(2) The District Authority shall, from amongst its members, appoint the Chairperson of the Committee referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) Any person associated as an expert with any committee or sub-committee constituted under sub-section (1) may be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by the State Government.
(2) The District Authority shall, from amongst its members, appoint the Chairperson of the Committee referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) Any person associated as an expert with any committee or sub-committee constituted under sub-section (1) may be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by the State Government.
Section 29 Appointment of officers and other employees of District Authority.
The State Government shall provide the District Authority with such officers, consultants and other employees as it considers necessary for carrying out the functions of District Authority.
Section 30 Powers and functions of District Authority.
(1) The District Authority shall act as the district planning, coordinating and implementing body for disaster management and take all measures for the purposes of disaster management in the district in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the District Authority may
(i) prepare a disaster management plan including district response plan for the district;
(ii) coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy, State Policy, National Plan, State Plan and District Plan;
(iii) ensure that the areas in the district vulnerable to disasters are identified and measures for the prevention of disasters and the mitigation of its effects are undertaken by the departments of the Government at the district level as well as by the local authorities;
(iv) ensure that the guidelines for prevention of disasters, mitigation of its effects, preparedness and response measures as laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority are followed by all departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district;
(v) give directions to different authorities at the district level and local authorities to take such other measures for the prevention or mitigation of disasters as may be necessary;
(vi) lay down guidelines for 1[preparation] of disaster management plans by the department of the Government at the districts level and local authorities in the district;
(vii) monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the Departments of the Government at the district level;
(viii) lay down guidelines to be followed by the Departments of the Government at the district level for purposes of integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in their development plans and projects and provide necessary technical assistance therefor;
(ix) monitor the implementation of measures referred to in clause (viii);
(x) review the state of capabilities for responding to any disaster or threatening disaster situation in the district and give directions to the relevant departments or authorities at the district level for their up gradation as may be necessary;
(xi) review the preparedness measures and give directions to the concerned departments at the district level or other concerned authorities where necessary for bringing the preparedness measures to the levels required for responding effectively to any disaster or threatening disaster situation;
(xii) organise and coordinate specialised training programmes for different levels of officers, employees and voluntary rescue workers in the district;
(xiii) facilitate community training and awareness programmes for prevention of disaster or mitigation with the support of local authorities, governmental and non-governmental organisations;
(xiv) set up, maintain, review and upgrade the mechanism for early warnings and dissemination of proper information to public;
(xv) prepare, review and update district level response plan and guidelines;
(xvi) coordinate response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(xvii) ensure that the Departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities prepare their response plans in accordance with the district response plan;
(xviii) lay down guidelines for, or give direction to, the concerned Department of the Government at the district level or any other authorities within the local limits of the district to take measures to respond effectively to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(xix) advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the Government at the district level, statutory bodies and other governmental and non-governmental organisations in the district engaged in the disaster management;
(xx) coordinate with, and give guidelines to, local authorities in the district to ensure that measures for the prevention or mitigation of threatening disaster situation or disaster in the district are carried out promptly and effectively;
(xxi) provide necessary technical assistance or give advise to the local authorities in the district for carrying out their functions;
(xxii) review development plans prepared by the Departments of the Government at the district level, statutory authorities or local authorities with a view to make necessary provisions therein for prevention of disaster or mitigation;
(xxiii) examine the construction in any area in the district and, if it is of the opinion that the standards for the prevention of disaster or mitigation laid down for such construction is not being or has not been followed, may direct the concerned authority to take such action as may be necessary to secure compliance of such standards;
(xxiv) identify buildings and places which could, in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster, be used as relief centers or camps and make arrangements for water supply and sanitation in such buildings or places;
(xxv) establish stockpiles of relief and rescue materials or ensure preparedness to make such materials available at a short notice;
(xxvi) provide information to the State Authority relating to different aspects of disaster management;
(xxvii) encourage the involvement of non-governmental organisations and voluntary socialwelfare institutions working at the grassroots level in the district for disaster management;
(xxviii) ensure communication systems are in order, and disaster management drills are carried out periodically;
(xxix) perform such other functions as the State Government or State Authority may assign to it or as it deems necessary for disaster management in the District.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the District Authority may
(i) prepare a disaster management plan including district response plan for the district;
(ii) coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy, State Policy, National Plan, State Plan and District Plan;
(iii) ensure that the areas in the district vulnerable to disasters are identified and measures for the prevention of disasters and the mitigation of its effects are undertaken by the departments of the Government at the district level as well as by the local authorities;
(iv) ensure that the guidelines for prevention of disasters, mitigation of its effects, preparedness and response measures as laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority are followed by all departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district;
(v) give directions to different authorities at the district level and local authorities to take such other measures for the prevention or mitigation of disasters as may be necessary;
(vi) lay down guidelines for 1[preparation] of disaster management plans by the department of the Government at the districts level and local authorities in the district;
(vii) monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the Departments of the Government at the district level;
(viii) lay down guidelines to be followed by the Departments of the Government at the district level for purposes of integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in their development plans and projects and provide necessary technical assistance therefor;
(ix) monitor the implementation of measures referred to in clause (viii);
(x) review the state of capabilities for responding to any disaster or threatening disaster situation in the district and give directions to the relevant departments or authorities at the district level for their up gradation as may be necessary;
(xi) review the preparedness measures and give directions to the concerned departments at the district level or other concerned authorities where necessary for bringing the preparedness measures to the levels required for responding effectively to any disaster or threatening disaster situation;
(xii) organise and coordinate specialised training programmes for different levels of officers, employees and voluntary rescue workers in the district;
(xiii) facilitate community training and awareness programmes for prevention of disaster or mitigation with the support of local authorities, governmental and non-governmental organisations;
(xiv) set up, maintain, review and upgrade the mechanism for early warnings and dissemination of proper information to public;
(xv) prepare, review and update district level response plan and guidelines;
(xvi) coordinate response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(xvii) ensure that the Departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities prepare their response plans in accordance with the district response plan;
(xviii) lay down guidelines for, or give direction to, the concerned Department of the Government at the district level or any other authorities within the local limits of the district to take measures to respond effectively to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(xix) advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the Government at the district level, statutory bodies and other governmental and non-governmental organisations in the district engaged in the disaster management;
(xx) coordinate with, and give guidelines to, local authorities in the district to ensure that measures for the prevention or mitigation of threatening disaster situation or disaster in the district are carried out promptly and effectively;
(xxi) provide necessary technical assistance or give advise to the local authorities in the district for carrying out their functions;
(xxii) review development plans prepared by the Departments of the Government at the district level, statutory authorities or local authorities with a view to make necessary provisions therein for prevention of disaster or mitigation;
(xxiii) examine the construction in any area in the district and, if it is of the opinion that the standards for the prevention of disaster or mitigation laid down for such construction is not being or has not been followed, may direct the concerned authority to take such action as may be necessary to secure compliance of such standards;
(xxiv) identify buildings and places which could, in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster, be used as relief centers or camps and make arrangements for water supply and sanitation in such buildings or places;
(xxv) establish stockpiles of relief and rescue materials or ensure preparedness to make such materials available at a short notice;
(xxvi) provide information to the State Authority relating to different aspects of disaster management;
(xxvii) encourage the involvement of non-governmental organisations and voluntary socialwelfare institutions working at the grassroots level in the district for disaster management;
(xxviii) ensure communication systems are in order, and disaster management drills are carried out periodically;
(xxix) perform such other functions as the State Government or State Authority may assign to it or as it deems necessary for disaster management in the District.
1. Subs. by Act 37 of 2025, s. 3 and Sch. II, for "prevention" (w.e.f. 20-12-2025).
Section 31 District Plan.
(1) There shall be a plan for disaster management for every district of the State.
(2) The District Plan shall be prepared by the District Authority, after consultation with the local authorities and having regard to the National Plan and the State Plan, to be approved by the State Authority.
(3) The District Plan shall include---
(a) the areas in the district vulnerable to different forms of disasters;
(b) the measures to be taken, for prevention and mitigation of disaster, by the Departments of the Government at the district level and local authorities in the district;
(c) the capacity-building and preparedness measures required to be taken by the Departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district to respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(d) the response plans and procedures, in the event of a disaster, providing for
(i) allocation of responsibilities to the Departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district;
(ii) prompt response to disaster and relief thereof;
(iii) procurement of essential resources;
(iv) establishment of communication links; and
(v) the dissemination of information to the public;
(e) such other matters as may be required by the State Authority.
(4) The District Plan shall be reviewed and updated 1[at least once in every two years or earlier as necessary].
(5) The copies of the District Plan referred to in sub-sections (2) and (4) shall be made available to the Departments of the Government in the district.
(6) The District Authority shall send a copy of the District Plan to the State Authority which shall forward it to the State Government.
(7) The District Authority shall, review from time to time, the implementation of the Plan and issue such instructions to different departments of the Government in the district as it may deem necessary for the implementation thereof.
(2) The District Plan shall be prepared by the District Authority, after consultation with the local authorities and having regard to the National Plan and the State Plan, to be approved by the State Authority.
(3) The District Plan shall include---
(a) the areas in the district vulnerable to different forms of disasters;
(b) the measures to be taken, for prevention and mitigation of disaster, by the Departments of the Government at the district level and local authorities in the district;
(c) the capacity-building and preparedness measures required to be taken by the Departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district to respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(d) the response plans and procedures, in the event of a disaster, providing for
(i) allocation of responsibilities to the Departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district;
(ii) prompt response to disaster and relief thereof;
(iii) procurement of essential resources;
(iv) establishment of communication links; and
(v) the dissemination of information to the public;
(e) such other matters as may be required by the State Authority.
(4) The District Plan shall be reviewed and updated 1[at least once in every two years or earlier as necessary].
(5) The copies of the District Plan referred to in sub-sections (2) and (4) shall be made available to the Departments of the Government in the district.
(6) The District Authority shall send a copy of the District Plan to the State Authority which shall forward it to the State Government.
(7) The District Authority shall, review from time to time, the implementation of the Plan and issue such instructions to different departments of the Government in the district as it may deem necessary for the implementation thereof.
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2025, s. 17, for "annually" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 32 Plans by different authorities at district level and their implementation.
Every office of the Government of India and of the State Government at the district level and the local authorities shall, subject to the supervision of the District Authority,—
(a) prepare a disaster management plan setting out the following, namely:—
(i) provisions for prevention and mitigation measures as provided for in the District Plan and as is assigned to the department or agency concerned;
(ii) provisions for taking measures relating to capacity-building and preparedness as laid down in the District Plan;
(iii) the response plans and procedures, in the event of, any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(b) coordinate the preparation and the implementation of its plan with those of the other organisations at the district level including local authority, communities and other stakeholders;
(c) regularly review and update the plan; and
(d) submit a copy of its disaster management plan, and of any amendment thereto, to the District Authority.
(a) prepare a disaster management plan setting out the following, namely:—
(i) provisions for prevention and mitigation measures as provided for in the District Plan and as is assigned to the department or agency concerned;
(ii) provisions for taking measures relating to capacity-building and preparedness as laid down in the District Plan;
(iii) the response plans and procedures, in the event of, any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(b) coordinate the preparation and the implementation of its plan with those of the other organisations at the district level including local authority, communities and other stakeholders;
(c) regularly review and update the plan; and
(d) submit a copy of its disaster management plan, and of any amendment thereto, to the District Authority.
Section 33 Requisition by the District Authority.
The District Authority may by order require any officer or any Department at the district level or any local authority to take such measures for the prevention or mitigation of disaster, or to effectively respond to it, as may be necessary, and such officer or department shall be bound to carry out such order.
Section 34 Powers and functions of District Authority in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster.
For the purpose of assisting, protecting or providing relief to the community, in response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster, the District Authority may—
(a) give directions for the release and use of resources available with any Department of the Government and the local authority in the district;
(b) control and restrict vehicular traffic to, from and within, the vulnerable or affected area;
(c) control and restrict the entry of any person into, his movement within and departure from, a vulnerable or affected area;
(d) remove debris, conduct search and carry out rescue operations;
(e) provide shelter, food, drinking water and essential provisions, healthcare and services;
(f) establish emergency communication systems in the affected area;
(g) make arrangements for the disposal of the unclaimed dead bodies;
(h) recommend to any Department of the Government of the State or any authority or body under that Government at the district level to take such measures as are necessary in its opinion;
(i) require experts and consultants in the relevant fields to advise and assist as it may deem necessary;
(j) procure exclusive or preferential use of amenities from any authority or person;
(k) construct temporary bridges or other necessary structures and demolish structures which may be hazardous to public or aggravate the effects of the disaster;
(l) ensure that the non-governmental organisations carry out their activities in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner;
(m) take such other steps as may be required or warranted to be taken in such a situation.
(a) give directions for the release and use of resources available with any Department of the Government and the local authority in the district;
(b) control and restrict vehicular traffic to, from and within, the vulnerable or affected area;
(c) control and restrict the entry of any person into, his movement within and departure from, a vulnerable or affected area;
(d) remove debris, conduct search and carry out rescue operations;
(e) provide shelter, food, drinking water and essential provisions, healthcare and services;
(f) establish emergency communication systems in the affected area;
(g) make arrangements for the disposal of the unclaimed dead bodies;
(h) recommend to any Department of the Government of the State or any authority or body under that Government at the district level to take such measures as are necessary in its opinion;
(i) require experts and consultants in the relevant fields to advise and assist as it may deem necessary;
(j) procure exclusive or preferential use of amenities from any authority or person;
(k) construct temporary bridges or other necessary structures and demolish structures which may be hazardous to public or aggravate the effects of the disaster;
(l) ensure that the non-governmental organisations carry out their activities in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner;
(m) take such other steps as may be required or warranted to be taken in such a situation.
Section 35 Central Government to take measures.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government shall take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of disaster management.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the measures which the Central Government may take under that sub-section include measures with respect to all or any of the following matters, namely:---
(a) 1[coordinate and monitor actions] of the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India, State Governments, National Authority, State Authorities, governmental and non-governmental organisations in relation to disaster management;
2* * * * *
(c) ensure appropriate allocation of funds for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and preparedness by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India;
2* * * * *
(e) cooperation and assistance to State Governments, as requested by them or otherwise deemed appropriate by it;
(f) deployment of naval, military and air forces, other armed forces of the Union or any other civilian personnel as may be required for the purposes of this Act;
(g) coordination with the United Nations agencies, international organisations and governments of foreign countries for the purposes of this Act;
(h) establish institutions for research, training, and developmental programmes in the field of disaster management;
3[(ha) notify the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India which shall have the responsibility for monitoring, early warning, prevention, mitigation, preparedness and capacity building with regard to disasters arising from various hazards;]
(i) such other matters as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of securing effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.
(3) The Central Government may extend such support to other countries affected by major disaster as it may deem appropriate.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the measures which the Central Government may take under that sub-section include measures with respect to all or any of the following matters, namely:---
(a) 1[coordinate and monitor actions] of the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India, State Governments, National Authority, State Authorities, governmental and non-governmental organisations in relation to disaster management;
(c) ensure appropriate allocation of funds for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and preparedness by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India;
(e) cooperation and assistance to State Governments, as requested by them or otherwise deemed appropriate by it;
(f) deployment of naval, military and air forces, other armed forces of the Union or any other civilian personnel as may be required for the purposes of this Act;
(g) coordination with the United Nations agencies, international organisations and governments of foreign countries for the purposes of this Act;
(h) establish institutions for research, training, and developmental programmes in the field of disaster management;
3[(ha) notify the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India which shall have the responsibility for monitoring, early warning, prevention, mitigation, preparedness and capacity building with regard to disasters arising from various hazards;]
(i) such other matters as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of securing effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.
(3) The Central Government may extend such support to other countries affected by major disaster as it may deem appropriate.
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2025, s. 18, for "coordination of actions" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Cls. (b) and (d) omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
3. Ins. by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Cls. (b) and (d) omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
3. Ins. by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 36 Responsibilities of Ministries or Departments of Government of India.
It shall be the responsibility of every Ministry or Department of the Government of India to---
(a) take measures necessary for prevention of disasters, mitigation, preparedness and capacitybuilding in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;
(b) integrate into its development plans and projects, the measures for prevention or mitigation of disasters in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;
(c) respond effectively and promptly to any threatening disaster situation or disaster in accordance with the guidelines of the National Authority or the directions of the National Executive Committee in this behalf;
(d) review the enactments administered by it, its policies, rules and regulations, with a view to incorporate therein the provisions necessary for prevention of disasters, mitigation or preparedness;
(e) allocate funds for measures for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and preparedness;
1[(f) provide assistance to the National Authority and State Government for drawing up mitigation, preparedness and response plans, capacity building, data collection and identification and training of personnel in relation to disaster management;]
(g) make available its resources to the National Executive Committee or a State Executive Committee for the purposes of responding promptly and effectively to any threatening disaster situation or disaster, including measures for---
(i) providing emergency communication in a vulnerable or affected area;
(ii) transporting personnel and relief goods to and from the affected area;
(iii) providing evacuation, rescue, temporary shelter or other immediate relief;
(iv) setting up temporary bridges, jetties and landing places;
(v) providing, drinking water, essential provisions, healthcare, and services in an affected area;
2[(vi) carrying out rescue and relief operations in the affected area;
(vii) assessing the damage from any disaster; and
(viii) carrying out the rehabilitation and re-construction;]
(h) take such other actions as it may consider necessary for disaster management.
(a) take measures necessary for prevention of disasters, mitigation, preparedness and capacitybuilding in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;
(b) integrate into its development plans and projects, the measures for prevention or mitigation of disasters in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;
(c) respond effectively and promptly to any threatening disaster situation or disaster in accordance with the guidelines of the National Authority or the directions of the National Executive Committee in this behalf;
(d) review the enactments administered by it, its policies, rules and regulations, with a view to incorporate therein the provisions necessary for prevention of disasters, mitigation or preparedness;
(e) allocate funds for measures for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and preparedness;
1[(f) provide assistance to the National Authority and State Government for drawing up mitigation, preparedness and response plans, capacity building, data collection and identification and training of personnel in relation to disaster management;]
(g) make available its resources to the National Executive Committee or a State Executive Committee for the purposes of responding promptly and effectively to any threatening disaster situation or disaster, including measures for---
(i) providing emergency communication in a vulnerable or affected area;
(ii) transporting personnel and relief goods to and from the affected area;
(iii) providing evacuation, rescue, temporary shelter or other immediate relief;
(iv) setting up temporary bridges, jetties and landing places;
(v) providing, drinking water, essential provisions, healthcare, and services in an affected area;
2[(vi) carrying out rescue and relief operations in the affected area;
(vii) assessing the damage from any disaster; and
(viii) carrying out the rehabilitation and re-construction;]
(h) take such other actions as it may consider necessary for disaster management.
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2025, s. 19, for clause (f) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Ins. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Ins. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
Section 37 Disaster management plans of Ministries or Departments of Government of India.
(1) Every Ministry or Department of the Government of India shall—
(a) prepare a disaster management plan specifying the following particulars, namely:—
(i) the measures to be taken by it for prevention and mitigation of disasters in accordance with the National Plan;
(ii) the specifications regarding integration of mitigation measures in its development plans in accordance with the guidelines of the National Authority and the National Executive Committee;
(iii) its roles and responsibilities in relation to preparedness and capacity-building to deal with any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(iv) its roles and responsibilities in regard to promptly and effectively responding to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(v) the present status of its preparedness to perform the roles and responsibilities specified in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv);
(vi) the measures required to be taken in order to enable it to perform its responsibilities specified in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv);
(b) review and update annually the plan referred to in clause (a);
(c) forward a copy of the plan referred to in clause (a) or clause (b), as the case may be, to the Central Government which Government shall forward a copy thereof to the National Authority for its approval.
(2) Every Ministry or Department of the Government of India shall—
(a) make, while preparing disaster management plan under clause (a) of sub-section (1), provisions for financing the activities specified therein;
(b) furnish a status report regarding the implementation of the plan referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1) to the National Authority, as and when required by it.
(a) prepare a disaster management plan specifying the following particulars, namely:—
(i) the measures to be taken by it for prevention and mitigation of disasters in accordance with the National Plan;
(ii) the specifications regarding integration of mitigation measures in its development plans in accordance with the guidelines of the National Authority and the National Executive Committee;
(iii) its roles and responsibilities in relation to preparedness and capacity-building to deal with any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(iv) its roles and responsibilities in regard to promptly and effectively responding to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
(v) the present status of its preparedness to perform the roles and responsibilities specified in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv);
(vi) the measures required to be taken in order to enable it to perform its responsibilities specified in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv);
(b) review and update annually the plan referred to in clause (a);
(c) forward a copy of the plan referred to in clause (a) or clause (b), as the case may be, to the Central Government which Government shall forward a copy thereof to the National Authority for its approval.
(2) Every Ministry or Department of the Government of India shall—
(a) make, while preparing disaster management plan under clause (a) of sub-section (1), provisions for financing the activities specified therein;
(b) furnish a status report regarding the implementation of the plan referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1) to the National Authority, as and when required by it.
Section 38 State Government to take measures.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, each State Government shall take all measures specified in the guidelines laid down by the National Authority and such further measures as it deems necessary or expedient, for the purpose of disaster management.
(2) The measures which the State Government may take under sub-section (1) include measures with respect to all or any of the following matters, namely:---
(a) coordination of actions of different departments of the Government of the State, the State Authority, District Authorities 1[, Urban Authorities] 2[local authorities] and other non-governmental organisations;
(b) cooperation and assistance in the disaster management to the National Authority and National Executive Committee, the State Authority and the State Executive Committee, 3[the District Authorities and the Urban Authorities];
(c) cooperation with, and assistance to, the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in disaster management, as requested by them or otherwise deemed appropriate by it;
(d) allocation of funds for measures for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and preparedness by the departments of the Government of the State in accordance with the provisions of the State Plan 4[, the District Plans and the Urban Plans];
(e) ensure that the integration of measures for prevention of disaster or mitigation by the departments of the Government of the State in their development plans and projects;
(f) integrate in the State development plan, measures to reduce or mitigate the vulnerability of different parts of the State to different disasters;
(g) ensure the preparation of disaster management plans by different departments of the State in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority;
(h) establishment of adequate warning systems up to the level of vulnerable communities;
(i) ensure that different departments of the Government of the State 5[, the District Authorities and the Urban Authorities] take appropriate preparedness measures;
6[(ia) notify State-specific hazard-wise nodal Departments, which shall have the responsibility for monitoring, early warning, prevention, mitigation, preparedness and capacity building with regard to disasters arising from those State-specific hazards;]
(j) ensure that in a threatening disaster situation or disaster, the resources of different departments of the Government of the State are made available to the National Executive Committee or the State Executive Committee 7[, the District Authorities or the Urban Authorities], as the case may be, for the purposes of effective response, rescue and relief in any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
8[(k) provide recovery and reconstruction assistance to the victims of any disaster; and]
(l) such other matters as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of securing effective implementation of provisions of this Act.
(2) The measures which the State Government may take under sub-section (1) include measures with respect to all or any of the following matters, namely:---
(a) coordination of actions of different departments of the Government of the State, the State Authority, District Authorities 1[, Urban Authorities] 2[local authorities] and other non-governmental organisations;
(b) cooperation and assistance in the disaster management to the National Authority and National Executive Committee, the State Authority and the State Executive Committee, 3[the District Authorities and the Urban Authorities];
(c) cooperation with, and assistance to, the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in disaster management, as requested by them or otherwise deemed appropriate by it;
(d) allocation of funds for measures for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and preparedness by the departments of the Government of the State in accordance with the provisions of the State Plan 4[, the District Plans and the Urban Plans];
(e) ensure that the integration of measures for prevention of disaster or mitigation by the departments of the Government of the State in their development plans and projects;
(f) integrate in the State development plan, measures to reduce or mitigate the vulnerability of different parts of the State to different disasters;
(g) ensure the preparation of disaster management plans by different departments of the State in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority;
(h) establishment of adequate warning systems up to the level of vulnerable communities;
(i) ensure that different departments of the Government of the State 5[, the District Authorities and the Urban Authorities] take appropriate preparedness measures;
6[(ia) notify State-specific hazard-wise nodal Departments, which shall have the responsibility for monitoring, early warning, prevention, mitigation, preparedness and capacity building with regard to disasters arising from those State-specific hazards;]
(j) ensure that in a threatening disaster situation or disaster, the resources of different departments of the Government of the State are made available to the National Executive Committee or the State Executive Committee 7[, the District Authorities or the Urban Authorities], as the case may be, for the purposes of effective response, rescue and relief in any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
8[(k) provide recovery and reconstruction assistance to the victims of any disaster; and]
(l) such other matters as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of securing effective implementation of provisions of this Act.
1. Ins. by Act 10 of 2025, s. 20 (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "local authority" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
3. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "and the District Authorities" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
4. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "and the District Plans" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
5. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "and the District Authorities" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
6. Ins. by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
7. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "or the District Authorities" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
8. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for clause (k) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
2. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "local authority" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
3. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "and the District Authorities" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
4. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "and the District Plans" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
5. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "and the District Authorities" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
6. Ins. by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
7. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for "or the District Authorities" (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).
8. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for clause (k) (w.e.f. 9-4-2025).