By Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Centre is working on a long-term strategy to ensure that heatwaves in India result in “zero human casualties” in the coming years. Speaking at a special event for the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Shah stressed that the government now wants to move from a “reactive” approach to a more “proactive” disaster management system.
The remarks come at a time when several parts of India are witnessing rising temperatures and recurring heatwave alerts during summer months. Shah said the Ministry of Home Affairs has already prepared an action plan focused on reducing deaths and limiting damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
He was addressing personnel after presenting the prestigious President’s Colour to the NDRF at the force’s 8th battalion campus. The honour is awarded to military or police units for exceptional service and discipline. The NDRF received the recognition in its 20th year since being established in 2006 as India’s specialised disaster response force.
Calling the honour a recognition of the country’s entire disaster management network, Shah said the achievement belonged not only to the NDRF but also to state disaster response teams, volunteers, NCC cadets, NSS workers and local rescue personnel who often work on the frontlines during emergencies.
“The goal of the Modi government is clear — minimum loss of life and minimum damage to property during any disaster,” Shah said during his address. He added that India has significantly strengthened its preparedness for cyclones, floods, earthquakes and industrial accidents over the past decade.
Highlighting the growing threat posed by climate change, the Home Minister said heatwaves have emerged as a serious challenge that requires focused planning. He noted that disaster management agencies are now being trained to respond more efficiently to extreme weather conditions, including rising temperatures across urban and rural areas.
Shah also praised the NDRF for earning public trust through rescue operations both within India and abroad. According to officials, the force has carried out over 12,000 rescue and relief missions since its formation. NDRF Director General Piyush Anand said the organisation continues to upgrade its capabilities to deal with modern-day disasters linked to climate and environmental changes.
The Home Minister said India has increasingly emerged as a “global leader” in disaster response and often acts as a first responder during international emergencies as well.
At present, the NDRF operates 16 battalions across the country with a combined strength of nearly 18,000 personnel deployed for rescue, evacuation and emergency relief operations.
