Content and Image Courtesy: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
The National Disaster Management Guidelines on the Role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Disaster Management, as uploaded here with, has been formulated by NDMA in consultation with eminent humanitarian assistance practitioners, civil society representatives and senior administrators in the country. NGOs have contributed immensely in the development of our marginalised sections and backward areas through their selfless service. They have the flexibility to respond quickly and efficiently at the local level and are often the first organized group to reach the disaster site. Professional and innovative interventions of NGOs for disaster preparedness and mitigation at community level are now an increasing trend. In the paradigm shift in disaster management from post-disaster relief to pre-disaster preparedness, mitigation and improved emergency response capacities in the country, NGOs have more competitive advantages and flexibility of operations in fields like awareness generation, community level preparedness and capacity building of communities, while the Government agencies have their core competencies in formulating rules, procedures, and regulations for structural safety, synergising institutional commitments for disaster management and mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into development projects.
Recognizing the need of the hour, a National NGO Task Force on Disaster Management was established by NDMA in 2006 and several meetings of this Task Force were held to discuss strategies for consolidating and clarifying the Role of NGOs in DM. After a National Workshop in January 2006, several Core Groups were set up by NDMA to prepare the Draft National Disaster Management Guidelines on Role of NGOs in Disaster Management. These Guidelines were reviewed by various stakeholder groups. The Guidelines were also circulated to various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and State Governments for their feedback. The feedback and suggestions from the stakeholders were reviewed and incorporated wherever necessary. Video conferences with the senior officials of the State Disaster Management Authorities, State Governments and Union Territories were also conducted with senior administrators to elicit their feedback and suggestions for improving the Guidelines.
The Guidelines on the Role of NGOs in Disaster Management has been prepared to facilitate greater coordination between NGOs and Government institutions during various phases of the disaster management cycle, within the framework of the Disaster Management Act 2005. These Guidelines have explored the scope, role and opportunities for NGOs to mainstream disaster risk reduction into their developmental activities.
Comments, Suggestions and feedback are sought from NGOs, SDMAs, DDMAs and also from senior administrators of Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, humanitarian assistance practitioners and professionals by 15th October 2010.
To open the Guidelines on ‘Role of NGOs in Disaster Management’, please click here
Contact Details:
Sampurnananda Mahapatra,
Senior Specialist (Earthquake & Tsunami)
Room No. 210,
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
NDMA Bhawan, A-1 Safdarjung Enclave
New Delhi-110 029
Tel: +91 11 2670 1777
Fax: 011-26701794
Email: ndmaguidelines@gmail.com
Website: http://ndma.gov.in/