Patna: Bihar has taken a major step to prepare for floods and other natural disasters by announcing the construction of District Emergency Response Facility-cum-Training Centres in 20 districts. These centres will be built under the second phase of the state’s disaster management plan. The aim is to ensure faster rescue operations, better coordination between departments, and local training for emergency teams. With climate-related disasters becoming more frequent, the state government says this project is essential to protect lives and property.
Joint Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Nadeemul Gaffar Siddiqui, said the government plans to set up such centres in all 38 districts in a phased manner. In the first phase, 18 districts were selected, and 17 centres are already fully operational, while work in Patna is still going on. In the second phase, construction has started in 20 more districts where land is available. Each centre will have modern infrastructure, including space for State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, training halls, equipment storage rooms and control centres for emergency coordination.
The government has also increased financial help for families affected by disasters. The ex-gratia amount has been raised from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 per family. During the financial year 2025–26, the state distributed Rs 680.17 crore as relief to 9,71,678 families in flood-affected areas. Officials say this step will help families meet urgent needs such as food, clothing and temporary shelter after losing their homes or crops.
To further strengthen safety in flood-prone regions, the state is building 100 flood shelters across 10 highly affected districts. These include Katihar, Sitamarhi, East and West Champaran, Purnea, Kishanganj, Darbhanga, Shivhar, Araria and Madhubani. So far, 96 shelters are ready, and the remaining four are almost complete. These shelters will provide safe places for people during floods and reduce the loss of life.
In another important development, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the new SDRF headquarters in Bihta on September 19, 2025. The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 312.30 crore and includes an administrative block, training facilities and residential quarters for personnel. Officials believe this modern complex will greatly improve Bihar’s ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies, making the state better prepared for future disasters.
