Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate significant projects in Andhra Pradesh, including the southern campus of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and the 10th Battalion campus of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) near Vijayawada. The events are part of a broader initiative to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities across the country.
Key Projects and Inaugurations
Amit Shah, who arrived in Vijayawada on Saturday night, will serve as the chief guest at the 20th Foundation Day celebrations of the NDRF in Kondapavuluru, Krishna district, on Sunday. During the event, Shah will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects exceeding ₹200 crore, according to an official press release.
The projects include:
- Southern Campus of NIDM: Established under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, to address disaster management needs in southern India.
- 10th Battalion Campus of NDRF: Strengthening regional disaster response capabilities.
- Regional Response Centre (RRC) in Supaul (9th Battalion): To bolster disaster readiness in the area.
- Foundation Stone for RRC Gorakhpur (11th Battalion): Enhancing disaster preparedness in the northern region.
Additionally, Shah will release disaster awareness videos in 11 regional languages, emphasizing community participation in disaster preparedness.
Focus on Training and Infrastructure
As part of the initiatives, the Home Minister will virtually lay the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art ‘Integrated Indoor Shooting Range’ at the National Police Academy (NPA) in Hyderabad. This facility will be instrumental in training IPS probationary officers in advanced firing techniques.
Meeting with State Leaders
On his arrival, Shah was welcomed by IT Minister Nara Lokesh and other leaders at the Vijayawada airport. Later, he visited the residence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in Undavalli, Guntur district. Both leaders, along with Minister of State for Home B Sanjay Kumar, are expected to address the gathering during the NDRF Foundation Day event.
Strengthening Disaster Management in the South
The southern campus of NIDM, located in Krishna district, is a vital addition to India’s disaster management framework. This facility aims to address the unique challenges of southern states, including cyclones, floods, and droughts.
The 10th Battalion campus of the NDRF is expected to further strengthen disaster response capabilities in the region, ensuring swift action during emergencies.
Amit Shah’s Schedule
After participating in the events, Amit Shah is scheduled to depart from Vijayawada at 2:40 PM and return to New Delhi by 5:10 PM.
These initiatives underline the central government’s commitment to enhancing disaster resilience and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens across the country.