Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Q6. Assess the effectiveness of India’s institutional framework for flood disaster management. What are the limitations of NDMA and state DMAs. Outline reforms needed for stronger federal coordination. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Recent floods in Punjab (2025) have exposed weaknesses in India’s institutional disaster management system, making it important to assess NDMA/SDMAs and explore reforms for coordinated federal action.Key Demand of the question
The question demands an assessment of the effectiveness of India’s institutional framework for flood disaster management, identification of the specific limitations of NDMA and state DMAs, and suggestions for reforms to strengthen federal coordination.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly set context with India’s vulnerability to floods and the creation of the institutional framework through the DM Act, 2005.
Body
- Effectiveness of institutional framework – highlight both achievements and persistent challenges.
- Limitations of NDMA and state DMAs – bring out structural, financial, and functional constraints.
- Reforms for stronger federal coordination – suggest constitutional, institutional, and fiscal mechanisms.
Conclusion
End with a forward-looking line on making floods a managed hydrological event through coordinated and resilient governance.
