New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- The Delhi government has approved raising a 1,050-strong State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), comprising 18 companies, to strengthen the Capital's response to natural and man-made disasters, officials said on Friday.
The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved one company for each of Delhi's 13 districts, along with five reserve companies.
Each company will comprise 50-55 rescue and relief personnel, primarily drawn from central paramilitary forces, with some positions filled through direct recruitment.
The force will be headed by an Inspector General-rank police officer. Its formation will begin in phases after the proposal receives Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu's approval and a formal notification is issued.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will train personnel and assist with specialised equipment suited to Delhi's requirements.
The government also plans specialised training for fire department staff and Civil Defence volunteers to strengthen local rescue capabilities.
The move aims to improve emergency response to floods, earthquakes, fires, building collapses and major accidents.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.