In a significant boost to disaster management and fire service enhancement, the Central government has sanctioned Rs 12,554 crore this year to aid states affected by various natural calamities, officials revealed on Wednesday. This allocation, drawn from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund, National Disaster Response Fund, State Disaster Mitigation Fund, and State Disaster Response Fund.
The funds are allocated for multiple initiatives, including urban flood management, fire service upgrades, and risk mitigation for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). Notably, Rs 890.69 crore has been allocated to five states through the Union Home Ministry’s Scheme for Expansion and Modernisation of Fire Services to enhance their firefighting capabilities.
Additionally, under the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Mitigation Programme, Rs 150 crore has been distributed among Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. This investment aims to implement both structural and non-structural measures to mitigate the risks associated with GLOF events.
For urban flood management, a substantial Rs 2,514.36 crore has been sanctioned to support integrated flood management projects and risk management programs in cities and urban areas, helping states develop comprehensive solutions to tackle urban flooding.
Furthermore, the Central government has introduced the ‘Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme,’ an extension of the ‘Upscaling of Aapda Mitra Scheme,’ with an allocation of Rs 470.50 crore. This new scheme aims to further bolster disaster management capabilities among the youth.
(With inputs from PTI)
