National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC): Preparedness for Natural Disasters

The Union Cabinet Secretary chaired a National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) meeting to assess India's preparedness for the 2024 heatwave and forest fire season.

1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) presented on the current situation and mitigation efforts.

Key points discussed included:

1. Heatwave: India experienced 10-22 more heatwave days than usual from April to June 2024, with above-normal days expected in Northwest and North Central India for June. Regular alerts are being issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
2. Preparations: Central and state governments have conducted meetings and issued advisories since October 2023. States have been instructed to activate control rooms, enforce heatwave protocols, ensure water and power supply, and conduct fire safety audits.
3. Forest Fires: Regular fire alerts are being sent via SMS and email, and the "VAN AGNI" portal provides real-time alerts. The importance of a comprehensive approach with prevention and rapid response was emphasised.
4. Recommendations: The Cabinet Secretary urged state officials to regularly review short, medium, and long-term preparedness measures, including maintaining water sources and conducting fire safety audits. He stressed the importance of minimising loss of life and damage, and assured states of central government support.

The meeting was attended by officials from various ministries and departments, as well as chief secretaries and senior officials from multiple states.

About NCMC:

1. The NCMC and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) are crucial national-level committees responsible for top-level decision-making regarding disaster management.
2. It handles major crises with severe or nationwide consequences.

Key Functions:

1. The NCMC reviews preparedness measures, coordinates relief efforts, and provides logistic and financial support to state governments to manage natural disasters effectively.
2. It ensures that necessary preventive and precautionary measures are implemented to minimize damage and loss of life.

Composition:

• The NCMC is headed by the Cabinet Secretary (Chairperson) and includes Secretaries of Ministries, Departments, and agencies with specific disaster management responsibilities.

Sendai Framework:

1. The Sendai Framework is a 15-year plan adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to reduce global disaster risks and losses.
2. It aims to guide multi-hazard management and reduce disaster risk through seven global targets by 2030.
3. The framework emphasizes understanding disaster risks, improving governance, investing in risk reduction, and enhancing preparedness for effective response and recovery efforts.

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