New Delhi, May 14
Home Minister Amit Shah has said the government is working on a strategy aimed at preventing deaths caused by heatwaves in the coming years, as the country faces increasingly extreme weather linked to climate change. Speaking at a ceremony honouring the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Shah said the government’s disaster management policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on prevention and preparedness rather than responding after tragedies occur. He said authorities were aiming for “zero casualty and minimum property damage” during disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes and heatwaves.
India experiences severe heatwaves every year, with many deaths linked to heat stroke and prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. Shah said the Home Ministry had prepared plans to tackle the growing threat and hoped to reduce fatalities to zero over the next few years. The minister was speaking after presenting the President’s Colour — a ceremonial honour awarded for exceptional service — to the NDRF as the force marked 20 years since its formation in 2006.
Shah described the recognition as a tribute not only to the NDRF, but also to state disaster response teams, local authorities, volunteers and community groups involved in rescue and relief work across the country.
He said India had emerged as a global leader in disaster response and often acted as a “first responder” during international crises. He added that the role of the NDRF would become increasingly important as climate change and global warming led to more frequent disasters.
The minister also inaugurated infrastructure projects worth Rs 111 crore for the disaster response force.
According to NDRF Director General Piyush Anand, the force has carried out more than 12,000 rescue operations since its creation, saving around 150,000 lives and rescuing nearly 900,000 people.
The NDRF currently operates 16 battalions across India with a strength of about 18,000 personnel.
