The Central Government has sanctioned a substantial financial package exceeding Rs 979 crore to Himachal Pradesh for the current financial year 2025-26 to bolster the state's capabilities in handling natural calamities. The funds are aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, immediate response, and long-term recovery mechanisms in the hill state.
Breakdown of the Financial Assistance
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, provided a detailed account of the disbursements. The allocation comprises two major components. Firstly, over Rs 582 crore has been released under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Secondly, an additional Rs 397 crore has been disbursed under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Against the total allocated amount of Rs 441 crore under the SDRF for the year, the Centre has already transferred Rs 397 crore to the state in two instalments. The NDRF allocation of Rs 582 crore is further categorized for specific purposes:
- Rs 451 crore is earmarked for post-disaster needs assessment, recovery, and reconstruction activities.
- Rs 107 crore is designated for managing natural disasters.
- Rs 23 crore is allocated for the modernization of fire services across Himachal Pradesh.
Historical Context and State's Primary Role
Minister Rai also outlined the NDRF funding provided to Himachal in the preceding years, highlighting the variability based on calamity. The state received Rs 214 crore in FY 2022–23, a significantly higher Rs 787 crore in 2023–24 following severe monsoon devastation, and Rs 84 crore in 2024–25. Under the Centre's share of the SDRF, the releases were Rs 342 crore (2022–23), Rs 360 crore (2023–24), and Rs 378 crore (2024–25).
The minister clarified the framework governing these funds. As per the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), the primary responsibility for disaster management and on-ground relief distribution lies with the state governments. States utilize SDRF funds according to norms approved by the Central government. The Centre's role is to supplement these efforts through logistical support and additional financial aid. Importantly, assistance from the NDRF is extended only for disasters classified as "severe," following assessments by inter-ministerial central teams. Rai also emphasized that both SDRF and NDRF allocations are relief measures and not compensation for losses incurred.
NDRF Deployment and Preparedness for Monsoon 2025
The institutional strength of the NDRF was also highlighted. It currently operates with 16 battalions and 28 Regional Response Centres (RRCs) across the country. For Himachal Pradesh, one battalion is stationed in Mandi, with RRCs located at Nurpur in Kangra and Nalagarh in Solan.
Demonstrating proactive measures for the upcoming monsoon season, 105 NDRF teams were pre-positioned nationwide to ensure a swift response. In Himachal Pradesh specifically, NDRF teams have been deployed in key districts to enhance emergency preparedness. These districts include Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi, and Kinnaur.
This substantial financial infusion and strategic pre-positioning of resources underscore the government's focus on mitigating the impact of natural disasters in the vulnerable Himalayan state, aiming for a more resilient and swift disaster response framework.
