The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025

The Indian Parliament has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, introducing significant changes to the existing Disaster Management Act, 2005. These amendments aim to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation capabilities by clarifying definitions, establishing new bodies, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. The amendment clarifies that “man-made causes” of disasters do not include law and order situations. This distinction aims to prevent the misuse of the Disaster Management Act in handling routine law enforcement matters. A new clause introduces the concept of a “disaster database,” which will compile crucial information related to disaster assessment, fund allocation, expenditure, preparedness, mitigation plans, and risk registers. This database will improve data-driven decision-making and enhance transparency. The definition of “disaster management” is expanded to include “disaster risk reduction.” This encompasses efforts to reduce hazard exposure, vulnerability, and enhance preparedness and resilience. New clauses define “disaster risk” and “hazard,” providing a more comprehensive understanding of potential threats and their impacts. New definitions are added for “evacuation” and “exposure” giving clear meanings to these terms within the act.