DDMA

DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NORTH-EAST DISTRICT)

District North-East of the National Capital Territory of Delhi lies along the Yamuna River floodplain, which makes it comparatively more vulnerable to floods and earthquakes than several other districts. The district also has a high concentration of migrant population from various parts of the country such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, etc., resulting in densely populated resettlement colonies, slums, and industrial areas, many of which have narrow access lanes.

As per the latest Seismic Zonation Map of India, Delhi falls under Seismic Zone-IV, indicating high vulnerability to earthquakes. The district is therefore exposed to multiple hazards, including floods, earthquakes, fire incidents, and building collapses.

Disasters pose a serious threat to sustainable development, as they result in loss of life, damage to property, disruption of essential services, and economic losses. They also challenge development by destabilizing social systems and diverting limited resources towards emergency response and recovery.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), North-East District, regularly receives emergency calls related to fire incidents, building collapses, flooding, and other disaster-like situations. As mandated under Section 30(xiii) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the District Authority is responsible for facilitating community training and public awareness programmes for disaster prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.

Organisational Structure of District Disaster Management Authority, North-East District

FLOW CHART DDMA

Composition of DDMA, North-East District

The District Disaster Management Authority consists of the following members:

District Magistrate, North-East District – Chairperson (ex-officio)
Elected Representatives (MLAs / Municipal Councillors) – Co-Chairperson (ex-officio), nominated by the Hon’ble LG
Additional District Magistrate (North-East) – Member & Chief Executive Officer (ex-officio)
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East District) – Member (ex-officio)
Zonal Deputy Commissioner, MCD – Member (ex-officio)
Chief District Medical Officer, Directorate of Health Services (DHS) – Member (ex-officio)
Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD) – Member (ex-officio)

District Disaster Management Authority – Legal Framework

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is established under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, enacted by the Parliament of India. The Authority has been notified by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi vide Notification No. F. DRM/ADM(HQ)/DM/Rules/2006(i).

DDMA, North-East District, functions as the apex planning and coordinating body for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and mitigation initiatives within the district.

Powers and Functions of the Chairperson

The Chairperson of the District Authority, in addition to presiding over meetings, exercises and discharges such powers and functions as delegated by the District Authority.

In the event of an emergency, the Chairperson is empowered to exercise all or any powers of the District Authority, subject to ex-post facto ratification by the Authority. The District Authority or the Chairperson may, through a general or special written order, delegate powers and functions to the Chief Executive Officer, subject to specified conditions and limitations, as deemed appropriate.

INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM AND FUNCTIONS

(As per Disaster Management Act, 2005)

National Level Mechanism

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

[Constituted under Section 3 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005]

For effective coordination of disaster management activities at the national level, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been constituted under Section 3 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. NDMA is the apex policy-making body for disaster management in India and functions under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

NDMA is a multi-disciplinary authority comprising members from concerned Ministries, Departments, and Organizations, responsible for laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.

The Government of India has also prepared a National Contingency Action Plan through the nodal Ministry. Additionally, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, equipped with modern communication systems and technologies to support coordination and response during disasters.

State Level Mechanism

Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)

[Constituted under Section 14 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005]

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is constituted under Section 14 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It functions under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, with the Chief Minister of Delhi as the Vice-Chairperson, and Ministers of concerned departments as Members.

For the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Department of Revenue has been identified as the nodal department for disaster management, with the Divisional Commissioner acting as the Nodal Officer and Convener of the DDMA.

District Level Mechanism

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA),

North-East District

[Constituted under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005]

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), North-East District is constituted under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The Authority functions under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate, North-East District, who is the Chairperson (ex-officio).

An elected representative of the district (Member of Legislative Assembly / Municipal Councillor) functions as the Co-Chairperson (ex-officio). The Additional District Magistrate (North-East) serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority.

Members of the DDMA include representatives from Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Public Works Department (PWD), and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), ensuring effective inter-departmental coordination for disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation.