Lok Sabha Question No. 2972 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Integration of AI in National Disaster
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2972

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA)

INTEGRATION OF AI IN NATIONAL DISASTER

†2972. SHRI SURESH KUMAR KASHYAP:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that during the monsoon and summer seasons of the year 2025, an increase in the incidents of excessive rainfall, urban  flooding,  landslides  and  heatwaves  has  been  observed  in  Himachal Pradesh, especially in Shimla Lok Sabha Constituency and other hilly urban areas along with the role played by Urban Disaster Management Authorities in dealing with these situations;
- (b) the current status of the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the National  Disaster  Database  for  predicting  extreme  weather  events  seven days  in  advance,  keeping  in  view  the  geographical  sensitivity  of  the  hilly States; and
- (c)  whether  the  granting  of  statutory  status  to  the  High-Level  Committee (HLC) under the Disaster Management Act of 2025 has ensured more rapid and  time-bound  release  of  disaster  relief  funds  to  disaster-sensitive  hilly States like Himachal Pradesh and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a): Rapid urbanisation is posing new and unique challenges in urban areas of large urban agglomerations that span even more than one district in many

areas. Therefore, to address the issue of urban disaster risk management and have a focused approach towards urban issues, an enabling provision '41A'

has been made  through amendment in the Disaster

Management Act, 2005, empowering the State  Governments to constitute Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) in State Capitals and all cities having Municipal Corporation (excluding NCT of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh)  for  dealing  with  city  specific  disasters  more  effectively.  The UDMAs  are  responsible  for  preparation  of  Urban  Plan  addressing  urban specific vulnerabilities including flooding and heat waves and for coordinating the implementation of the same. Therefore, it is the mandate of the State Governments to set up UDMA.

(b):  The  Disaster  Management  (Amendment)  Act,  2025,  mandates  the creation of a National Disaster Database, which includes risk assessments, mitigation plans, and real-time data on disasters. Alert agencies such as India Meteorological Department (IMD) have integrated AI/ML models into weather forecasting  systems  for  seven-day  advance  predictions.  This  includes  AI driven simulations for flood forecasting (up to seven days ahead) and cyclone tracking, as part of Mission Mausam.

(c): High-Level Committee (HLC), approves financial assistance to the States from  the  National  Disaster  Response  Fund  (NDRF)  and  National  Disaster Mitigation  Fund  (NDMF).  The  HLC  existed  prior  to  enactment  of  Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. As it was performing important role in disaster management,  statutory status was  granted to HLC  through amendment  in  DM  Act  in  2025. Further,  Ministry of Home Affairs

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2972 FOR 10.03.2026

facilitates  timely  constitution  and  deputation  of  Inter-Ministerial  Central Team  (IMCT)  in  the  wake  of  a  severe  disaster,  for  immediate  first-hand assessment of the damages caused. HLC has approved an amount of Rs 4576.7 crore from NDRF to various States during 2025-26 for floods/flash floods/cyclone/modernization of fire services/recovery and reconstruction needs etc.

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