“Uttar Pradesh is ramping up disaster resilience with advanced safety infrastructure, including flood-resistant roads, smart early warning systems, and retrofitted buildings. These initiatives, backed by the state and CDRI, aim to mitigate risks from floods, earthquakes, and extreme weather, ensuring safer communities and sustainable development across the region.”
Uttar Pradesh Enhances Safety with Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure
Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most disaster-prone states, is undergoing a transformative push to bolster its infrastructure against natural calamities. With 58.6% of India’s land vulnerable to earthquakes and 12% prone to floods, UP’s efforts align with national and global frameworks like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Recent developments showcase a proactive approach to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
The state government, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and CDRI, has prioritized resilient infrastructure to address recurring threats like floods, earthquakes, and heatwaves. A key project is the retrofitting of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, to comply with the National Building Code (NBC) 2016. Over 70% of public buildings in UP’s high-risk zones, including Lucknow and Varanasi, are being assessed for earthquake resistance, with retrofitting underway to ensure structural integrity during seismic events. This follows the 2021 Assam earthquake, which highlighted vulnerabilities in northern India’s aging infrastructure.
Flood management is another focus, given UP’s susceptibility to annual monsoon flooding. The state has invested ₹2,500 crore in upgrading drainage systems and constructing flood-resistant roads in districts like Gorakhpur and Prayagraj. These roads incorporate elevated designs and permeable materials to prevent waterlogging, drawing inspiration from Odisha’s cyclone shelters, which have saved countless lives. Additionally, the Namami Gange program has spurred mangrove restoration along the Ganga to mitigate flood risks, with 150 hectares restored in 2024 alone.
Smart technology is at the heart of UP’s disaster preparedness. The state has rolled out AI-based early warning systems across 20 districts, leveraging Doppler radar and satellite imaging for real-time flood and cyclone alerts. These systems, integrated with mobile networks, provide last-mile connectivity to rural communities, ensuring timely evacuations. In 2023, such alerts reduced casualties during Cyclone Biparjoy’s impact in western UP. The state aims to expand this network to all 75 districts by 2027, with CDRI’s technical support.
Urban planning reforms are addressing the chaos of rapid urbanization. UP’s Smart Cities Mission, covering cities like Agra and Kanpur, now mandates risk-sensitive zoning and disaster-resilient construction. For instance, Agra’s stormwater drainage system was upgraded post-2022 floods, reducing urban flooding by 40%. The state is also promoting microinsurance schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), linking them to Jan Dhan accounts to cover farmers and small businesses against disaster losses.
CDRI’s 2025-26 Fellowship Programme is fostering innovation in UP, with projects like digital twin-based flood mapping and wildfire-resistant materials being piloted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur. These initiatives aim to create scalable solutions for infrastructure resilience. Moreover, UP is developing dedicated disaster response corridors, including resilient road networks and rail links, to ensure uninterrupted access for emergency services during crises.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Poor enforcement of building codes in rural areas and inadequate community awareness continue to hinder preparedness. The state is addressing this through community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) programs, training over 10,000 local volunteers in 2024. These efforts, coupled with stricter enforcement of NBC guidelines, aim to close gaps in rural resilience.
Economic losses from disasters in UP have been significant, with the state spending ₹15,000 crore on recovery between 2018 and 2023. Long-term costs, such as livelihood disruptions and agricultural losses, are projected to rise due to climate change. A 2022 World Bank report estimates that heat-related stress could cost UP 5 million jobs by 2030 if unaddressed. To counter this, the state is integrating green building standards and renewable energy-powered micronet grids for critical infrastructure like hospitals.
UP’s collaboration with CDRI has positioned it as a model for disaster-resilient infrastructure in India. The state’s focus on technology, community empowerment, and sustainable design is reducing vulnerabilities and paving the way for a safer, more resilient future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government data, and insights from sources like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and news outlets. Information is accurate as of September 2, 2025, and subject to updates as new developments emerge.