National Disaster Response Force

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

Context

• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day was marked on January 19. The NDRF was formed on this day in 2006.

About NDRF

• The National Disaster Response Force is a specialised, multi-skilled, humanitarian force in India, which has been playing a crucial role in the country’s disaster management and community awareness for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Formation

• The successive natural calamities from 1990 to 2004 led to the enactment of the Disaster Management Act on December 26, 2005. The result was the formation of the National Disaster Response Force. This was set up to lay down the plans, policies, and guidelines for disaster management.

Structure

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the parent body of NDRF.

• At present, National Disaster Response Force consist of 15 battalions from the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles. Each battalion have 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams of 45 personnel each including engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads and medical/paramedics. The total strength of each battalion is 1,149. All the 15 battalions have been equipped and trained to respond natural as well as man-made disasters. Battalions are also trained and equipped for response during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.

• With more than 13,000 personnel, the battalions of the NDRF have been equipped to respond to natural as well as man-made disasters. They are also trained to respond during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.

Roles

• The role of the NDRF is disaster management and community awareness for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in India.
• The personnel in NDRF are trained in flood rescue, rope rescue, collapsed structure search and rescue, and other activities to support people during any calamities.

The PIB Link

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1790837

http://www.ndrf.gov.in/about-us

Question- Describe the structure and functioning of National Disaster Response Force.