Context: National Disaster Response Force NDRF, SDRF and Army contingent were called in during rescue and relief operations after an accident took place during a Ram Navami function at a temple in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
About the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):-
- It is an Indian specialized force .
- It was constituted “for the purpose of special response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster” under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Motto of the NDRF is “आपदा सेवा सदैव सर्वत्र” which implies “Sustained Disaster Response Service” under all circumstances.
- It comes under Ministry of Home Affairs
- It is the only dedicated disaster response force in the world
- The Apex Body for Disaster Management in India is the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
- The Chairman of the NDMA is the Prime Minister.
- The head of the NDRF is designated as Director General.
- The Director Generals of NDRF are IPS officers on deputation from Indian police organisations.
- Director General is a three-star officer.
Working of NDRF:-
- The responsibility of managing disasters in India is that of the State Government.
- When ‘calamities of severe nature’ occur, the Central Government is responsible for providing aid and assistance to the affected state, including deploying, at the State’s request, of Armed Forces, Central Paramilitary Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and such communication, air and other assets, as are available and needed.
Composition:-
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a force of 12 battalions, organized on para-military lines, and manned by persons on deputation from the para-military forces of India.
- These include:-
- three Border Security Force
- three Central Reserve Police Force
- two Central Industrial Security Force
- two Indo-Tibetan Border Police and
- two Sashastra Seema Bal.
Achievements:-
NDRF has rescued over 1.55 lakh precious human lives and also evacuated more than 7.88 lakh stranded persons from disaster situations within the country and abroad. The swift and effective response of NDRF during Japan Triple Disaster-2011, Nepal Earthquake 2015 and Türkiye Earthquake 2023 was acclaimed globally.
