India will ensure zero casualty during heat waves: Amit Shah
Hey future lawyer! This news about India aiming for zero heatwave casualties isn't just a weather update; it's a big CLAT point. So basically, Home Minister Amit Shah announced a plan for zero human casualties during heat waves, shifting to a 'proactive' approach. This came as the NDRF, our National Disaster Response Force, received the President's Colour for their exceptional service. Here's the thing, this directly links to Article 21, the Right to Life, as the government has a duty to protect citizens. It's also about the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which established the NDRF. This proactive stance reflects DPSP principles too. Bottom line: understand the connection between fundamental rights, statutory bodies, and government policy in disaster management.
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Published- May 14, 2026 10:58 am IST - Ghaziabad
People are seen protecting themselves from the scorching sun in New Delhi. File
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (May 14, 2026) said his Ministry has prepared a plan to ensure zero human casualty during heat waves in the country in the next few years, with the underlying principle of being "proactive" rather than "reactive" towards disasters.
The Minister spoke after he presented the President's Colour to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at the campus of its 8th battalion.
The President's Colour flag is awarded to a military or police unit for rendering exceptional service.
The honour came to the force in the 20th year of its establishment after it was raised in 2006 as a federal contingency force to undertake relief and rescue operations during natural and man-made disasters.
The President's Colour is not just a "recognition" for the excellent services of the NDRF but also of all the state disaster response forces, the state machinery, the NCC (National Cadet Corps), NSS (National Service Scheme), 'Apda Seva Mitras' (volunteers) among others, Shah said.
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He added that the NDRF has earned the "admiration and trust" of the people of the country and even abroad through its operations.
The Minister said the Modi government aimed to ensure "zero casualty and minimum property damage" during tragedies and calamities, including cyclones, earthquakes and floods.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prepared a plan to better combat the "serious challenge" of heat waves in the country and we will be able to ensure "zero casualty" in this context over the next few years, Shah said.
Our approach and policy has been "proactive" against disasters rather than being just "reactive", he said.
Shah said India has made its name as a "global leader" in disaster management and being the "first responder" during calamities as he asked the NDRF to prepare itself in the face of global warming and climate change.
The NDRF has 16 operational battalions deployed across the country with an overall strength of about 18,000 personnel.
Speaking during the event, NDRF Director General (DG) Piyush Anand said the force has undertaken more than 12,000 operations since its creation.
heatwave/weather/weather news/interior policy