Parliament Question: Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1336 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 11TH FEBRUARY, 2026/ MAGHA 22, 1947 (SAKA) DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2025 1336 # SHRI MAYANKKUMAR NAYAK: SHRI BABUBHAI JESANGBHAI DESAI: SHRI AMAR PAL MAURYA: SHRI SUBHASH BARALA: SMT. RAMILABEN BECHARBHAI BARA: SHRI NARHARI AMIN: SMT. KIRAN CHOUDHRY: SMT. MAMATA MOHANTA: SHRI CHUNNILAL GARASIYA: Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the role of Urban Disaster Management Authorities in managing urban flooding and heatwaves in cities during the 2025 monsoon and summer; (b) the current status of integrating AI with the National Disaster Database for seven-day advance prediction of extreme climate events; (c) whether granting statutory status to the High-Level Committee (HLC) under the 2025 Act has ensured timely release of disaster relief funds to States; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) how has the Act strengthened India’s position as a global leader in disaster management? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI) (a): Rapid urbanisation is posing new and unique challenges in urban areas of large urban agglomerations that span even more than one district in many-2- R.S.US.Q.NO. 1336 FOR 11.02.2026 areas. Therefore, to address the issue of urban disaster risk management and have a focused approach towards urban issues, an enabling provision ‘41A’ has been made through amendment in the Disaster Management Act, 2005, empowering the State Governments to constitute Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) in State Capitals and all cities having Municipal Corporation (excluding NCT of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh) for dealing with city specific disasters more effectively. The UDMAs are responsible for preparation of Urban Plan addressing urban specific vulnerabilities including flooding and heatwaves and for coordinating the implementation of the same. Therefore, it is the mandate of the State Governments to set up UDMA. As per information available, only one state namely, Karnataka has constituted UDMA for Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike. (b): The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, mandates the creation of a National Disaster Database, which includes risk assessments, mitigation plans, and real-time data on disasters. Alert agencies such as India Meteorological Department (IMD) have integrated AI/ML models into weather forecasting systems for seven-day advance predictions. This includes AI- driven simulations for flood forecasting (up to seven days ahead) and cyclone tracking, as part of Mission Mausam (launched in 2025, aiming for high- resolution AI forecasts by 2030).-3- R.S.US.Q.NO. 1336 FOR 11.02.2026 (c) and (d): High-Level Committee (HLC), approves financial assistance to the States from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). The HLC existed prior to enactment of Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. As it was performing important role in disaster management, statutory status was granted to HLC through amendment in DM Act in 2025. Further, Ministry of Home Affairs facilitates timely constitution and deputation of Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) in the wake of a severe disaster, for immediate first-hand assessment of the damages caused. HLC has approved an amount of Rs 4576.7 crore from NDRF to various States during 2025-26 for floods/flash floods/cyclone/modernization of fire services/recovery and reconstruction needs etc. HLC has also approved the following amount from NDMF, under various schemes during this financial year: 1. Urban Fund Risk Management Programme (Phase-II):-Rs. 2444.42 Cr. 2. Restoration and rejuvenation of Assam Wet Land: Rs. 692.05 Cr. 3. National Project for Strengthening Community based Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives in Panchayat Raj Institution: Rs. 507.37 Crore (including Rs. 203.62 Crore by Ministry of Panchayti Raj).-4- R.S.US.Q.NO. 1336 FOR 11.02.2026 (e): The Disaster Management Act has significantly strengthened India’s position as a Global leader in disaster management by establishing a robust legal and institutional framework that enhances coordination, preparedness and response capabilities. Through the implementation of the Act, India has demonstrated its commitment to pro-active disaster risk reduction and effective management at both national and regional level. India has emerged as a global leader in the field of disaster management through the following steps: i. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched by the Prime Minister at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York on September 23, 2019. So far, 53 countries and 12 international organizations have joined as its members. ii. The Government is providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief assistance to disaster affected countries. In the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', Operation Dost in Turkiye and Syria, Operation Brahma in Myanmar, etc. were initiated by Government of India to provide immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to the victims of disaster. ******