Kolkata, Sept. 1 -- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday launched 'Arjun Bahini', a dedicated disaster response force comprising 200 ex-servicemen, to strengthen rapid rescue operations across Bengal.
The force was formed following the Taratala multi-storey collapse, which highlighted the need for a trained first-response unit equipped to
tackle emergencies.
Six specialised rescue vehicles were also flagged
off at Nabanna. Initially, 100 personnel will be deployed in Kolkata, 50 in the Sundarbans and adjoining South 24-Parganas areas, and 50 in Darjeeling-Kalimpong.
The government plans to expand the force to Digha, Mandarmani, the Dooars, Mukutmanipur and Tarapith.
Personnel, called 'Veer', will receive Rs 25,000 a month, while 'Veer Nayak' leaders will get Rs 40,000, with annual increments and insurance cover. The force may later prioritise Agniveers for recruitment.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.