Building Resilience: India's Cyclone Defense Project

The Indian government has spent Rs 4,331.68 crores on the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project since 2011 to strengthen disaster resilience in coastal states. The initiative, executed in two phases across eight states, aims to minimize cyclone vulnerability with infrastructure improvements and capacity-building efforts.

The Indian government revealed in the Rajya Sabha that Rs 4,331.68 crore has been expended under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) since its inception in 2011. This initiative aims to bolster disaster resilience in coastal regions by developing necessary infrastructure and mechanisms.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai outlined details of the project's progress, noting the completion of its first phase with a cost of Rs 2,524.84 crore, involving Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, which concluded in December 2018. The second phase, costing Rs 1,806.84 crore, targeted Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, and wrapped up in March 2023.

The NCRMP's cornerstone lies in minimizing cyclone vulnerability through various interventions, including early warning systems, multi-purpose cyclone shelters, evacuation infrastructure, and capacity-building programs. A dedicated Project Monitoring Unit ensures systematic coordination across states for effective project implementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)