National, State Database Proposed In Bill To Amend Disaster Management Act Tabled In Parliament

Amid rain fury in several states, Union minister Nityanand Rai on Thursday introduced a bill to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, in Parliament. This includes a provision for creating a national and state database for timely assessment and measures during natural disasters.

At least 300 people were killed in rain-related incidents this week, with 256 of these deaths occurring in the massive landslides at Kerala’s Wayanad district.

According to the draft, the proposed disaster database will have details of fund allocation, expenditure as well as preparedness and mitigation plans as determined by the Centre. It also seeks to form an authority for urban disaster management in state capitals and major cities.