New Delhi: Every year on January 19, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day is observed. The NDRF’s 12 battalions are made up of specialised, multi-skilled personnel. Based on the vulnerability profile, these battalions are stationed in 16 different places to reduce the time required for their deployment in catastrophe locations.
The NDRF is the major agency in charge of disaster rescue operations such as drowning, building collapses, landslides, severe floods, earthquakes, and cyclones.
NDRF Day 2023: History
From 1990 to 2004, India saw a series of natural disasters. As a result, on December 26, 2005, the Disaster Management Act was passed. The National Disaster Response Force was established under this act with the goal of developing disaster management strategies, rules, and recommendations. The National Disaster Response Force was established on January 19, 2006, as the country’s premier rescue response force. ‘Aapada Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra’ is their motto which refers to a continuous catastrophe response service in all circumstances. Every year since its establishment, the country has observed NDRF Raising Day. This year commemorates the 18th year of Raising Day.
NDRF Day 2023: Significance
The NDRF Raising Day is a chance to acknowledge and appreciate the men and women of the NDRF who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their country. It is also an opportunity to promote awareness about the necessity of disaster planning and response, as well as to encourage people to take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves and their communities in the case of a disaster.
National Emergency Response Force Raising Day is an important day to recall and thank the NDRF personnel’s hard work and sacrifices in saving lives and property in the face of calamity. It also serves as a reminder of the need of being prepared for catastrophes and the role of the NDRF in protecting citizens..
NDRF Day 2023: Role
In its 17 years of service, the NDRF has saved 1.44 lakh human lives and evacuated over 7 lakh trapped individuals with 12 battalions and 13,000 NDRF troops scattered across the country. The NDRF alone saved 12,000 lives in various rescue operations in 2021.
The NDRF is prepared and trained to deal with a variety of challenges. These range from borehole accidents to chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. During any significant natural or man-made disasters in the country, their mission is to execute relief, rescue, and evacuation operations. NDRF personnel can be seen working during floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, construction collapses, and even radiological material retrieval.
