The high-level committee, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has taken a decisive step towards fortifying India’s disaster resilience by approving a series of mitigation and capacity-building projects. These projects aim to address a range of threats, from urban flooding to glacial lake outburst floods, across multiple states.
Urban Flood Management Takes Center Stage
A substantial allocation of ₹2514.36 crore has been earmarked for urban flood management projects in six major cities: Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune. This strategic investment underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding urban centers from the devastating impact of floods.
Empowering Youth and Modernizing Fire Services
The committee also greenlit the implementation of the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme in all 28 states, aiming to empower young volunteers with disaster preparedness skills. Additionally, three projects focused on expanding and modernizing fire services in Assam, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu were approved, bolstering the nation’s firefighting capabilities.
Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risk Mitigation
Recognizing the escalating threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), the committee sanctioned a ₹150 crore project for GLOF risk mitigation in the vulnerable states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. This proactive measure seeks to protect communities and infrastructure in these regions.
Nationwide Disaster Preparedness Training
The Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme, with a budget of ₹470.50 crore, will be rolled out in 315 disaster-prone districts across India. This ambitious initiative will train 1300 volunteers as master trainers, who will then impart disaster preparedness and response skills to 2.37 lakh volunteers from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts & Guides (BS&G).
Table of Key Learnings:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Approved Projects | 9 |
| Urban Flood Management Allocation | ₹2514.36 crore |
| Cities Targeted for Urban Flood Management | Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune |
| Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme Rollout | All 28 states |
| Fire Service Modernization Projects | Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (Total outlay: ₹810.64 crore) |
| Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Mitigation | Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh (Total outlay: ₹150 crore) |
| Disaster Preparedness Volunteer Training | 315 districts; 1300 master trainers; 2.37 lakh volunteers from NCC, NSS, NYKS, BS&G |
Summary:
The high-level committee’s approval of disaster mitigation and capacity-building projects marks a significant stride towards a disaster-resilient India. These projects, encompassing urban flood management, youth empowerment, fire service modernization, glacial lake outburst flood mitigation, and nationwide disaster preparedness training, demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property from natural calamities.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
