NDMA & NDRF Framework — Set 6

Correct Answer: A. Block Level Committees

Block Level Committees under the Block Development Officer coordinate disaster management at the sub-district level in rural areas. These committees include representatives from various line departments, panchayat functionaries, NGOs, and community groups. They implement disaster preparedness activities and are the first administrative unit to respond to local disasters.

Correct Answer: B. Mumbai floods 2005

NDMA guidelines on Urban Flooding were released in the aftermath of the devastating Mumbai floods of July 26, 2005, which exposed the vulnerability of Indian cities to urban flooding. The guidelines address urban drainage, land use planning, building regulations, and emergency response for urban flood situations. They have been referenced in addressing subsequent urban flooding events in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Correct Answer: C. Strategic locations covering major disaster-prone regions

NDRF battalions are pre-positioned at strategic locations across India to cover major disaster-prone regions including seismic zones, flood-prone river basins, cyclone-prone coastal areas, and landslide-prone Himalayan areas. This geographic distribution ensures that NDRF can respond quickly to disasters in any part of the country. Pre-positioning is reviewed periodically based on changing risk assessments and disaster patterns.

Correct Answer: A. Earthquake response

India's NDRF received the United Nations (INSARAG) Heavy Classification in 2020 for its earthquake urban search and rescue capabilities, making it one of the few Asian forces with this global recognition. The classification involved rigorous assessment of NDRF's technical search and rescue capabilities, management systems, and coordination protocols. This recognition helped establish NDRF as a credible international disaster response force.

Correct Answer: B. To provide a framework and direction for disaster management at national level

The primary objective of the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) is to provide a framework and direction to government agencies at the national, state, and district levels for disaster management. The NDMP covers all phases from prevention and mitigation to preparedness, response, and recovery. It is aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and India's development planning processes.

Correct Answer: C. High Level Committee (HLC)

The High Level Committee (HLC) reviews disaster management proposals and funding at the central government level. The HLC consists of senior ministers and reviews requests from state governments for assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund. The committee assesses the severity of disasters and recommends the quantum of financial assistance to be provided to states.

Correct Answer: C. Multiple battalions covering east coast

Multiple NDRF battalions are pre-positioned on the eastern coast of India in states like Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh to respond quickly to cyclones that frequently form in the Bay of Bengal. These battalions are put on high alert and pre-deployed even before cyclone landfall based on IMD warnings. The proactive deployment strategy has significantly improved rescue and response efficiency during cyclone events.

Correct Answer: B. Section 44

Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 establishes the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as a specialized force for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster. The section empowers the central government to constitute NDRF and specify its terms and conditions of service. Subsequent rules and regulations under this section govern the functioning of NDRF.

Correct Answer: B. Disaster Risk Reduction

DRR stands for Disaster Risk Reduction, which refers to the systematic effort to analyze and reduce the factors causing disasters through prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. DRR is the focus of international frameworks like the Sendai Framework 2015-2030 and is increasingly being integrated into development planning. India's NDMA incorporates DRR principles in all its guidelines and national plans.

Correct Answer: C. USA

The Incident Command System (ICS) was originally developed in the United States in the 1970s following communications failures during large wildfire operations in California. ICS provides a standardized command structure for managing emergency operations that can expand or contract based on the complexity of the incident. India has adopted a modified ICS for disaster response operations at the district and state level.