Under the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) of 2009, all central ministries, state governments, district authorities, and other stakeholders are required to create their own Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This ensures a coordinated and well-defined response to disasters.
Aligned with Plans: These SOPs must be developed in alignment with the broader national and state disaster management plans. This creates a cohesive system where everyone knows their role and how it fits into the overall strategy.
Specific Roles: The SOPs prescribe the precise actions for various activities during a disaster. These can include search and rescue, medical assistance, communication restoration, and the provision of food and shelter.
Decentralized Action: The policy's emphasis on all levels of government—from central ministries down to district authorities—creating SOPs promotes a decentralized and efficient response. It ensures that the specific needs and vulnerabilities of a region are addressed through tailored procedures.
Stakeholder Inclusion: The requirement extends beyond government bodies to other stakeholders, such as NGOs, civil society organizations, and even private sector entities. This promotes a "whole-of-society" approach to disaster management, as the policy recognizes that effective response requires the collective effort of all agencies.
