India, owing to its vast and diverse geography, is vulnerable to a wide range of natural and human-induced disasters, including earthquakes, floods, cyclones, droughts, tsunamis, landslides, and industrial accidents.
With over 27 states and union territories (UTs) identified as disaster-prone and more than 58% of the landmass susceptible to seismic activity, disaster preparedness is not a choice—it is a necessity.
To ensure a systemic and organised disaster response, India has established a robust institutional framework:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body responsible for framing policies, plans, and guidelines.
State Disaster Management Authorities(SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs)implement these frameworks at the regional and local levels.
Strategic initiatives like Disaster Management Exercises (DMEx) play a critical role in testing response readiness and institutional coordination.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a specialised force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, plays a frontline role in search, rescue, and relief operations.
Local bodies, NGOs, and community volunteers are also essential stakeholders in India’s comprehensive disaster management approach.
Various Disaster Preparedness exercises are conducted in this context to reinforce India’s culture of preparedness and community resilience, aligning with international frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Disaster Management Act, 2005
The Disaster Management Act, 2005, is a central legislation enacted to ensure effective management of disasters in India. It provides a comprehensive legal and institutional framework at the national, state, and district levels for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The Act lays the foundation for the establishment of statutory bodies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), along with specialised agencies and dedicated funds for disaster response and mitigation.
Guidelines on Disaster Management Exercises by NDMA
The Guidelines on Disaster Management Exercises (DMEx), issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), aim to institutionalise a structured, adaptable, and uniform approach to disaster preparedness across all levels of governance and society. Recognising that Disaster Management Plans (DMPs), policies, and procedures must not only be formulated but also regularly tested, these guidelines stress the importance of conducting simulation-based exercises to assess and enhance the effectiveness of disaster response mechanisms.
DMEx serve as a critical tool for validating planning assumptions, identifying capability gaps, training personnel, and improving inter-agency coordination before a disaster strikes.
The guidelines also provide a legal and policy-backed mandate for conducting such exercises, citing the Disaster Management Act, National Policy on Disaster Management, and National Disaster Management Plan, while aligning with international frameworks like the Sendai Framework — a global agreement adopted by the UN to reduce disaster risk and losses.
Key disaster drills in 2025
On June 24 & June 26, 2025, NDMA & UP SDMA conducted a flood mock exercise in Uttar Pradesh. The exercise tested response mechanisms & enhanced preparedness for flood disasters. It was conducted for all 118 Tehsils of 44 flood-sensitive districts of UP.
On June 28, 2025, a mock exercise was conducted for the Amarnath Yatra, for the Southern Route (Pahalgam Axis) in Anantnag District, J&K to test response plans & stakeholder preparedness for a safe & well-coordinated pilgrimage.
India’s evolving disaster management approach emphasises pre-emptive, technology-enabled measures through mock drills and public awareness.
Exercise Suraksha Chakra and other state-level drills continue to strengthen our nation’s capacity during emergencies. With vigilant citizenry and responsive institutions, India continues to move toward its vision of a disaster-resilient nation.