GHAZIABAD, May 14 -- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday conferred the President's Colour on the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at a ceremony held in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and said India is steadily moving towards the goal of "zero casualty" in disaster management through improved preparedness, forecasting and community participation.
Shah stated the award reflects more than just the bravery and work of the NDRF - it highlights efforts by state-level teams, village councils, youth groups like NCC and NSS, along with countless local responders nationwide. Their reliability, shaped by the guiding phrase "Service in Crisis, Always Everywhere," has positioned them as figures people turn to when calamities strike.
More than two decades of effort by the NDRF have led to effective responses during floods, quakes, storms, and similar crises. Over one hundred fifty thousand lives were saved through these operations. Nearly nine hundred thousand individuals found safety due to evacuation measures. Projects meant to improve emergency readiness now begin, following a launch event. Infrastructure initiatives valued above 116 crore rupees received official initiation. These steps follow long-term patterns of field performance. Strength in crisis handling continues evolving beyond past limits.
The shift in India's disaster management strategy emerged clearly in recent remarks by the Home Minister. Under PM Narendra Modi, emphasis now rests less on relief, more on prevention. Early warnings guide actions before crises unfold.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.