Reinforcing Resilience: Parliament Passes Disaster Management Amendment Bill

Parliament approved the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024, enhancing roles and streamlining disaster response in state and national frameworks. The Rajya Sabha's voice vote passed the bill, countering opposition amendments. The legislation aims to rectify state-identified issues from the 2005 Act, with the recent Wayanad disaster response stirring debate.

In a decisive move, the Indian Parliament passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024, aimed at reinforcing the operational efficiency of both national and state-level disaster management authorities.

The legislation, approved by a voice vote in the Rajya Sabha, was created to address challenges faced by states under the original 2005 Act and to implement the states' suggestions for improvement.

Notably, the bill also delves into improving synergy among disaster management organizations, amid criticism surrounding government response to recent events in Wayanad. However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed these challenges from opposition members, asserting the government's commitment to disaster management reform.

(With inputs from agencies.)