“Uttar Pradesh has earmarked ₹500 crore to bolster its disaster management fund, aiming to enhance emergency response and mitigation efforts. The allocation will support relief operations, infrastructure upgrades, and preparedness for natural calamities. This move addresses the state’s vulnerability to floods and other disasters, ensuring swift aid and recovery for affected communities.”
UP Boosts Disaster Preparedness with ₹500 Crore Fund
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a ₹500 crore allocation for its State Disaster Management Fund to strengthen the state’s capacity to tackle emergencies and natural calamities. This significant financial commitment is aimed at enhancing disaster response mechanisms, improving infrastructure resilience, and ensuring timely relief for affected populations. Uttar Pradesh, which frequently faces floods, cyclones, and other natural disasters, has prioritized preparedness to mitigate loss of life and property.
The funds will be utilized under the framework of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF), as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. According to government sources, the allocation will support immediate relief efforts, including food, water, and medical supplies for disaster victims, as well as long-term mitigation projects such as flood control measures, early warning systems, and infrastructure upgrades to withstand natural calamities. The state has also been working on modernizing its fire services and addressing local disasters like urban flooding, which have become increasingly frequent.
In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has faced significant challenges due to recurring floods, particularly in districts like Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Allahabad. The 2024 monsoon season alone caused widespread damage, displacing thousands and affecting agricultural output. The ₹500 crore fund is expected to bolster the state’s ability to respond swiftly to such crises, with a portion allocated for anticipatory actions to minimize damage before disasters strike. This includes investments in early warning systems and community awareness programs to enhance preparedness.
The Central Government’s guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, allow states to use up to 10% of SDRF funds for state-specific disasters not listed in the national framework, provided transparent norms are established. Uttar Pradesh has leveraged this provision to address localized issues like seasonal flooding and erosion, which disproportionately affect rural communities. The state’s disaster management authority is also focusing on capacity building, with plans to train local responders and improve coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Additionally, the fund will support rehabilitation efforts for displaced populations and infrastructure restoration in disaster-hit areas. The government has emphasized accountability, with regular audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to ensure proper utilization of funds. While the ₹500 crore allocation is a significant step, experts suggest that sustained investment and inter-state collaboration are crucial for long-term disaster resilience.
This move comes amid growing national focus on disaster risk reduction, with India allocating over ₹6 billion for mitigation efforts between 2021 and 2025, as highlighted during the 2023 Sendai Framework review. Uttar Pradesh’s proactive approach aligns with this broader vision, aiming to reduce the socio-economic impact of disasters while fostering a culture of preparedness.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from government sources, the 15th Finance Commission reports, and disaster management policies as of September 2025. Data is sourced from the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and news reports. Figures and policies are subject to change, and readers are advised to verify details with official sources.