The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is an Indian specialized force constituted “for the purpose of special response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster” under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
The “Apex Body for Disaster Management” in India is the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The Chairman of the NDMA is the Prime Minister.
Established in 2006, NDRF is theworld’s single largest force dedicated to disaster response.
It is functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, within the overall command, control and leadership of the Director-General.
Organisation:
At present, the NDRF consists of 15 battalions from the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles.
Each battalion has 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams of 45 personnel each including engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads and medical/paramedics.
Functions:
It is a multi-skilled and high-tech force that effectively responds to all types of natural and man-made disasters, including building collapses, landslides, devastating floods, and cyclones.
It is strategically deployed across the nation as per the vulnerability profile of the country.
The swift and effective response of NDRF during Japan Triple Disaster-2011 and Nepal Earthquake 2015 was acclaimed globally.
Background:
The Disaster Management Act, 2005 has made the statutory provisions for constitution of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the purpose of specialized response to natural and man-made disasters.
Two national calamities in quick succession in the form of Orissa Super Cyclone (1999) and Gujarat Earthquake (2001) brought about the realization of the need of having a specialist response mechanism at National Level to effectively respond to disasters. This realization led to the enactment of the DM Act on 26 Dec 2005.
Role and Mandate of NDRF:
Specialized response during disasters.
Proactive deployment during impending disaster situations.
Acquire and continually upgrade its own training and skills.
Liaison, Reconnaissance, Rehearsals and Mock Drills.
Impart basic and operational level training to State Response Forces (Police, Civil Defence and Home Guards).
Community Capacity Building Programme.
Organize Public Awareness Campaigns.
Why it is said to be UNIQUE?
It is the only dedicated disaster response force of the world.
The only agency with comprehensive response capabilities having multi-disciplinary and multi-skilled, high-tech, standalone nature.
Experienced paramilitary personnel specially trained and equipped for disaster response.
Capabilities for undertaking disaster response, prevention, mitigation and capacity building
