Recent rise in deaths, property damage due to building collapses: Union Home Secretary

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan said on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) that 60% of the country’s geographical area is prone to earthquakes, noting that the Disaster Management Act, 2005 was enacted in the aftermath of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake

“India is in the sensitive category as far as earthquakes are concerned,” Mr. Mohan said, speaking at an event organised by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The Home Secretary also blamed the rapid urbanisation that is driving population density in cities. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the loss of lives and property due to the structural collapses of multi-story buildings, he added.

Practicing search and rescue ops

The NDRF successfully concluded the second National-Level Capacity Building Competition for State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs). The event was organised to enhance the preparedness and operational capabilities of SDRFs in collapsed structure search and rescue operations, crucial for responding to urban disasters and structural collapse incidents.

Mr. Mohan emphasised the importance of strengthened coordination, regular capacity-building initiatives, and a collective approach among disaster response agencies to achieve maximum success in saving lives during disasters. He appreciated the NDRF’s efforts to provide a national platform for skill development and inter-agency lessons. He also underscored that a glimpse of the NDRF’s orange uniform triggers a sigh of relief among the affected population of any disaster.

NDRF Director General Piyush Anand said that 321 pieces of modern equipment have recently been sanctioned by the MHA. In 2025, he said, the NDRF had led 1,500 missions and rescued over 40,000 people.