Introduction

Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, has been devastated by torrential rains, landslides, cloudbursts, and flashfloods in the 2025 monsoon season. In response to unprecedented destruction—over 320 lives lost and damages worth Rs 3,000 crore since June 20—the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government declared the state “disaster-affected” under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

This declaration raises critical questions about disaster governance, centre-state relations, and the institutional framework guiding disaster management in India.

Understanding the Declaration

Declaring a state “disaster-hit” empowers the government to implement emergency relief and rehabilitation measures, including:

• Provision of temporary shelters and compensation for victims.
• Deployment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and requisitioning of the Army/NDRF.
• Relief measures for small farmers, traders, and households, such as deferment of loans and waivers on utility bills.

However, a key limitation is that this declaration is at the state level only. Unless the Union Government declares it a national disaster or provides a special relief package, Himachal cannot access funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Currently, the state can only draw from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), financed 75% by the Centre and 25% by the state.

Why the Centre’s Role Matters

The Central Government’s discretion plays a decisive role in scaling up disaster relief. Without national-level recognition:

• Himachal cannot secure large-scale reconstruction funding for roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and farmland.
• Relief remains limited to state capacity, which is overstretched.

Chief Minister Sukhu has emphasized the urgent need for special financial assistance, citing 231 extreme weather events in a single season (95 landslides, 91 flashfloods, 45 cloudbursts).

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Himachal recorded 68% excess rainfall in August 2025, the highest since 1949—underscoring the scale of the crisis.

The Disaster Management Act, 2005: Framework and Relevance

India enacted the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) after a series of calamities such as the Orissa Super Cyclone (1999) and the Bhuj Earthquake (2001). The Act provides a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for disaster management.

Key Provisions of the Act:

1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
   • Apex policy-making body under the Prime Minister.
   • Formulates guidelines, policies, and response frameworks.
2. National Executive Committee (NEC)
   • Functions as the coordinating and monitoring body.
   • Implements NDMA policies.
3. State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)
   • Headed by the Chief Minister.
   • Prepare state disaster plans and coordinate relief.
4. State Executive Committees (SECs)
   • Headed by the Chief Secretary.
   • Ensure implementation of disaster measures.
5. District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs)
   • Headed by the District Collector/Magistrate.
   • Responsible for local-level planning and execution.
6. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
   • Specialized paramilitary battalions trained for disaster response.
7. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
   • State-level counterpart to NDRF, focusing on local rescue.

Accountability Mechanism

• Sections 51–60 of the Act provide penalties for negligence, rumor-spreading, or disobedience.
• IPC Section 188: Violation of official orders can lead to imprisonment up to six months.

Institutional Evolution of Disaster Management in India

• 1990s: Disaster Management Cell established under Ministry of Agriculture.
• 2002: Transferred to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after major disasters.
• 2005: Disaster Management Act passed; NDMA and SDMAs institutionalized.
• 2010: Civil Defence Act (1968) amended to align with DM needs.

This evolution reflects India’s transition from a relief-centric to a prevention and preparedness-oriented approach.

Significance of Himachal’s Declaration

1. Legal Empowerment: Allows immediate enforcement of relief measures.
2. Political Messaging: Highlights urgency and pressures the Centre for aid.
3. Public Accountability: Ensures legal consequences for negligence in relief operations.
4. Disaster Governance Learning: Serves as a case study for climate resilience in mountain states.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh’s disaster-hit declaration underlines the increasing vulnerability of Himalayan states to climate change-induced calamities. While the State Disaster Response Fund provides immediate relief, the Centre’s role in granting additional financial packages is crucial for long-term reconstruction.

In a country among the world’s most disaster-prone, strengthening institutional coordination, financial support mechanisms, and climate adaptation strategies is not just a necessity but an urgent priority.