Major Boost to Fire Services: Rs 725.62 Crore Approved for Three States

The Union Home Minister-led committee has sanctioned Rs 725.62 crore for enhancement of fire services in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. This initiative aligns with efforts to mitigate disaster risks, with a larger allocation of Rs 5,000 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund for various states.

In a significant move to bolster disaster risk reduction, a high-ranking committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sanctioned Rs 725.62 crore for the modernization and expansion of fire services across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal, as per a Ministry of Home Affairs announcement on Monday.

The approved funds include Rs 147.76 crore for Chhattisgarh, Rs 201.10 crore for Odisha, and Rs 376.76 crore for West Bengal, aimed at minimizing extensive losses during disasters. This committee also includes the Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog among its members.

The central government has committed a total of Rs 5,000 crore to enhance fire services nationwide under the National Disaster Response Fund. Proposals from 15 states totalling Rs 2,542.12 crore are already greenlit, and more than Rs 21,026 crore has been distributed this year from various disaster response and mitigation funds.

(With inputs from agencies.)