Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has reinforced its commitment to disaster management by releasing ₹710.12 crore for relief measures in the financial year 2025-26. The funds aim to provide swift assistance, compensation, and rehabilitation to people affected by natural and man-made disasters, including floods, cold waves, fires, droughts, earthquakes, cyclones, and human-wildlife conflicts.
Major Allocation for Flood Relief
Of the total funds, ₹365.73 crore has been allocated to rescue and rehabilitate victims of floods, particularly in the Saryu, Ganga, and Ghaghara river basins. This represents the largest portion of the disaster relief fund, highlighting the state’s focus on mitigating flood damage and protecting affected communities.
Additional allocations include:
- ₹14.13 crore for cyclonic storms and thunderstorms
- ₹0.13 crore for hailstorm damage
- ₹14.63 crore for fire incidents
- ₹50.72 crore for cold wave protection
Cold Wave Preparedness and Relief Measures
To protect vulnerable populations during the cold season, the state government undertook extensive relief initiatives:
- Blankets: 589,689 blankets distributed to helpless and destitute individuals (₹45.51 crore spent)
- Bonfires: 169,834 bonfires lit across 27,027 locations (₹3.51 crore spent)
- Rain shelters: 1,242 shelters established, providing relief to over 64,000 people
These measures have significantly reduced casualties due to cold waves, demonstrating Uttar Pradesh’s proactive approach to disaster management.
Disaster Relief Beyond Floods and Cold Waves
An additional ₹246.63 crore has been set aside for other disaster mitigation, including general relief operations, emergency rehabilitation, and strengthening disaster response systems. The Relief Commissioner’s office has also deployed technology tools such as the Disaster Sentinel App and the 1070 toll-free helpline to ensure timely assistance and effective coordination during emergencies.
Uttar Pradesh Emerging as a Model State in Disaster Management
Through a combination of financial preparedness, strategic interventions, and technological support, Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a model state for disaster management in India. The state government’s focus on time-bound assistance, rehabilitation, and life protection ensures that disaster-affected individuals receive economic support alongside essential relief.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the state remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and livelihoods, with disaster management systems constantly evolving to meet new challenges.
Read also: UP CM Yogi Adityanath Meets Japanese Delegation to Boost Green Energy and Strategic Cooperation
