Former Tripura CM and MP Biplab Kumar Deb raised concerns over delays in disaster relief surveys during an Amit Shah-led panel on disaster management. The committee assured faster IMCT deployment, timely fund release, and stronger monitoring to ensure disaster-hit families receive prompt rehabilitation and assistance.
A high-level meeting of the Advisory Committee on Disaster Management and Capacity Building was held under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where critical issues relating to relief, rehabilitation, and disaster preparedness were reviewed. Among the key voices in the meeting was former Tripura Chief Minister and current Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb, who raised urgent concerns about delays in post-disaster surveys and their impact on rehabilitation efforts in disaster-affected states, particularly Tripura.
Speaking at the meeting, Deb emphasized that disaster-affected families often endure prolonged hardship because of bureaucratic delays in damage assessment surveys. He underlined that the lack of timely surveys not only postpones rehabilitation but also denies immediate relief to vulnerable families who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and security.
“Survey delays become an additional disaster for victims. When relief and reconstruction are postponed, people suffer even more while waiting for government support,” Deb stated.
Concerns from Tripura’s Experience
Deb drew from Tripura’s experience in dealing with floods, cyclones, and other natural calamities. He noted that despite repeated requests, ground-level surveys and assessments are often conducted late, creating gaps in the distribution of aid and delaying the resettlement process. According to him, this bureaucratic lag erodes the trust of disaster-affected communities in the system and hampers the state’s capacity to rebuild quickly.
His intervention received a positive response from members of the Advisory Committee. Recognizing the concern, the chairperson Amit Shah informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had already taken steps to improve the process.
Policy Steps to Ensure Timely Relief
Shah highlighted that the central government had, on August 19, 2019, adopted a crucial policy decision to deploy Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to disaster-hit areas across the country. These teams are tasked with immediate ground-level visits, joint assessments with state governments, and submission of timely reports to the Centre.
The IMCT mechanism is designed to bridge delays in surveys and ensure that affected families receive financial and material support without unnecessary waiting. Once the damage assessment is finalized, central funds can be released quickly, providing a lifeline to disaster victims.
“The role of IMCTs is to ensure that aid does not get stuck in administrative bottlenecks. Their presence on the ground speeds up relief delivery,” the committee members noted.
Stronger Monitoring and Fund Allocation
The panel also assured that sufficient funds would continue to be earmarked for rehabilitation and reconstruction in disaster-hit regions. To prevent misuse or delays, the IMCTs would closely monitor that central assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries promptly.
Officials pointed out that better coordination between the Centre and states is vital for disaster preparedness, capacity building, and efficient relief operations. The committee underscored the importance of strengthening state-level disaster management authorities and training local agencies to respond swiftly in emergencies.
A Call for Resilient Systems
The discussion also brought attention to the larger challenge of building resilience against disasters, which are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. While immediate relief is critical, long-term strategies such as better infrastructure, early warning systems, and community training programs were highlighted as essential for reducing disaster impact.
Deb reiterated his appeal for faster and transparent systems that directly benefit people in distress. “Disaster relief is not just about funds—it is about timely action and rebuilding hope for families,” he remarked.
| Also Read: GST Council’s historic reform to ease living and doing business |
Union Home Minister Amit Shah concluded the meeting by assuring all members that the central government is committed to strengthening disaster management systems. He reaffirmed that both policy reforms and financial support will remain top priorities to ensure quick rehabilitation of affected communities.
The meeting ended with a consensus on the need for continuous review, stronger state-centre collaboration, and adoption of modern technologies to minimize delays in disaster relief operations.
