India Approves ₹1.29 Billion for Fire Service Expansion, ₹4.94 Billion for Disaster Mitigation
The High-Level Committee (HLC), led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has approved a significant sum of ₹903.67 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for the expansion and modernization of fire services in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Additionally, Assam and Gujarat have been allocated ₹313.69 crore and ₹394.28 crore respectively, following severe floods and landslides in 2024. The Government of the United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting states during natural disasters.
The HLC's approval includes ₹676.33 crore as Central assistance, with Haryana receiving ₹117.19 crore, Madhya Pradesh ₹397.54 crore, and Rajasthan ₹388.94 crore. This allocation aims to bolster the fire services' capacity to respond effectively to emergencies. In another development, the Centre has disbursed substantial funds for disaster mitigation and response. The State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) saw ₹4,571.30 crore allocated to 21 states, while the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) received ₹372.09 crore for 9 states in FY 2025-26. Earlier, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) had received ₹13,603.20 crore for 27 states, and the NDRF was allocated ₹2,024.04 crore for 12 states in the same fiscal year.
These allocations reflect the Government's proactive approach to disaster management, ensuring that states have the necessary resources to mitigate, respond to, and recover from natural calamities. The expansion and modernization of fire services, along with the disbursement of funds for disaster mitigation and response, underscore the Government's commitment to building a resilient nation.
