NDRF tied up with 30 PSUs to tackle man-made or natural disasters

India’s elite disaster mitigation combat force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in October 2015 tied up with about 30 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in order to develop mutual understanding and enhance capabilities to jointly tackle man-made or natural emergencies.

In regard to the same, a coordination meet was held on 23 October 2015 between the NDRF and prominent PSUs like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Air India and those in the mining and shipping and heavy industries sector.

This first of its kind initiative will ensure that in case of any emergency or disaster the two sides can come together and act as one strong unit and also ensure that in case of small or mid-level exigencies these units can function as first responders till the NDRF arrives on the scene.

As per the decision, NDRF has proposed that these PSUs will extend its skill modules like on tackling nuclear, biological and chemical disasters to train their personnel.

Once trained the workforce of these organisations can effectively help NDRF as force multipliers during big challenges and they can render a relief and rescue task independently when any state government or local administration seeks their help.

For the purpose, the two sides also exchanged vital contact numbers after the meeting and agreed to initiate joint mock drills and disaster combat exercises in the future.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was constituted in 2006 with 08 Battalions (Bns) (02 Bn each from BSF, CRPF, ITBP and CISF). It was formed with the enactment of the Disaster Management Act on 26 December 2005, which came into force following two national calamities, namely Orissa Super Cyclone (1999) and Gujarat Earthquake (2001).

At present, the force has eleven battalions positioned in various states of the country to undertake relief and rescue operations in the event of any disaster, accident or emergency.
• NDRF Director General - O P Singh

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