Congress slams changes to Disaster Management Bill

MP accuses Centre of weakening federalism as BJP accuses the previous UPA government of neglecting disaster-hit regions

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday intro- duced the Disaster Management Amendment Bill 2024 in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill sparked a heated debate, with Congress ‘accusing the government of weakening federalism, while the BJP defended the amendments, highlight- ing the need for stronger disaster management.

Participating in the debate, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Neeraj Dangi criticised the proposed amendments.

“The Disaster Management Act was introduced in 2005 to establish a robust framework for disaster management, focussing on prevention, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation,” Dangi said.

He argued that the new Bill contains several flaws and undermines the federal structure.

“This Bill weakens federalism, ignores the expectations of local communities, and lacks a comprehensive approach to disaster risk management, including climate change adaptation and animal welfare,” he alleged.

A key point of contention, according to Dangi, is the Bill's emphasis on empowering the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) at the expense of local bodies.

“This top-down approach can delay crucial disaster management efforts and reduces the autonomy of local authorities,” he said.