Nepal has strengthened its national disaster risk reduction and management framework with the establishment and operationalization of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). This central agency, created under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2074 BS (2017 AD), became fully functional in December 2019 with the appointment of its executive chief. The NDRRMA serves as the apex body for coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across the country, working under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Chenab Times has learned that the NDRRMA’s establishment marks a significant step towards a more integrated and effective approach to disaster management in Nepal. Prior to its formation, disaster coordination responsibilities were largely handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs through various committees, a system that has been reorganized and centralized under the new authority. The NDRRMA’s mandate includes formulating national disaster management policies and plans, coordinating international aid, and establishing agreements with private sector partners for essential services like helicopter and drone support.
The authority plays a crucial role in coordinating disaster response by organizing efforts into clusters, each led by a designated ministry and supported by relevant international agencies. This structured approach ensures that different sectors, such as emergency shelter, health, and water and sanitation, are managed effectively during crises. The agency also oversees the Nepal Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), which was absorbed into the NDRRMA and continues to function as a critical hub for real-time information and operational coordination among all levels of government and response agencies.
The NDRRMA’s structure involves an executive committee chaired by the Home Minister, which operates under the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, headed by the Prime Minister. At the provincial level, Disaster Management Committees, led by Chief Ministers, are responsible for implementing national policies and plans. Similarly, District Disaster Management Committees, coordinated by the Chief District Officer, and local-level committees ensure disaster management capacity is distributed across all administrative tiers. This multi-level governance structure aims to enhance preparedness and response at the grassroots level.
In addition to its coordination roles, the NDRRMA is mandated to conduct studies and research on various natural hazards prevalent in Nepal, including floods, landslides, earthquakes, and the impacts of climate change. The authority also focuses on capacity building, operating an e-learning platform for training government and non-government agencies. It works to mobilize security forces, including the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, for search and rescue operations and relief efforts, leveraging their resources and expertise during emergencies. The Nepali Army, in particular, plays a vital role in large-scale disaster response, bringing substantial logistical and medical capabilities.
The establishment of NDRRMA is in line with Nepal’s commitment to disaster risk reduction as outlined in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074 BS. This legislation provides a comprehensive framework for managing disasters, emphasizing the need for a centralized, coordinated, and proactive approach. The authority also acts as a central resource body, providing financial and technical support to provincial and local governments to develop disaster management plans and build search and rescue teams.
Nepal, situated in a seismically active zone and prone to various natural hazards like floods and landslides exacerbated by climate change and Himalayan glacier melt, faces significant disaster risks. The country’s reliance on agriculture and natural resources makes its population particularly vulnerable. The NDRRMA’s comprehensive approach, integrating policy formulation, operational coordination, capacity building, and scientific research, is crucial for enhancing the nation’s resilience against these persistent threats.
The agency also facilitates collaboration with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and local communities, ensuring a broad-based participation in disaster management activities. This inclusive approach aims to strengthen community resilience and ensure that disaster risk reduction strategies are effectively implemented at all levels of governance and society. The NDRRMA’s ongoing efforts are vital for safeguarding lives and livelihoods across Nepal in the face of escalating environmental and geological challenges.
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