New Delhi , Feb 19: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, underscored the proactive approach of the Modi government towards disaster management. Shah emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s introduction of a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan, aimed at safeguarding lives and minimizing casualties in the face of calamities.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Shah pointed out the establishment of prompt response forces and the development of vigilant early warning systems, attributing these measures to saving millions of lives. He further praised the adoption of a zero-casualty approach, ensuring a professional and efficient response to disasters across the nation.
Shah credited the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi for empowering India to confront various challenges effectively. Notably, he mentioned the successful handling of the Biparjoy Cyclone, where no lives were lost, showcasing the resilience built under the Modi administration’s Mission Zero Casualty.
Underscoring the role of youth in disaster preparedness, Shah highlighted the government’s efforts in training millions in disaster management, thereby enhancing the nation’s capability to combat disasters. He emphasized the importance of harnessing the potential of India’s youth in building a resilient society.
Additionally, Shah shed light on the significant investments made by the Ministry of Home Affairs towards disaster management. Projects such as the Rs. 8000 crore disaster management scheme and the Rs. 5,000 crore project for the expansion and modernization of firefighting services demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing preparedness and response capabilities.
Moreover, the allocation of funds to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs) has seen a substantial increase, with tripled funding observed between 2014-2023 compared to the period of 2005-2014. The implementation of schemes like the Aapda Mitra scheme, aimed at training youth volunteers in disaster-prone districts, further showcases the government’s proactive approach to disaster management.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks underscore the Modi government’s concerted efforts towards building a disaster-resilient India, emphasizing preparedness, training, and strategic investments to mitigate the impact of calamities on the nation and its citizens.