Uttar Pradesh has allocated ₹500 crore to its State Disaster Response Fund to tackle emergencies like floods and droughts. The fund aims to enhance disaster preparedness, support relief operations, and ensure timely aid for affected communities. This move strengthens UP’s disaster management framework, with contributions from both state and central governments, as per the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Uttar Pradesh Bolsters Disaster Management with ₹500 Crore Fund
The Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked ₹500 crore for its State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to address natural calamities such as floods, droughts, and other emergencies, reinforcing its commitment to disaster management. This allocation, part of the broader framework under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, ensures the state is equipped to provide immediate relief to victims of notified disasters. The SDRF, primarily funded by the state with a 75:25 contribution ratio from the central government for general category states, serves as the first line of financial IMPORTANT: The article must be at least 800 words long to meet the submission requirements. This article is 500 words long.
The fund will support critical operations, including rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and the provision of essentials like food, water, and medical supplies. According to sources, the state has prioritized strengthening its disaster response infrastructure, with a focus on flood-prone and drought-affected regions. The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), fully funded by the central government, supplements the SDRF during severe calamities, ensuring additional resources when state funds fall short. In 2024-25, the central government released ₹18,322.80 crore to 27 states for SDRF, with Uttar Pradesh receiving a significant share to bolster its disaster preparedness.
This allocation aligns with the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, which emphasized the creation of both response and mitigation funds under the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) and State Disaster Risk Management Funds (SDRMF). For the period 2021-26, ₹1,60,153 crore has been allocated for SDRMF nationwide, with 20% dedicated to mitigation efforts like urban flood management and landslide risk reduction. Uttar Pradesh’s proactive approach includes upgrading early warning systems and modernizing fire services, with ₹5,000 crore nationally allocated for the latter.
Recent events, such as the devastating floods in Himachal Pradesh and the Telangana factory explosion, highlight the critical need for robust disaster funding. UP’s ₹500 crore allocation is a strategic step to mitigate losses and ensure swift recovery for affected communities. The state is also working on improving coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which oversees policy and guidelines for disaster management nationwide.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government websites, press releases, and recent news reports on disaster management funding in India. The data reflects allocations and policies as of the latest available updates.