National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day is annually observed across India on 19 January to commemorate the establishment of the NDRF, a distinguished, unique Force across India functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- 19th January 2024 marks the observance of the 19th NDRF Raising Day.
Role of NDRF:
The NDRF is a ‘Specialist Force’ trained and equipped to respond to various disasters, including natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes, as well as man-made disasters such as chemical spills and terrorist attacks.
Establishment of NDRF:
i.India faced consecutive natural disasters between 1990 and 2004, prompting the creation of the Disaster Management (DM) Act on December 26, 2005.
- It led to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) formation under Section 44 of the DM Act, 2005.
ii.NDRF was raised on 19 January 2006 as India’s premium disaster response Force.
iii.Since its inception, India has been annually observing the NDRF Raising Day on 19th January. .
Mission and Goals:
The primary goal of NDRF is to formulate comprehensive plans, policies, and guidelines for effective disaster management.
Motto: ‘Aapada Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra,’ reflects a commitment to Sustained Disaster Response Service under all circumstances.
Organisation:
i.In 2006, NDRF was constituted with 8 battalions. Currently, NDRF consists of 16 battalions from the following forces:
- Assam Rifles
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
ii.Each battalion has 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams, each with 45 personnel.
- These teams include engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads, and medical/paramedics.
- The total strength of each battalion is 1149 personnel and has 28 Regional Response Centers (RRCs).
iii.All the 16 battalions have been equipped and trained to respond to natural as well as man-made disasters.
- They are also trained and equipped for response during Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.
Achievements:
NDRF swiftly rescued over 1.55 lakh lives and evacuated more than 7.88 lakh stranded individuals during crises within India and abroad in a very short period.
Notable interventions during global crises: Japan Triple Disaster 2011, Nepal Earthquake 2015, Türkiye Earthquake 2023.
2024 Event:
The 19th NDRF Raising Day was celebrated on 19 January 2024 at Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
- Minister of State Nityanand Rai, Ministry of Home Affairs graced the event as a Chief Guest.
About National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):
Director-General– Atul Karwal
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Motto– Sustained Disaster Response Service
