National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC): Structure, Role, and Recent Cyclone Montha Review

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) plays a vital role in coordinating India’s emergency response during major natural and man-made disasters.
Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, NCMC ensures effective inter-ministerial coordination, resource mobilization, and quick decision-making to minimize loss of life and property.

Recently, the NCMC, led by Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan, convened a meeting to review preparedness for Cyclone Montha over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to make landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, as a severe cyclonic storm.

What is the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)?

The National Crisis Management Committee is the apex body of the Government of India for crisis management. It is constituted under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to handle large-scale disasters or national emergencies requiring coordinated action from multiple ministries and agencies.

Its primary function is to monitor disaster situations, coordinate response efforts, and ensure seamless cooperation between the Centre and State Governments.

Composition of the NCMC

The NCMC is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and comprises senior officials from key ministries and agencies.

Members of NCMC include:

• Cabinet Secretary – Chairperson

• Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

• Secretary, Ministry of Defence

• Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs

• Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

• Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

• Secretary, Ministry of Power

• Director General, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

• Representative from the Indian Armed Forces, NDMA, and other concerned departments

The Relief Commissioner of India acts as the Convener of the Committee.

Functions of the NCMC

The NCMC is tasked with formulating, monitoring, and implementing crisis management strategies at the national level.
Its major functions include:

1. Assessing the Situation
   Collecting real-time data from the IMD, NDMA, and State Governments during a disaster.

2. Coordinating Between Ministries
   Ensuring all central agencies such as Defence, Health, Power, and Rural Development work in synergy for disaster response.

3. Mobilizing Resources
   Deploying NDRF teams, Armed Forces, and Coast Guard units for evacuation and relief operations.

4. Supervising Relief and Rehabilitation
   Monitoring post-disaster recovery, ensuring timely supply of essential goods, and restoring critical infrastructure.

5. Ensuring Zero Casualty Approach
   The committee’s primary objective is to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage through early warnings and proactive planning.

NCMC’s Role in Managing Cyclone Montha (2025)

In October 2025, the Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan chaired an NCMC meeting to review preparedness for Cyclone Montha, forming over the Bay of Bengal.

The meeting included Chief Secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, along with senior officials from IMD, NDMA, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Key decisions taken during the meeting included:

• Deploying NDRF teams and keeping additional squads on standby.

• Ensuring evacuation shelters and control rooms are fully operational.

• Coordinating with the Indian Coast Guard to guide fishing vessels back to safety.

• Mobilizing the Army, Navy, and Air Force for emergency response.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the aim must be zero loss of life and quick restoration of power, water, and communication services post-landfall.

Agencies Working with NCMC

The NCMC coordinates with various central and state agencies for disaster management, including:

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

• India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

• Armed Forces & Coast Guard

• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)

These agencies ensure preparedness, response, and rehabilitation are carried out efficiently across affected regions.

Importance of NCMC in India’s Disaster Management Framework

India is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, facing cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and droughts regularly.
The NCMC serves as the command center for national-level coordination, ensuring that relief and rescue operations are launched swiftly and efficiently.

It bridges the communication gap between central agencies and state governments, ensuring timely decision-making and uniform response protocols.

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