Amit Shah approved Rs 1,950 Cr for flood relief in Karnataka and Maharashtra

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the advance release of ₹1,950.80 crore as the second installment of the central share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2025–26 to Karnataka (₹384.40 crore) and Maharashtra (₹1,566.40 crore). This follows an earlier first installment of ₹1,066.80 crore, released to six states, including Karnataka and Maharashtra, to support flood relief efforts.

The funds are aimed at providing immediate relief to people affected by extremely heavy rainfall and floods during the southwest monsoon, from June to September 2025. In Maharashtra, the allocation is part of a broader disaster management framework, set against the backdrop of the state’s 2025–26 budget, which projects total expenditure of ₹7,00,020 crore, with a focus on infrastructure, disaster mitigation, and rural development.

The funding will be utilised for rescue and relief operations, including deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, and Air Force teams, establishment of temporary shelters, provision of food, water, and medical aid, and support to affected livestock and farmers. Damaged roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and public utilities are also being repaired as part of the immediate relief measures.

This year, the Centre has already released ₹13,603.20 crore under SDRF to 27 states and ₹2,189.28 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to 15 states. Additional support has been provided through the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to strengthen infrastructure, build flood-resistant structures, and improve early warning systems. During this monsoon, a record 199 NDRF teams were deployed across 30 states and Union Territories, ensuring rapid response during emergencies.

While the ₹1,950.80 crore advance release provides crucial immediate relief, experts note that full recovery and rehabilitation will require additional funds. Maharashtra, for instance, has announced a ₹31,628 crore relief package for farmers affected by floods, highlighting the scale of post-disaster needs relative to the state’s total expenditure under its annual budget.