Uttarakhand Doubles Disaster Death Compensation to Rs 8 Lakh, Increases Aid for Damaged Houses

DEHRADUN, Nov 11: The Centre has doubled financial compensation for deaths caused by disasters in Uttarakhand from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per person, while substantially increasing assistance for damaged houses, injured individuals, farmers, livestock owners and other affected sections.

The enhanced relief provisions, effective from the 2026-27 financial year, have been introduced under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The revised guidelines also extend death compensation to personnel involved in disaster relief and rescue operations, officials said on Wednesday.

The decision follows a request made by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who welcomed the Centre’s move along with state Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Madan Kaushik. Both leaders expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for approving the increased assistance.

Under the updated guidelines, compensation for deaths resulting from disasters has been raised to Rs 8 lakh per individual. Financial assistance for people suffering permanent disabilities has also been revised.

Individuals sustaining permanent disabilities between 40 and 60 per cent will now receive Rs 94,000, compared with the earlier assistance of Rs 74,000. For disabilities exceeding 60 per cent, the compensation has been increased from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3.20 lakh.

Relief for injured individuals requiring hospitalisation has also been enhanced. Those hospitalised for more than seven days due to serious injuries will receive Rs 20,500 instead of Rs 16,000. For hospitalisation of less than seven days, the assistance has been increased from Rs 5,400 to Rs 7,000.

The revised framework also provides greater financial support to families losing essential belongings during disasters. Assistance for the loss of clothing has been doubled from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 per family. A similar increase has been approved for household goods, with compensation rising to Rs 5,000 from the earlier Rs 2,500.

Expenditure incurred on search and rescue operations will continue to be reimbursed according to actual costs. The provision covers essential arrangements, including boats, helicopters and other logistical requirements necessary for emergency operations.

Increased assistance for farmers and agricultural losses

Farmers whose crops are damaged by natural disasters will receive higher input subsidies under the revised provisions.

For rain-fed agricultural crops, assistance has been increased from Rs 8,500 to Rs 11,000 per hectare, with the maximum eligible area remaining two hectares. The minimum compensation has also been raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.

For crops grown under assured irrigation facilities, the subsidy has increased from Rs 17,000 to Rs 22,000 per hectare, subject to the same two-hectare limit. The minimum assistance in this category has been revised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,600.

Farmers cultivating perennial and horticultural crops will receive Rs 30,000 per hectare, compared with the previous Rs 22,500. The maximum coverage remains capped at two hectares, while the minimum assistance has been increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,200.

Financial support for sericulture activities involving Eri and Mulberry silkworm rearing has also been enhanced from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,800 per hectare.

The revised norms provide additional relief to landowners affected by natural calamities. Compensation for permanent land damage caused by landslides and avalanches has been increased from Rs 47,000 to Rs 60,000 per hectare.

Higher compensation for livestock and fisheries sectors

Livestock owners affected by disasters will also benefit from the enhanced compensation structure.

Financial assistance for the loss of large animals, including cows, buffaloes, camels and yaks, has been raised from Rs 37,500 to Rs 50,000 per animal. The assistance will remain limited to a maximum of three animals per family.

For smaller livestock, including sheep, goats and pigs, compensation has increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,100 per animal. Assistance for poultry losses has also been revised from Rs 100 to Rs 130 per bird.

The fisheries sector has received additional support, with increased assistance approved for repairing damaged boats, fishing nets and related equipment. The revised provisions also cover the purchase of replacement boats and nets where necessary.

Enhanced relief for damaged houses and infrastructure

One of the major components of the revised assistance package concerns residential properties damaged during natural disasters.

For houses completely destroyed in plain areas, compensation has been increased from Rs 1.20 lakh to Rs 1.60 lakh per house. In hilly and remote regions, the amount has been raised from Rs 1.30 lakh to Rs 1.70 lakh.

The Centre has also enhanced financial assistance for partially damaged permanent and temporary houses, completely destroyed huts and damaged animal shelters.

Artisans working in the handicraft and handloom sectors will receive higher assistance for the loss of essential tools and raw materials, helping them resume their livelihoods following disaster-related damage.

In addition to household and livelihood support, the revised norms provide increased financial assistance for the immediate repair and restoration of public infrastructure affected by natural calamities.

The coverage includes damaged roads and bridges, drinking water supply facilities, minor irrigation systems, electricity infrastructure, primary and secondary schools, primary and community health centres, and panchayat and other community assets.

Chief Minister welcomes Centre’s decision

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said Uttarakhand’s distinctive geographical conditions make the state particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including floods, landslides, heavy rainfall, cloudbursts and snowfall.

He noted that such incidents frequently cause extensive damage to human lives, property, agricultural activities, livestock, residential buildings and public infrastructure.

Dhami said the increased financial assistance would strengthen relief measures and help affected families recover from the losses caused by natural calamities.

He expressed confidence that the revised compensation structure would enable authorities to provide more meaningful support to disaster-hit communities while accelerating rehabilitation and restoration activities.

State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar confirmed that the revised provisions had become applicable from the 2026-27 financial year.

He added that instructions would be communicated to the relevant government departments and district administrations to ensure timely implementation.

The authorities have been directed to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive assistance without unnecessary delays and that the distribution process remains transparent and effective.

The enhanced package is expected to provide significant financial relief to communities across Uttarakhand, particularly those living in vulnerable mountainous and remote regions frequently affected by natural disasters.