India's Disaster Management Gets Proactive with New Amendment Bill

Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlines the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at transforming disaster management from reactive to proactive and participatory. The bill seeks to integrate AI monitoring, social media alerts, and community involvement to ensure enhanced disaster response across India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the introduction of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, highlighting a shift from traditional disaster response to a proactive, innovative, and participatory approach. While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Shah emphasized connecting various levels of government and citizens to enhance disaster resilience without centralizing power.

Highlighting the Modi administration's goals, Shah explained the transition from reactive responses to proactive risk reduction. The new bill promotes AI-powered real-time monitoring, transitioning from radio to social media alerts, and encouraging societal participation in managing disasters, aiming for zero casualties in future crises.

Shah credited the Modi government's efforts over the past decade for elevating India's disaster management framework to regional and global recognition. He cited initiatives like Mission Life and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI) as pivotal in global cooperation and environmental protection.

(With inputs from agencies.)