Latest news with #SDMF


Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Disaster response: UP submits proposals to finance panel, urges rule revision for funds
LUCKNOW The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday submitted a series of proposals to the 16th Finance Commission to fortify its disaster response and mitigation mechanisms. It strongly advocated inclusion of state-notified disasters—such as heatwaves, lightning strikes, unseasonal rains, storms, snakebites and drownings — in the national list of recognised disasters. This push stems from the reality that these incidents disproportionately impact Uttar Pradesh, stated a release from the state government media cell. Notably, as many 4,534 deaths were reported due to state-notified disasters, compared to 176 from nationally recognized ones, in the financial year 2024–25. Key among these proposals is the request to revise the rules governing the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to ensure faster and more effective relief for disaster-affected citizens, it said in a statement. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has urged the central government to acknowledge the severity of these challenges and to extend appropriate support. In line with this, the state has proposed increasing the permissible expenditure limit for state-notified disasters from 10% to 25%, reflecting the scale and intensity of their impact, according to the statement. Another notable recommendation seeks to allow flexibility in fund allocation by permitting inter-head budget transfers within disaster funds. This would ensure optimal utilisation of resources, especially in cases where certain allocations remain unspent, it noted. Additionally, the state said it has requested approval to construct dedicated buildings for District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) in every district — a move currently not permitted under existing SDRF and SDMF guidelines. A demand has also been made to allocate 1% of the fund for administrative expenses, which would support the creation of a more robust and responsive administrative framework for disaster management. These proposals are driven by the CM's vision of making disaster management more flexible, efficient and people-centric. With the approval and implementation of these recommendations, the state is poised to become a model for disaster management nationwide, ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of its citizens.


Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Disaster response: UP submits proposals to Finance Commission, urges rule revision for funds
Lucknow, Highlighting disparity between death counts under state-notified disasters and the nationally recognised ones, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday said it has submitted a series of proposals to the 16th Finance Commission to fortify its disaster response and mitigation mechanisms. Key among these proposals is the request to revise the rules governing the State Disaster Response Fund and the State Disaster Mitigation Fund to ensure faster and more effective relief for disaster-affected citizens, it said in a statement. "The government has strongly advocated for the inclusion of state-notified disasters, such as heatwaves, lightning strikes, unseasonal rains, storms, snakebites, and drownings, in the national list of recognised disasters," it said. "This push stems from the reality that these incidents disproportionately impact Uttar Pradesh. For instance, in the financial year 2024-25, 4,534 deaths were reported due to state-notified disasters, compared to 176 from nationally recognised ones," the government said. According to the statement, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally taken the lead in urging the central government to acknowledge the severity of these challenges and to extend appropriate support. In line with this, the state has proposed increasing the permissible expenditure limit for state-notified disasters from 10 per cent to 25 per cent, reflecting the scale and intensity of their impact, it said. Another notable recommendation seeks to allow flexibility in fund allocation by permitting inter-head budget transfers within disaster funds. This would ensure optimal utilisation of resources, especially in cases where certain allocations remain unspent, it noted. Additionally, the state said it has requested approval to construct dedicated buildings for District Disaster Management Authorities in every district — a move currently not permitted under existing SDRF and SDMF guidelines. A demand has also been made to allocate 1 per cent of the fund for administrative expenses, which would support the creation of a more robust and responsive administrative framework for disaster management.


Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Kolhapur first district in state to implement flood management plan
Kolhapur has become the first district in Maharashtra to implement a comprehensive flood management plan to address recurring floods, particularly along the Panchganga River basin. The Kolhapur district disaster management authority developed the plan in compliance with the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The plan is based on field surveys, technical assessments, and consultations with local departments. The flood management plan includes mapping flood history and identifying vulnerable zones across talukas, strengthening embankments and barrages, dredging the Panchganga River, and upgrading drainage systems in both urban and rural areas. It also outlines non-structural measures such as community awareness campaigns, the setting up of early warning systems, and using real-time hydrological models. Technology tools like GIS and remote sensing will be used for flood forecasting and land-use planning. Forest regeneration and watershed management have been included to reduce surface runoff and improve natural absorption. The State government has allocated a budget for the implementation of the plan under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). Speaking at the launch, Kolhapur district collector Amol Yedge, who is also the chairperson of the district disaster management authority, said that the plan shifts the district's approach from reactive flood response to proactive preparedness, with a focus on local participation and interdepartmental coordination. Officials said the Kolhapur model could serve as a reference for other flood-prone districts in the state.