National Project for Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction

National Project for Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction aims to develop Model Gram Panchayats across India to integrate disaster resilience into local governance.

Table of Contents

The National Project for Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a major initiative approved by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to enhance community-based disaster resilience at the grassroots level. With a total financial outlay of ₹507.37 crore, the project aims to integrate disaster risk reduction into local governance and development planning through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Announced in December 2025, the project seeks to create cluster-based Model Gram Panchayats across disaster-prone regions of India, showcasing long-term mitigation strategies and strengthening preparedness against natural hazards such as floods, cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, and landslides.

Objectives of the National DRR Project

The project is designed to achieve the following objectives:

Mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into Panchayat-level planning
Strengthen the institutional capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions
Promote community participation and ownership in disaster management
Develop replicable, disaster-resilient Gram Panchayat models
Improve coordination between local, district, and state-level authorities

Financial Outlay and Coverage

Budget Allocation

Total Outlay: ₹507.37 crore

Geographic Scope

20 States
81 disaster-prone districts
20 Gram Panchayats per district cluster
20 Model Gram Panchayats (one in each State)

The project focuses on districts that face recurrent and high-intensity disasters, ensuring targeted interventions where vulnerability is highest.

Concept of Model Gram Panchayats

A key innovation of the project is the creation of Model Gram Panchayats that function as demonstration units for effective disaster mitigation.

Key Features:

One Model GP per State
Hazard-specific focus (e.g., flood, cyclone, drought, earthquake, landslide)
Long-term, end-to-end mitigation planning
Disaster-proofing of infrastructure and services
Scalable and replicable for adoption by other Panchayats

States can later replicate these models using State Disaster Mitigation Funds (SDMFs).

Hazard-Specific Disaster Mitigation Approach

The project adopts a multi-hazard framework, addressing region-specific risks such as:

Floods and Flash Floods
Cyclones and Coastal Erosion
Droughts
Earthquakes
Landslides
Ecosystem-based hazards

This ensures that mitigation strategies are locally relevant and scientifically grounded.

Cluster-Based Implementation Strategy

To maximise impact, the project follows a cluster-based approach, where:

Gram Panchayats are geographically contiguous
Mitigation outcomes are visible and measurable
Resources and expertise are shared efficiently
Disaster-resilient practices spread organically across Panchayats

This approach enhances both efficiency and sustainability.

Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building

A major pillar of the project is capacity building at all levels:

Training of elected Panchayat representatives
Capacity enhancement of Panchayat functionaries
Skill development for master trainers and community volunteers
Awareness generation through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns

These measures aim to create permanent institutional capacity at the grassroots level.

Role of Digital Platforms

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will leverage its digital platforms to support disaster planning and monitoring:

eGramSwaraj – integration of disaster management planning and expenditure tracking
Gram Manchitra – spatial planning and risk mapping
Real-time data sharing and decision-support tools for Panchayats

Digital integration will improve transparency, accountability, and coordination.

Integration with Panchayat Development Planning

The project builds upon the Disaster Management Plan of MoPR (DMP-MoPR) released in March 2022.

Key integrations include:

Preparation of Village- and Panchayat-level Disaster Management Plans
Alignment with Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs)
Mainstreaming DRR into routine development activities

This ensures disaster resilience is not treated as a separate function but as a core governance responsibility.

Significance of the National DRR Project

Governance Impact

Strengthens local self-government
Improves last-mile disaster preparedness

Social Impact

Protects lives and livelihoods
Builds community confidence and awareness

Economic Impact

Reduces disaster-related losses
Promotes cost-effective mitigation over post-disaster relief

Conclusion

The National Project for Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction marks a paradigm shift in India’s disaster management strategy by placing Panchayati Raj Institutions and communities at the centre of resilience-building. By combining local planning, digital governance, capacity building, and hazard-specific mitigation, the project lays the foundation for a resilient rural India capable of withstanding future disasters.