In a major step towards strengthening grassroots disaster preparedness, the Government of India has approved the National Project for Strengthening Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions, with a total outlay of Rs 5.07 billion. The project will be jointly implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) across 20 states.

The initiative will cover 81 disaster-prone districts, with 20 Gram Panchayats selected in each district, and will additionally develop 20 Model Gram Panchayats focused on major hazard-specific risks. These model villages will act as replicable templates, demonstrating how disaster risk reduction (DRR) can be effectively integrated into local governance, planning and infrastructure. The programme follows a bottom-up approach, placing Panchayati Raj Institutions at the centre of disaster preparedness, mitigation and resilience — truly taking resilience from files to the field.

The project focuses on institutional strengthening and mainstreaming DRR into local development planning, alongside extensive capacity-building and awareness programmes for State and District Disaster Management Authorities, elected representatives and Panchayat functionaries. Targeted Information, Education and Communication (IEC) initiatives and improved coordination among local, district and state stakeholders form a key pillar of the programme.

MoPR will leverage digital platforms such as eGramSwaraj and Gram Manchitra to integrate disaster management planning, monitor expenditure and ensure real-time information flow to Panchayats. Capacity-building initiatives will also be undertaken for elected representatives, Panchayat officials, master trainers and community volunteers to build long-term institutional capability at the grassroots.

Each of the 20 states will identify one Model Gram Panchayat, mapped to six major hazard themes, to showcase end-to-end, long-term mitigation strategies. These Gram Panchayats will be located in close clusters within some of the most disaster-prone districts, ensuring visible and scalable impact.

The project builds on the foundation laid by the Disaster Management Plan of MoPR released in March 2022, reinforcing efforts to integrate Panchayat- and village-level disaster management plans with Gram Panchayat Development Plans, and paving the way for a more resilient rural India.