NDMA & NDRF Framework — Set 14

Correct Answer: C. Flexible, scalable command structure adaptable to incident complexity

The Incident Response System (IRS) establishes a flexible, scalable command structure that can expand or contract based on the complexity and scale of the incident. A small incident might be managed by a single Incident Commander, while a large disaster requires a full IRS structure with command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration sections. This scalability ensures efficient resource use across incidents of different sizes.

Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Education in coordination with NCERT/UGC/state boards

The Ministry of Education in coordination with NCERT, UGC, and state education boards is responsible for implementing the DM Act's mandate to include disaster management in educational curricula. NCERT has developed disaster management content for school textbooks and NIDM supports curriculum development. This inclusion aims to create disaster-aware citizens from a young age and improve community resilience.

Correct Answer: C. High risk for multiple hazards

India is classified as high risk for multiple hazards in global disaster risk indices, given its geographic position exposing it to earthquakes, cyclones, floods, droughts, tsunamis, and landslides. India accounts for a significant proportion of global disaster fatalities and economic losses annually. This high-risk classification underscores the importance of India's investment in disaster risk reduction and management capabilities.

Correct Answer: B. NDRF Directorate General

The NDRF Directorate General is responsible for developing training standards and curricula for NDRF personnel. The training is delivered at the NDRF Academy in Nagpur and at battalion training centres. NDRF's training standards have been aligned with international benchmarks, as evidenced by its INSARAG Heavy Classification, which requires meeting globally recognized search and rescue standards.

Correct Answer: B. Section 12 provides minimum standards of relief

Section 12 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 empowers NDMA to recommend minimum standards of relief that states must provide to disaster victims. This includes relief including minimum quantities of food, water, shelter, clothing, medical coverage, and sanitation. These standards, while not a legal entitlement to court-enforceable compensation, establish the minimum government obligation toward disaster victims.

Correct Answer: B. Active partner in early warning dissemination and community awareness

Media plays an active partner role in NDMA's disaster communication framework, serving as a crucial channel for early warning dissemination, preparedness awareness, and relief information during disasters. NDMA has developed media guidelines for responsible disaster reporting to ensure accurate, helpful coverage that supports response efforts rather than causing panic. Television and radio broadcast emergency alerts, while social media has become an important platform for real-time disaster communication.

Correct Answer: B. Flood plain zoning, embankments, and early warning systems

The National Flood Risk Mitigation Project focuses on key actions including flood plain zoning, strengthening and construction of embankments, improving flood forecasting and early warning systems, and promoting flood-resilient construction. These measures aim to reduce India's high annual flood losses which affect millions of people. The project coordinates between central water agencies, state governments, and local bodies for integrated flood risk management.

Correct Answer: B. Comprehensive assessment of damage, losses, and needs across all sectors

The Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) provides a comprehensive assessment of damage (physical destruction), losses (changes in economic flows), and recovery needs across all sectors including housing, infrastructure, social sectors, productive sectors, and cross-cutting issues. PDNA is jointly conducted by government, UN agencies, World Bank, and EU using standardized methodology. It guides recovery planning and provides the basis for international assistance requests.

Correct Answer: B. Indo-Nepal, Indo-Bangladesh trans-boundary disaster management

NDMA has established specific protocols for trans-boundary disaster management with Nepal and Bangladesh, as river flooding, earthquakes, and other disasters frequently affect communities on both sides of these borders. Indo-Nepal disaster management coordination is particularly important for floods in the Ganges and Kosi basins and for Himalayan earthquakes. These protocols facilitate information sharing, early warning, and coordination of relief operations across borders.

Correct Answer: B. National Level Mock Exercise (NLME)

National Level Mock Exercises (NLME) test India's national disaster management response system periodically, simulating major disaster scenarios to evaluate the coordination and response capabilities of central ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders. NDMA organizes these exercises in coordination with the Cabinet Secretariat. The exercises identify gaps and lead to improvements in response plans and coordination mechanisms.