National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

Why in news?

• Stressing the need for better coordination between the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) in individual States, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 19^th December said that unless the two outfits worked in closer affinity, problems could arise in rescue efforts during major calamities.

About NDRF:

• The NDRF was constituted under Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for a specialized response to natural and man-made disasters.
• At present, NDRF comprise of 15 battalions, with each battalion consisting 1149 personnel
• NDRF carries out rescue and relief operations during natural disasters
• Head of NDRF is designated as Director General (DG). Usually, an IPS Officer is the head of NDRF.
• NDRF functions under National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
  • NDMA is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India, with Prime Minister as its Chairperson.
• NDRF consists of personnel on deputation from CRPF, BSF etc.

About SDRF:

• As per Section 3.4 of National Policy on Disaster Management 2009, the State Governments are required to raise their own SDRF for quickly responding to disasters.
• As of now, 24 State/UTs have raised their SDRF.
• These SDRF are placed strategically at suitable locations well connected to the airport, rail heads and roads for their immediate deployment at the disaster sites.
• The SDRF are also be used for Community Capacity Building and Awareness Generation programmes within the State.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements:

1. Both the National Disaster Response Forces and State Disaster Response Forces are statutory bodies.

2. National Disaster Response Forces functions under National Disaster Management Authority

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer