National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
The NDMA, as the apex body for disaster management, is headed by the Prime Minister and has the responsibility for laying down policies, plans and guidelines for DM and coordinating their enforcement and implementation for ensuring timely and effective response to disasters. The guidelines assist the Central Ministries, Departments and States to formulate their respective DM plans. It approves the National Disaster Management Plans and DM plans of the Central Ministries/Departments. It takes such other measures, as it may consider necessary, for the prevention of disasters, or mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building, for dealing with a threatening disaster situation or disaster. Central Ministries/Departments and State Governments extend necessary cooperation and assistance to NDMA for carrying out its mandate. It has to oversee the provision and application of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures. NDMA has the power to authorize the Departments or authorities concerned, to make emergency procurement of provisions or materials for rescue and relief in a threatening disaster situation or disaster. The general superintendence, direction and control of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is vested in and is exercised by the NDMA. The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) works within the framework of broad policies and guidelines laid down by the NDMA.
The NDMA is mandated to deal with all types of disasters; natural or man-made. Whereas, such other emergencies including those requiring close involvement of the security forces and/or intelligence agencies such as terrorism (counter-insurgency), law and order situations, serial bomb blasts, hijacking, air accidents, CBRN weapon systems, mine disasters, port and harbor emergencies, forest fires, oilfield fires and oil spills will continue to