The DDMA is established in each district under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 is headed by the District Collector, Deputy Commissioner or District Magistrate as the case may be, with the elected representative of the local authority as Co-Chairperson. Its charter would entail: -

• The DDMA will act as the planning, coordinating and implementing body for disaster management at the district level and take all necessary measures for the purposes of DM in accordance with the guidelines laid down by UPSDMA.
• It will prepare the District Disaster Management Plan for the district and monitor the implementation of the National and State Policy, and the State and District Plan.
• The DDMA will also ensure that the guidelines for prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response measures laid down by NDMA and SDMA are followed by all departments of the state government at the district level and the local authorities in the district.
• The DDMA will further ensure that the areas in the district vulnerable to disasters are identified and measures for the prevention of disasters and the mitigation of its effects are taken. Feedback must be given to UPSDMA and SEC to prepare state level assessments that are accurate and updated.
• Ensure that the guidelines for prevention of disasters, mitigation of its effects, preparedness and response measures as laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority are followed by all departments.
• Lay down guidelines for prevention of disaster management plans by the department of the Government at the districts level and local authorities in the district.
• Monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the government at the district level.
• Monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the government at the district level.
• Lay down guidelines to be followed by the departments of the government at the district level for purposes of integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in their development plans and projects and monitor the implementation of the same
• Review the state of capabilities and preparedness level for responding to any disaster or threatening disaster situation at the district level and take steps for their up- gradation as may be necessary.
• Organise and coordinate specialised training programmes for different levels of officers, employees and voluntary rescue workers in the district.
• Facilitate community training and awareness programmes for prevention of disaster or mitigation with the support of local authorities, governmental and non- governmental organisations.
• Set up, maintain, review and upgrade the mechanism for early warnings and dissemination of proper information to public, prepare, review and update district level response plan and guidelines.
• The DDMA will also coordinate response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster, coordinate with, and provide necessary technical assistance or give advice to the local authorities in the district for carrying out their functions.
• Examine the construction in any area in the district and issue direction to the concerned authority to take such action as may be necessary to secure compliance of such standards as may be required for the area.
• Identify buildings and places which could, in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster, be used as relief centres or camps and make arrangements for water supply and sanitation in such buildings or places, establish stockpiles of relief and rescue materials or ensure preparedness to make such materials available at a short notice.
• Encourage the involvement of non-governmental organisations and voluntary social- welfare institutions working at the grassroots level in the district for disaster management, ensure communication systems are in order, and disaster management drills are carried out periodically.