Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that India will ensure zero casualties during heat waves, unveiling a proactive disaster management plan under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Speaking at the ceremony where the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was awarded the President’s Colour in Ghaziabad, Shah emphasized that disaster management must shift from a reactive to a proactive approach, focusing on prevention and preparedness.
He highlighted that the government’s goal is to eliminate deaths from heat waves in the coming years, supported by early warning systems, community-level training, and infrastructure readiness such as cooling shelters and medical response units.
Shah praised the NDRF, state disaster forces, NCC, NSS, and volunteer groups like Apda Seva Mitras for their integrated efforts, positioning India as a global leader and first responder in disaster management.
India recorded at least 84 heatstroke deaths in 2025, underscoring the urgency of this initiative as climate change intensifies extreme weather events across northern and central states.
