Section 17: Functions of D. M.M. C.

(1) Data Collection and Research— (a) The D.M.M.C. shall take reasonable steps to collect or cause the data to be collected on all aspects of disasters and disaster management and analyze such data and cause and conduct research and study relating to the potential effects of events that may result in disasters; and how to prevent, manage and mitigate these disasters. (b) The D.M.M.C. may by notice in writing, require any person to provide such information as may be useful for the purpose of sub-section (1) to the D.M.M.C. within such period as may be specified in the notice. (2) Repository of Information-- The D.M.M.C. shall act as a repository of information concerning disasters and disaster management, and shall-- (a) ensure the establishment of communication links and setting up of emergency communication and early warning systems in the State; (b) maintain database of information required for the disaster management operations; (c) ensure establishment of communication links with disaster management agencies in India and other countries, including institutions performing functions similar to those of the authority; (d) to exchange information, and to have access to international expertise on disaster management. (3) Disaster Management Plans – (a) The D.M.M.C. shall develop or cause to be developed guidelines for the preparation of a master disaster plans and strategies and keep them update and shall assist such departments of Government, local authorities and person, as may be specified by the Authority in preparation of plans and strategies and coordinate them. (b) The plan preparing agency while preparing the plan under sub-section (1) shall make suitable provisions in the plan after considering the following, namely:-- (i) The types of disaster that may occur and their possible effects; (ii) The communities and property at risk; (iii) Provision for appropriate prevention and mitigation strategies; (iv) Inability to deal with disasters and promote capacity building; (v) The integration of strategies for prevention of disaster and mitigation of its effects with development plans, programmes and such other activities in the State; (vi) Provision for assessment of the nature and magnitude of the effects of a disaster; (vii) Any other matter required by the Authority; (viii) The D.M.M.C. shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, and maintain a master plan for the State. (4) Awareness and preparedness— (A) The D.M.M.C. shall promote or cause to be promoted awareness and preparedness and advise and train the community, and stakeholders with a view to increasing capacity of the community and stakeholders to deal with potential disasters by-- (a) publishing guidelines and recommendations in this behalf; (b) facilitating access to its electronic database; (c) promoting disaster management capacity-building and training programmes amongst communities and other stakeholders; (d) assisting in the development of methodologies for reduction of vulnerability of disasters; (e) coordinating the integration of methodologies for awareness and preparedness with development plans, programmes and such other activities; and (f) acting in any other manner as it deems fit in this behalf. (B) The D.M.M.C. shall formulate such policy relating to mechanism for risk transfer including insurance for disaster preparedness as it deems necessary and implement the same or cause to be implemented.