India aims for zero casualty in heat waves, says Amit Shah
India aims for zero casualty in heat waves, says Amit Shah
The Home Ministry unveils a proactive plan to achieve zero casualties during heat waves, leveraging NDRF and early-warning measures as heat risks rise nationwide.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (May 14, 2026) said the Ministry of Home Affairs has prepared a plan to ensure zero human casualty during heat waves in the country in the next few years, stressing a 'proactive' rather than 'reactive' approach to disasters. Shah noted that India recorded at least 84 heatstroke deaths in the 2025 summer, underscoring the urgent need for stronger preparedness and response.
Shah spoke after presenting the President's Colour to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at the campus of its 8th battalion, a ceremony that marks two decades of the unit’s service. The President's Colour is awarded for exceptional service and recognizes the efforts of the NDRF, along with the broader network of state disaster response forces, NCC, NSS, and volunteers involved in relief operations.
The minister said the Modi government aims to ensure 'zero casualty and minimum property damage' during tragedies and calamities, including cyclones, earthquakes, and floods. The MHA's plan is described as proactive against disasters and contemplates a joint Centre-State funding framework for heatwave mitigation, signaling a more integrated funding approach to disaster resilience.
Context for rising heat risk includes IMD projections of above-normal heatwave days likely in some parts of India in May, highlighting the need for stronger preparedness, early warning systems, cooling centers, and protection for vulnerable populations. The government’s emphasis on heatwave mitigation reflects a broader push to position India as a global leader in disaster management, with capabilities extended across national and state levels.
