What is basic concept of disaster as per Disaster Management Act, 2005?

 Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Statement of Objects and Reasons.—The Government have decided to enact a law on disaster management to provide for requisite institutional mechanisms for drawing up and monitoring the implementation of the disaster management plans, ensuring measures by various wings of Government for prevention and mitigating effects of disasters and for undertaking a holistic, coordinated and prompt response to any disaster situation.

2. The Disaster Management Bill, 2005 provides for setting up of a National Disaster Management Authority under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, State Disaster Management Authorities under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and District Disaster Management Authorities under the Chairmanship of District Magistrates. The Bill also provides for concerned Ministries or Departments to draw up departmentwise plans in accordance with the National Disaster Management Plan. It provides for constitution of a National Disaster Response Force and setting up the National Institute of Disaster Management. The Bill provides for the constitution of the National Fund for Disaster Response and the National Fund for Disaster Mitigation and similar Funds at the State and District levels. The Bill provides for specific role for Local Bodies in disaster management including Panchayati Raj Institutions as well as Urban Local Bodies like Municipalities.

3. The proposed enactment will facilitate effective steps for the mitigation of disasters, prepare for and coordinate effective response to disasters, as also matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(d) “disaster” means a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or man made causes, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or human suffering or damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage to, or degradation of, environment, and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the community of the affected area;

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