Kerala's long-term disaster resilience programme to become national model: CM Satheesan
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday said the government has begun work on an “effective” long-term disaster resilience programme for the State, which he said would serve as a model for the entire country.
The Kerala Disaster Resilience Programme was announced in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s Revised Budget for 2026-27, presented in June. Mr. Satheesan made the remarks during a post-Cabinet press briefing where he outlined the measures taken by his government in view of the heavy-rainfall-induced floods and mudslips reported across the State over the past week. According to the latest figures, the rain havoc has left 26 people dead and four missing.
The programme will comprise technology-based weather forecasts, effective early warning systems, flood mapping, desiltation of dams and rivers, artificial intelligence-driven dam management, and a comprehensive policy, Mr. Satheesan said. The early warning systems are expected to provide timely alerts to communities in vulnerable areas. Flood mapping will help authorities identify flood-prone zones and plan appropriate responses. The AI-driven dam management system is intended to improve decision-making on water release during heavy rainfall, thereby reducing the risk of dam-related disasters. These measures, he said, are part of a comprehensive strategy to make the State more resilient to climate-related disasters.
As part of this initiative, the departments of Land Revenue and Water Resources have been asked to draw up a scheme for the removal of the large volume of silt, sand and debris that has accumulated in the rivers after the 2018 and 2019 floods in Kerala. Mr. Satheesan estimated that this measure alone could address 50% to 60% of the problems the State faces from flash floods and waterlogging. He also warned that failing to restore the rivers to their proper depth could prove dangerous, as reduced water flow capacity can exacerbate flooding. He said the scheme would be prepared in a phased manner, covering all major rivers and dams. The desiltation of rivers and dams is considered a critical step in improving the State's water management system.
Mr. Satheesan, who also handles the Finance portfolio, had earmarked ₹15 crore for the Kerala Disaster Resilience Programme in the Revised Budget. In his Budget speech, he had noted: “Over the past decade, Kerala has faced numerous devastating natural disasters, including severe landslides, aggressive coastal erosion, the heartbreaking tragedy at Mundakkai-Chooralmala (Wayanad), and recurring floods. Every single disaster has unequivocally revealed the necessity of scientific disaster preparedness and prevention.”
A Kerala Disaster Resilience Centre will also be established as part of the programme, according to the Budget speech. The Centre is expected to coordinate research, planning, and the implementation of resilience measures across various departments, ensuring a cohesive approach to disaster management.
The recent spell of heavy rain has affected several districts, leading to flooding, mudslips, and disruption of normal life. The government has been carrying out rescue and relief operations, and has put in place measures to deal with the immediate situation. Kerala has faced repeated natural disasters in recent years, including the devastating floods of 2018 and 2019, and the tragic landslides at Mundakkai-Chooralmala in Wayanad. These events have highlighted the need for long-term preparedness. The new programme aims to provide a framework for disaster resilience that can be replicated across the country. Mr. Satheesan expressed confidence that the programme would help mitigate the impact of future natural disasters.
