Disaster Mitigation Projects

On 29th January 2025, a high-level committee chaired by Union Home Minister has approved Rs. 3,027.86 crore for various disaster mitigation projects focusing on lightning safety, drought resilience, and forest fire management.

Key Points

Lightning Risk Mitigation: The committee approved a Rs. 186.78 crore project to enhance lightning safety in 10 heavy lightning-prone states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Drought Assistance: Rs. 2,022.16 crore was approved for catalytic assistance to 12 drought-prone states, with a central share of Rs. 1,200 crore aimed at improving resilience in regions like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
Forest Fire Management: A scheme for forest fire risk management in 144 high-priority districts across 19 states was approved at a total outlay of Rs. 818.92 crore, with Rs. 690.63 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Mitigation Focus: The projects aim to implement comprehensive mitigation strategies for lightning, drought, and forest fire, focusing on preparedness, response, and recovery, including post-fire assessments and preventive activities.
State Proposals: States will submit proposals for forest fire mitigation, preparedness, and recovery activities as part of this initiative.