Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced central approval of ₹1,066.80 crore in flood relief for six states—Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Kerala, and Uttarakhand—under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), reported The Times of India. Emphasizing that the Modi government “stands resolutely” with disaster-hit states, Shah stressed that financial aid will be accompanied by logistical support including assistance from the NDRF, Army, and Air Force.
Detailed figures shared by the Home Ministry show Assam receiving ₹375.60 crore, Uttarakhand ₹455.60 crore, Kerala ₹153.20 crore, Meghalaya ₹30.40 crore, Manipur ₹29.20 crore, and Mizoram ₹22.80 crore. The allocation forms part of a larger ongoing response: over ₹6,166 crore has already been disbursed from SDRF to 14 states, and approximately ₹1,989 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) has been released to 12 states thus far this year. Additional funds from disaster mitigation sources bring total assistance to more than ₹8,000 crore.
Shah made the announcement via his official X handle, highlighting that beyond financial support, “providing all logistic assistance—including deployment of requisite NDRF, Army and Air Force—has been the priority of the government.” He assured that the state administrations will receive all possible help in rescue, relief, and restoration efforts amid ongoing monsoon challenges.
This year’s southwest monsoon has inflicted severe damage across several states, with heavy rainfall triggering floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in vulnerable regions. Assam and Uttarakhand have been particularly affected, with widespread disruption to lives, infrastructure, and essential services. Signals about expanding relief indicate sustained attention to both short-term rescue missions and long-term rebuilding priorities.
Following the announcement, the Ministry of Home Affairs reaffirmed that all disaster response measures are being coordinated at central and state levels. A total of 104 NDRF teams have been deployed across 21 states and union territories to respond to emergencies. State Disaster Mitigation Fund releases further supplement state-level capacity to tackle weather-related risks.
The Army has taken part in major humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, especially in the northeast under “Operation Jal Rahat-2.” Deployed engineers and rescue units have aided flood-affected areas in Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, reportedly rescuing more than 3,800 people and delivering essential aid like water, food, and medical support.
Experts and political observers see this significant relief release as part of the government’s broader disaster readiness ethos. India has faced increasingly frequent severe weather events due to climate change, prompting calls for robust infrastructure and proactive emergency planning. This infusion of funds may reinforce broader efforts in flood control, watershed management, and community resilience in hilly and rain-prone regions.
Critics, however, caution that timely disbursement and transparency in fund utilization are key. Previous episodes of flood relief highlighted challenges such as administrative delays and leakage. For the affected communities, speed of delivery and clarity in implementation remain decisive factors.
Local governments are now focused on translating central aid into effective relief on the ground. This includes restoring damaged roads, bridges, and schools; rehabilitating displaced families; ensuring basic services; and preventing disease outbreaks, a common aftermath of floods.
As the monsoon season progresses, the next steps will involve tracking recovery efforts, reviewing mitigation strategies, and auditing fund usage. For states like Assam and Uttarakhand—shaped by their riverine and hilly geographies—this crisis signals both immediate hardship and a long-term call to strengthen defences against worsening climate impacts.
In his remarks, Amit Shah underlined that the Centre’s actions reflect a promise of unity: “We stand resolutely beside our states in all situations.” With funding approved, rescue forces mobilized, and logistical networks in place, the government must now deliver results on the ground, ensuring that relief reaches affected households in time.
Photo Credit: The Hindu
For more top stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
