States have adequate funds to deal with disasters: Rijiju

New Delhi, Feb 24: The Union government on Tuesday said, adequate funds are available for all states to deal with possible disasters and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has not abandoned any project mid-way.

The government is in discussions with states for any help regarding dealing with disasters, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said in Lok Sabha.

Enough funds are there for all states for dealing with disasters, he said during the Question Hour.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was set up to ensure timely response in cases of disasters in the country.

Among its prime responsibilities is to lay down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management in a timely manner.

"No major project taken up by the NDMA has been abandoned mid-way. No major allegation regarding irregularities in implementation of any mitigation project has been received," Rijiju said.

He listed out various disaster management initiatives taken up by the government in the last ten years, including the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project and National School Safety Programme.

The Minister also appreciated efforts of the Odisha government in dealing with the impact of cyclones Hudhud and Phalin -- both of which had wrecked havoc in the state.

"Odisha has done a tremendous job in response against cyclones Hudhud and Phailin," he said.

PTI