DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2025

DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2025

Rapid urbanisation is posing new and unique challenges in urban areas of large urban agglomerations that span even more than one district in many areas.  Therefore, to address the issue of urban disaster risk management and have a focused approach towards urban issues, an enabling provision ‘41A’ has been made through amendment in the Disaster Management Act, 2005, empowering the State Governments to constitute Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) in State Capitals and all cities having Municipal Corporation (excluding NCT of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh) for dealing with city specific disasters more effectively. The UDMAs are responsible for preparation of Urban Plan addressing urban specific vulnerabilities including flooding and heatwaves and for coordinating the implementation of the same. Therefore, it is the mandate of the State Governments to set up UDMA. As per information available, only one state namely, Karnataka has constituted UDMA for Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, mandates the creation of a National Disaster Database, which includes risk assessments, mitigation plans, and real-time data on disasters. Alert agencies such as India Meteorological Department (IMD) have integrated AI/ML models into weather forecasting systems for seven-day advance predictions. This includes AI-driven simulations for flood forecasting (up to seven days ahead) and cyclone tracking, as part of Mission Mausam (launched in 2025, aiming for high-resolution AI forecasts by 2030).

High-Level Committee (HLC), approves financial assistance to the States from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). The HLC existed prior to enactment of Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. As it was performing important role in disaster management, statutory status was granted to HLC through amendment in DM Act in 2025. Further, Ministry of Home Affairs facilitates timely constitution and deputation   of Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) in the wake of a severe disaster, for immediate first-hand assessment of the damages caused. 

HLC has approved an amount of Rs 4576.7 crore from NDRF to various States during 2025-26 for floods/flash floods/cyclone/modernization of fire services/recovery and reconstruction needs etc. HLC has also approved the following amount from NDMF, under various schemes during this financial year:

 The Disaster Management Act has significantly strengthened India’s position as a Global leader in disaster management by establishing a robust legal and institutional framework that enhances coordination, preparedness and response capabilities. Through the implementation of the Act, India has demonstrated its commitment to pro-active disaster risk reduction and effective management at both national and regional level. India has emerged as a global leader in the field of disaster management through the following steps:

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.