INTEGRATION OF AI IN NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT

**Executive Summary** This document outlines amendments to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to address urban disaster risks through the creation of Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs) and a National Disaster Database. Key deadlines include the mandate for UDMA establishment and the use of AI/ML in weather forecasting. The High-Level Committee (HLC) has approved financial assistance for disaster relief and modernization. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA)** * Provision '41A' has been added to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, enabling State Governments to constitute UDMAs. * UDMAs are to be established in State Capitals and all cities with Municipal Corporations (excluding NCT of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh). * UDMAs will focus on preparing Urban Plans addressing city-specific vulnerabilities (e.g., flooding, heat waves) and coordinating their implementation. * State Governments are mandated to set up UDMAs. * **National Disaster Database and AI Integration** * The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, mandates the creation of a National Disaster Database. * This database will include risk assessments, mitigation plans, and real-time disaster data. * Alert agencies like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have integrated AI/ML models for weather forecasting. * This integration supports seven-day advance predictions, AI-driven flood forecasting (up to seven days ahead), and cyclone tracking under Mission Mausam. * **High-Level Committee (HLC) and Financial Assistance** * The High-Level Committee (HLC), previously functioning without statutory status, has been granted statutory status through the DM Act amendment in 2025. * The HLC approves financial assistance to States from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). * The Ministry of Home Affairs facilitates the timely constitution and deputation of Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) for first-hand assessment of damage after severe disasters. * The HLC has approved Rs 4576.7 crore from NDRF to various States for 2025-26 for flood/flash flood/cyclone response, modernization of fire services, and recovery/reconstruction. **Impact Analysis** **State Governments** * **Impact**: Responsible for the constitution and establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs) in designated cities. * **Action Required**: Set up UDMAs as mandated by the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. **Cities with Municipal Corporations (excluding NCT of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh)** * **Impact**: Will be covered by the establishment of UDMAs for city-specific disaster risk management. * **Action Required**: None explicitly stated for these cities, but they are the beneficiaries of UDMA functions. **Alert Agencies (e.g., India Meteorological Department - IMD)** * **Impact**: Required to integrate AI/ML models into weather forecasting systems for enhanced prediction capabilities. * **Action Required**: Continue and expand the integration of AI/ML for seven-day advance predictions, flood forecasting, and cyclone tracking. **High-Level Committee (HLC)** * **Impact**: Has statutory status and continues to approve financial assistance from NDRF and NDMF. * **Action Required**: Continue to approve financial assistance for disaster relief, mitigation, and recovery. **States** * **Impact**: Eligible for financial assistance from NDRF for various disaster-related needs. * **Action Required**: Utilize the approved financial assistance of Rs 4576.7 crore for floods/flash floods/cyclones, modernization of fire services, and recovery/reconstruction. **Ministry of Home Affairs** * **Impact**: Facilitates the constitution and deputation of Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs). * **Action Required**: Facilitate timely constitution and deputation of IMCTs in the wake of severe disasters.

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