Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the first urban flood mitigation project, allocating Rs 561.29 crore for the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management Activities for Chennai Basin Project’ under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). This initiative, guided by a proactive approach, aims to address the recurrent issue of floods in Chennai, with the city witnessing three major floods in the last eight years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the significance of this project, emphasizing its role in making Chennai flood-resilient. The comprehensive framework for urban flood management is expected to set the tone for future mitigation efforts. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs will release the central share of the second installment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in advance, providing Rs 493.60 crore to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 450 crore to Tamil Nadu for relief management in the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung.
Shah expressed solidarity with the affected states and assured prompt support to normalize the situation. Cyclone Michaung has wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, causing casualties and extensive damage, including the inundation of critical infrastructure in major cities.