Centre Working on Heatwave Plan to Achieve Zero Deaths, Says Amit Shah
The Union Home Minister said the government is adopting a proactive disaster management strategy to minimise casualties during heatwaves and natural disasters.
Amit Shah on Thursday said the Union Home Ministry has prepared a long term action plan aimed at preventing deaths caused by heatwaves across the country.
Speaking at an event where he presented the President’s Colour to the National Disaster Response Force, Shah said the government’s goal is to ensure zero human casualties from heatwaves in the coming years through better planning and preparedness.
The ceremony was held at the campus of the NDRF’s 8th battalion. The President’s Colour is one of the highest honours awarded to military and police units for exceptional service.
The honour was presented to the NDRF in the 20th year of its establishment. The force was created in 2006 as a specialised national disaster response agency to carry out rescue and relief operations during natural and man made disasters.
Shah said the recognition was not only for the NDRF but also for state disaster response forces, state agencies, volunteers, and organisations such as the National Cadet Corps and the National Service Scheme, along with disaster relief volunteers known as Apda Seva Mitras.
According to the Home Minister, the NDRF has earned the trust and respect of people both in India and abroad because of its work during emergencies and disasters.
He said the government’s broader objective is to ensure minimum loss of life and property during disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods, and heatwaves.
Shah explained that the government’s disaster management approach is now focused on prevention and preparedness rather than responding only after a disaster occurs.
Highlighting India’s growing role in global disaster management, he said the country has emerged as an international leader and often acts as a first responder during calamities in different parts of the world.
The minister also urged the NDRF to strengthen its preparedness in view of increasing challenges caused by global warming and climate change.
At present, the NDRF has 16 operational battalions deployed across the country with a total strength of around 18,000 personnel.
Speaking at the event, NDRF Director General Piyush Anand said the force has carried out more than 12,000 rescue and disaster response operations since its formation.