A High-Level Committee (HLC), chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, has approved disaster recovery and reconstruction activities for Sikkim and fire services expansion and modernisation projects in five states. The Committee, which includes the Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, reviewed financial assistance proposals under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for recovery, reconstruction, preparedness, and capacity building. Key Approvals 1. Expansion and Modernisation of Fire Services To strengthen disaster risk reduction and emergency response, the HLC has sanctioned Rs 16.04 billion for fire services infrastructure in Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Kerala under the Preparedness and Capacity Building Funding Window of the NDRF. Bihar – Rs 3.4 billion Gujarat – Rs 3.39 billion Jharkhand – Rs 1.47 billion Kerala – Rs 1.62 billion Maharashtra – Rs 6.14 billion The Government of India has allocated Rs 50 billion under the NDRF for the Expansion and Modernisation of Fire Services, of which Rs 33.73 billion has already been approved for 20 states. 2. Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction in Sikkim The HLC has sanctioned Rs 5.55 billion to Sikkim under the Recovery and Reconstruction Funding Window of the NDRF to address the impact of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that devastated areas along the Teesta River basin in October 2023. Strengthening India’s Disaster Resilience Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs has undertaken proactive measures to enhance disaster management and risk reduction in India. Key financial disbursements during the current financial year include: Rs 190.74 billion to 28 states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Rs 32.29 billion to 16 states under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). ?5,160.76 crore to 19 states under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). ?719.71 crore to 8 states under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). With these initiatives, the Government continues to bolster disaster preparedness, ensure rapid response, and build a resilient infrastructure across India, safeguarding lives and livelihoods.