Home guards to be assigned to SDRF for 2 years: Sukhu

Kullu: The Himachal Pradesh govt has decided to assign the home guards department to the state disaster response force (SDRF) for a period of two years. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in a statement, on Wednesday said to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the emergency response system, the state govt was working to strengthen the SDRF and in this effort, the govt had taken two important decisions – firstly, the entire response framework would be unified under additional director general of home guards and civil defence, ensuring a coordinated approach to any emergency or disaster management; and secondly, home guards would be assigned to the SDRF for a period of two years, reinforcing the system’s capacity and resilience.“The state govt is prioritising strengthening of the SDRF on the pretext of increasing the frequency of cloudbursts and other natural disasters. The state govt intends to make the system more organised and effective to safeguard lives and reduce losses. Himachal Pradesh is vulnerable to landslides, avalanches and earthquakes and other natural disasters and the state govt is taking these risks with utmost seriousness,” said the CM.Sukhu on August 1 had directed the senior officers to enhance the effectiveness of the emergency response system in the wake of the cloudbursts and flash-floods in Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts.

Cold response to agri infra fund, state govt to intensify campaign

The Kerala government is ramping up efforts to promote the central government's Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme, which offers subsidized loans for enhancing agricultural infrastructure. Despite a target to utilize Rs 2,520 crore by 2032-33, the scheme has received a lukewarm response.

Andhra Pradesh govt mulls bringing 2.5 lakh acres assigned land into prohibitory register

The Andhra Pradesh government is taking steps to safeguard 2.5 lakh acres of assigned land from potential misuse. An investigation revealed that the previous YSRCP administration had allegedly removed these lands from the prohibited list, raising concerns about illegal transfers. The move aims to rectify irregularities and protect land designated for the underprivileged.

BJP 'politicising' Wayanad landslide disaster: Priyanka

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the BJP during her campaign in Wayanad, accusing them of exploiting the recent devastating landslides for political gain. She criticized the party for diverting attention from pressing issues like unemployment and inflation, alleging their focus remains solely on retaining power.

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