New Delhi: A High-Level Committee (HLC), chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, has approved ₹1,115.67 crore for disaster mitigation and capacity-building projects in various states. The decision marks another step toward bolstering India’s disaster resilience and preparedness in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a disaster-resilient nation.
The committee, which includes the Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, considered proposals to mitigate landslide risks in 15 states and train civil defense volunteers nationwide.
National Landslide Risk Mitigation Project
The HLC sanctioned ₹1,000 crore for the National Landslide Risk Mitigation project targeting 15 states:
- Northeastern States: ₹378 crore for eight states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura).
- Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: ₹139 crore each.
- Maharashtra: ₹100 crore.
- Karnataka and Kerala: ₹72 crore each.
- Tamil Nadu and West Bengal: ₹50 crore each.
The project aims to identify landslide-prone areas, implement mitigation strategies, and reduce risks to life and infrastructure.
Capacity Building for Civil Defense Volunteers
An additional ₹115.67 crore was approved for training and capacity building of civil defense volunteers across all states and Union Territories. This initiative will enhance community-level preparedness and response capabilities during emergencies.
Previous Approvals for Disaster Management
The HLC has previously approved significant projects under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), including:
- Urban Flood Risk Mitigation: ₹3,075.65 crore for seven cities.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Management: ₹150 crore for four states.
Strengthening India’s Disaster Management Framework
The Ministry of Home Affairs, guided by Amit Shah, has undertaken numerous initiatives to strengthen disaster risk reduction and management systems across the country. Efforts include the allocation of over ₹21,476 crore to states this year alone:
- ₹14,878.40 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to 26 states.
- ₹4,637.66 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to 15 states.
- ₹1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 states.
- ₹574.93 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to six states.
Commitment to Disaster Resilience
The approval of these projects underscores the government’s commitment to minimizing loss of life and property during disasters. By investing in risk reduction and preparedness, India continues to strengthen its ability to tackle natural calamities effectively and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.