India’s Home Affairs Minister, Amit Shah, has announced new schemes worth more than INR 80 billion (USD 972 million) to strengthen the country’s disaster management system. The announcement was made during a meeting with disaster management officials from various states in New Delhi.
The three major schemes include expanding and modernizing fire services in states, along with reducing the risk of urban flooding in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata – India’s seven most populous cities. Additionally, a national landslide risk mitigation project will be implemented in various regions across the country.
Shah noted that the frequency and intensity of disasters have increased, and that measures must be taken to improve the country’s preparedness. The nature of disasters has changed. That’s why we have to sharpen and widen our preparations, he stated at the meeting.
These new schemes will take a significant step towards improving India’s disaster management system. With climate change leading to more frequent and severe disasters, it is critical that countries implement measures to mitigate and manage the impacts of such events.
The expansion of fire services and investment in reducing urban flooding will improve the lives of millions of people living in India’s most populous cities. Additionally, the national landslide risk mitigation project will help to protect those living in regions more susceptible to such disasters.
Overall, the announcement of these new schemes marks an important step towards improving India’s disaster resilience and preparedness. It is hoped that these measures will help to protect communities and save lives in the face of increasing risks from climate change.
