NDRF Full Form, History, Roles and Responsibilities, Major Operations

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) comprises 16 battalions, organized on para-military lines.

• The force is manned by personnel on deputation from various para-military forces of India.
• The composition includes three battalions from the Border Security Force, three from the Central Reserve Police Force, two from the Central Industrial Security Force, two from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, two from the Sashastra Seema Bal, and one from the Assam Rifles.
• Each battalion has an approximate strength of 1149 personnel.
• Every battalion is equipped to provide 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams.
• Each specialist team consists of 45 personnel, including engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads, and medical/paramedics.

NDRF Roles and Responsibilities

NDRF plays a multipurpose role in managing and mitigating the impact of disasters. Its various responsibilities consist of different aspects of disaster response and recovery.

1. Search and Rescue Operations

• Rapid Deployment:
  • NDRF is renowned for its ability to swiftly deploy highly trained personnel to the affected areas in the aftermath of natural or man-made disasters.
• Specialized Teams:
  • The force comprises specialized teams equipped with modern tools and technology to conduct search and rescue operations in challenging conditions.

2. NDRF Medical Assistance

• Emergency Medical Services:
  • NDRF provides crucial medical assistance to disaster-affected individuals, ensuring prompt healthcare in emergencies.
• Field Hospitals:
  • The force is equipped with field hospitals capable of providing immediate medical support in disaster-stricken regions.

3. NDRF Relief Measures

• Distribution of Essential Supplies:
  • NDRF takes an active role in the distribution of essential supplies such as food, water, and shelter materials to affected populations.
• Rehabilitation Support:
  • In the aftermath of disasters, NDRF contributes to rehabilitation efforts, helping affected communities rebuild their lives.

4. NDRF Capacity Building and Community Awareness

• Training Programs:
  • NDRF conducts training programs and workshops to build the capacity of local communities in disaster-prone areas.
• Awareness Campaigns:
  • The force engages in awareness campaigns to educate the public on disaster preparedness and response.

5. NDRF Coordination with Other Agencies

• Interagency Collaboration:
  • NDRF collaborates with various national and international agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective response to disasters.
• Government Support:
  • The force works closely with federal and state governments, providing critical support in disaster management.

Major Operations of NDRF

Let us look at some of the major operations conducted by NDRF:-

1. Bhavnagar, Gujarat Flood (July 2007): Rescued 291 people and distributed 3,750 food packets during the flood.
2. Hotel Shakunt Building Collapse, Ahmedabad (Feb 2008): Saved 10 lives and recovered 6 bodies in a building collapse.
3. Kosi breach in Bihar (Aug 2008): Successfully evacuated over 105,000 people and distributed essential supplies.
4. Cyclone Aila, West Bengal (May - June 2009): Rescued 2000 people, provided medical aid to 30,000 victims, and distributed food packets to 16,000.
5. Chennai Flood, Tamil Nadu (Nov 2015): Engaged in rescue and relief operations during flooding in Chennai.
6. Cyclone Phailin (2013): Utilized battalions of the army and navy for evacuations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
7. Kerala Floods (August 2018): Deployed 58 teams, marking the highest-ever deployment in a single state, rescuing 194 persons and evacuating over 10,000 people.
8. Onagawa, Miyagi (Japan) Rescue Operation (2011): Conducted a search and rescue operation with a 46-member NDRF team.
9. Junagarh and Porbandar, Gujarat Flood (July 2009): Saved 2225 people during flooding in Gujarat.
10. Cyclone Laila, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka (May 2010): Responded to the cyclone, contributing to rescue and relief efforts in the affected regions.

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