Centre leaves 53 percent of disaster funds unspent; Wayanad compensation still pending

New Delhi: More than half of the funds approved for disaster relief and mitigation across states remained unspent in the 2024-25 financial year, even as Kerala continues to await the financial assistance it sought following the devastating landslides in Wayanad's Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas in 2024, according to a report by India's Comptroller and Auditor General.

According to the CAG report for 2024-25, ₹11,474 crore was approved for release from the NDRF to states for dealing with disasters of a severe nature. However, only ₹5,356 crore was actually released.

The remaining ₹6,117.97 crore, or around 53 percent of the approved amount, was classified as “savings”, indicating that the funds were not utilised.

75 percent of disaster mitigation funds also unspent

The CAG report also highlighted significant unspent amounts under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).

Of the ₹2,868 crore approved for release to states, only ₹719.72 crore was actually disbursed. Around 75 percent of the approved amount remained unspent.

Similarly, of the ₹20,000 crore allocated for release as a special assistance fund, only ₹3,350 crore was provided to states. This means around 83 percent of the allocation remained unused.

The CAG also found that states can receive an advance loan of up to ₹100 crore for immediate relief operations following a natural disaster.

However, not a single rupee was spent under this provision during the period examined, according to the report.

Also read | Two years on, Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide victims carry memories but choose hope

What are NDRF and NDMF?

The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is intended to provide financial assistance to states for immediate relief and rehabilitation following severe natural disasters.

The National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) is meant to finance projects aimed at reducing the impact and risks associated with disasters.