Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the comprehensive plan for utilisation of funds earmarked for permanent restoration of damages caused by floods and associated calamities in 2025, directing departments to fast-track approvals and execution of works.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Additional Chief Secretaries of Power, Finance and Public Works Departments, Principal Secretary Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R), and other key administrative heads. Deputy Commissioners from across districts joined via video conferencing.
Dulloo emphasised the need for timely administrative approvals and technical sanctions to ensure that projects are tendered without delay and completed within stipulated timelines. He directed departments to begin execution by June and submit work-wise progress and completion details periodically.
Stressing adherence to central guidelines, the Chief Secretary instructed departments to align all proposals with the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and avoid duplication of funding, particularly between Recovery & Reconstruction (R&R) and Special Additional Central Assistance (SASCI) components.
During the meeting, it was revealed that a total outlay of Rs 3,440.43 crore has been structured across multiple funding streams to address both immediate relief and long-term resilience. Of this, Rs 1,579.09 crore has been approved under the R&R component of the UT Disaster Response Fund, including Rs 1,421.118 crore as central share and Rs 157.909 crore as UT share.
Additionally, Rs 330.34 crore has been sanctioned under SDRF/NDRF norms to address immediate and residual impacts of disasters such as floods, flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts.
A further Rs 1,431 crore under the SASCI component will be utilised to bridge critical gaps and support resilience-building infrastructure. Major allocations include Rs 860 crore for Roads & Buildings, Rs 315 crore for Jal Shakti, Rs 173 crore for Power Development Department, Rs 51 crore for Agriculture, and Rs 32 crore for Youth Services & Sports.
Officials said the funding will prioritise restoration of roads, bridges, irrigation systems and other public infrastructure using a “build back better” approach to enhance disaster resilience. The central share is to be released in phases, subject to utilisation conditions.
The CAPEX Budget 2025–26 will further support flood mitigation efforts through strengthening of embankments, drainage systems and other protective infrastructure, integrating disaster resilience into long-term development planning.
The Chief Secretary underscored the urgency of coordinated execution, calling for robust monitoring and inter-departmental coordination to ensure timely completion of all projects under the plan.
