New Delhi, Dec 7: Amid ongoing urban flooding concerns, New Delhi has given the green light to an initiative aimed at addressing the issue. The approval comes in the form of a Rs. 561.29 crore project, marking the first urban flood mitigation endeavour.
Named the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management Activities for Chennai Basin Project,’ it is financed through the National Disaster Mitigation Fund, with an additional central assistance of Rs. 500 crore.
This move underscores a proactive step toward mitigating the escalating challenges posed by urban floods in key areas.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on December 7, 2023, conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which were battered by Cyclone Michuang.
In response to the crisis, the Centre has sanctioned the inaugural urban flood mitigation project, the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management Activities for Chennai Basin Project,’ with a budget of Rs. 561.29 crore under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund. This project, which includes central assistance of Rs. 500 crore, marks a significant step in addressing the pressing issue of urban flooding.
Following the aerial survey, Shri Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri MK Stalin, to review the current situation.
Addressing the media afterwards, the defence minister emphasised the collaborative efforts of the Central and state governments in responding effectively to the crisis.
He highlighted the active involvement of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other central agencies in relief and rescue operations.
Expressing the Prime Minister’s concern for the loss of lives due to the cyclone, the minister disclosed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and assured all possible assistance from the Central Government.
In a bid to expedite relief efforts, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to release the central share of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in advance.
A sum of Rs. 493.60 crore was allocated to Andhra Pradesh, and Rs. 450 crore to Tamil Nadu, with the Centre having already released the first instalment of the same amount to both states.