New Delhi: In a move aimed at enhancing fire services infrastructure, a High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has sanctioned projects worth Rs. 725.62 crore under the “Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States” initiative. The funding, distributed among three states, allocates Rs. 147.76 crore for Chhattisgarh, Rs. 201.10 crore for Odisha, and Rs. 376.76 crore for West Bengal. The HLC includes the Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister, and the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog as members, underscoring a collaborative approach to bolstering fire services.
The investment is part of a larger mission to build a disaster-resilient India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. The Ministry of Home Affairs, guided by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has initiated multiple programs to strengthen India’s disaster risk reduction framework, aiming to minimize loss of life and property during emergencies.
The approved funding forms part of a substantial Rs. 5000 crore allocation from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) earmarked for the modernization of fire services nationwide. So far, projects in 15 states have been sanctioned under this initiative, with an outlay of Rs. 2542.12 crore.
In addition, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, more than Rs. 21,026 crore has been released to states this year to support disaster preparedness. This financial support includes Rs. 14,878.40 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 26 states, Rs. 4,637.66 crore from the NDRF for 15 states, Rs. 1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) for 11 states, and Rs. 124.93 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) for 3 states.
This series of initiatives highlights the Central Government’s commitment to improving disaster response and risk reduction across India, ensuring states are better prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and protect their communities.