New Delhi: The Central Government has approved the advance release of ₹2,117.85 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to support relief and rehabilitation efforts in seven states affected by floods during the ongoing southwest monsoon. The decision, approved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to ensure that state governments have adequate financial resources to continue rescue operations and provide timely assistance to affected communities.
Along with financial assistance, the Centre has also deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, provided logistical support and sent assessment teams to the worst-affected regions to strengthen the disaster response.
Relief Funds Released to Seven States
The approved SDRF assistance covers Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Odisha.
The approved allocations are:
- Arunachal Pradesh: ₹44.55 crore
- Assam: ₹379.35 crore
- Gujarat: ₹500 crore
- Himachal Pradesh: ₹193.95 crore
- Maharashtra: ₹500 crore
- Odisha: ₹500 crore
Nagaland has already received the first instalment of SDRF for 2026-27, while an Inter-Ministerial Central Team is being constituted to assess flood damage following the state’s request.
Centre Strengthens Flood Response
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Centre has been closely monitoring the flood situation since the onset of the southwest monsoon in coordination with state governments.
Apart from financial assistance, the Central Government has:
- Pre-deployed NDRF teams
- Extended logistical support through the Ministry of Defence
- Coordinated with state administrations for rescue and relief operations
These measures are intended to ensure quicker emergency response and minimise disruption in flood-affected regions.
Assessment Teams Deployed
To assess the extent of flood damage, Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) have already visited Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Given the severity of flooding in Assam, two separate IMCT visits have been conducted. The Centre has also decided to constitute an IMCT for Nagaland after receiving a request from the state government.
The assessment reports will help determine additional financial assistance under national disaster relief mechanisms, if required.
Why Advance SDRF Release Matters
The advance release of SDRF funds enables states to immediately finance relief activities without waiting for the regular instalment schedule.
The funds can be used for:
- Rescue and evacuation operations
- Temporary shelters and relief camps
- Food, drinking water and medical assistance
- Restoration of essential public services
The Centre relaxed certain documentary requirements under SDRF guidelines to ensure that states facing urgent situations receive funds without procedural delays.
Supporting Faster Disaster Management
The government said the financial assistance reflects its continued commitment to supporting states during natural disasters through timely funding and coordinated response mechanisms.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, early financial support, rapid deployment of disaster response teams and coordinated assessment of damages play a crucial role in reducing the impact of floods on lives and livelihoods.
The latest SDRF release is expected to help affected states strengthen ongoing rescue operations, accelerate rehabilitation efforts and restore essential services while ensuring faster assistance reaches communities impacted by the 2026 monsoon floods.
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