NDMA & NDRF Framework — Set 5

Correct Answer: D. All three above

The correct answer is 'All three above'. NDMA has issued guidelines on safer construction practices for multiple disaster types including earthquakes, cyclones, and floods. These guidelines provide technical standards and best practices for constructing disaster-resistant buildings and infrastructure. The guidelines are aimed at engineers, architects, builders, and homeowners to ensure that new construction reduces the risk from these hazards.

Correct Answer: B. State Disaster Response Fund

SDRF stands for State Disaster Response Fund in the context of Indian disaster management. It is the primary fund available with state governments for disaster response activities, constituted under Section 48 of the Disaster Management Act 2005. The central government contributes to the SDRF corpus and states must use it for specified disaster relief activities.

Correct Answer: B. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is primarily responsible for cyclone early warning in India. IMD's cyclone warning services include track forecasting, storm surge prediction, and multi-level alert system (watches and warnings) disseminated 72 hours before cyclone landfall. IMD coordinates with NDMA, state governments, and media to ensure warnings reach coastal communities.

Correct Answer: C. NDMA in coordination with MEA

International cooperation in disaster management is primarily coordinated by NDMA in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). NDMA maintains bilateral and multilateral disaster management cooperation agreements and coordinates India's participation in international forums. MEA handles diplomatic aspects while NDMA provides technical and operational coordination for international disaster response.

Correct Answer: C. 4 phases

India's disaster management framework recognizes four phases: Mitigation (reducing disaster risks), Preparedness (capacity building and planning), Response (emergency actions), and Recovery (restoration and reconstruction). This four-phase approach is aligned with international best practices and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Each phase has specific activities, responsibilities, and plans under the National Disaster Management Plan.

Correct Answer: B. 2006

NDRF was operationally activated for the first time in 2006, after its constitution under the Disaster Management Act 2005. Initially, 8 NDRF battalions were raised, and the force has since been expanded to 16 battalions. The initial operational deployments helped establish NDRF's capabilities and identify areas for further training and equipment upgrades.

Correct Answer: A. NDMA Disability Guidelines 2012

NDMA released guidelines on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction in 2012, recognizing that persons with disabilities face heightened risks during disasters. The guidelines advocate for inclusive planning that considers the specific needs of differently-abled persons during evacuation, relief, and rehabilitation. The guidelines align with international frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Correct Answer: B. Police powers

NDRF personnel are vested with police powers under Section 65 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 during disaster operations. This includes powers of entry, search, and rescue that may be required during emergency response. These powers ensure that NDRF can operate effectively even in the absence of local authorities and can requisition resources as needed.

Correct Answer: D. Parliamentary appropriation and cess

The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) receives funding through parliamentary appropriation and may also receive funds from cess, grants, or other sources as prescribed. The fund's corpus is built up through annual budget allocations by the central government. The NDRF supplements the State Disaster Response Funds when states face disasters that exceed their capacity to handle.

Correct Answer: B. Plan prepared by DDMA for the district

The District Disaster Management Plan is prepared by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) for managing disasters within the district. It includes hazard and vulnerability assessment, resource inventory, response plans, evacuation routes, and contact information for all relevant agencies. The plan is updated periodically and is the primary operational guide during disasters at the district level.