Overview
The HLC, led by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, sanctioned an extra ₹1,912.99 crore from the NDRF for flood, flash‑flood, cloudburst, landslide and Cyclone Montha impacts in 2025. The funds are earmarked for Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
Key Developments
- Andhra Pradesh – ₹341.48 crore
- Chhattisgarh – ₹15.70 crore
- Gujarat – ₹778.67 crore
- Himachal Pradesh – ₹288.39 crore
- Nagaland – ₹158.41 crore
- Jammu & Kashmir (UT) – ₹330.34 crore
Important Facts
- Assistance is drawn from the NDRF and requires a 50% adjustment against the opening balance in each state's SDRF.
- During FY 2025‑26, the Centre released ₹20,735.20 crore to 28 states under the SDRF and ₹3,628.18 crore to 21 states under the NDRF.
- Additional allocations include ₹5,373.20 crore from the SDMF to 23 states and ₹1,189.56 crore from the NDMF to 21 states.
Exam Relevance
Disaster management is a recurring theme in GS III (Disaster Management, Environment) and GS II (Centre‑State Relations, Fiscal Federalism). The approval illustrates the Centre’s use of dedicated disaster funds, the fiscal coordination between Union and State governments, and the role of the Union Home Minister in steering relief operations. Understanding the structure of NDRF, SDRF, and related mitigation funds is essential for answering questions on disaster financing and inter‑governmental mechanisms.
Way Forward
To strengthen resilience, the Centre should:
- Ensure timely release and transparent utilization of the approved funds.
- Integrate disaster‑risk reduction measures into state development plans, leveraging the SDMF and NDMF.
- Strengthen early warning systems for events like Cyclone Montha to reduce loss of life and property.
- Promote capacity building in state disaster management agencies for efficient fund deployment.
These steps will enhance the overall disaster response architecture and align with India’s commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.