Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has approved the constitution of the National Disaster Management Authority of which the PM is the chairman.

The members of the NDMA are

1) Gen N.C.Vij, former Chief of Army staff who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Authority.

2) Prof S.P. Sukhatme, former Director of IIT Bombay and ex Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board,

3) Mr K.M. Singh, Former Director General - C.I.S.F

4) Mr.M.Sashidhar Reddy, former Andhra Pradesh Minister for Environment.

The NDMA will have the responsibility for laying down the policies and plans for disaster management. The Authority will approve the National Disaster Management Plan. It can lay down guidelines to be followed by Ministries and departments of the central government and any state authority in drawing up the sate Plan.

The Authority will also coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policies and plans for disaster management and arrange for, and oversee the provision of funds for mitigation measures, preparedness and response. It may also frame guidelines for the minimum standards of relief to be provided to persons affected by disaster and give directions regarding relief in loan repayment or grant fresh loans on such concessional terms as may be deemed appropriate.

The may also take such measures for prevention of disaster, of mitigation of its effects, or for preparednesss and capacity building for dealing with a threatening disaster situation or disaster.

The National Disaster Management Authority will be serviced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.