The Parliament on Tuesday passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of national and state disaster management authorities.
The government emphasised that the amended legislation would enable states to handle disasters more effectively. The Rajya Sabha approved the bill through a voice vote. It had already received the Lok Sabha's clearance in December last year.
Several amendments proposed by Opposition members were rejected during the process. The government noted that states had faced challenges in implementing the Disaster Management Act of 2005, and the changes were designed based on issues highlighted and suggestions provided by the states.
The Bill seeks to specify the roles and responsibilities of various organisations involved in disaster management and ensure synergy and uniformity in response. The discussion also saw a significant focus on the government's response to the landslides in Wayanad last year, with several opposition members accusing the Centre of showing inadequate sensitivity.
The allegations were refuted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in his reply. He also asserted that there will be no centralisation of powers or discrimination with states in handling disasters.
(With PTI Inputs)
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