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

NDRF Full Form is discussed in detail in this article along with other relevant information such as NDRF History, NDRF Role, NDRF Composition, NDRF Major Operation and more.
authorImageNigam Sharma14 Feb, 2024
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NDRF Full Form

NDRF Full Form: NDRF is a specialised unit of the Indian Armed Forces established under the Ministry of Home Affairs to handle disaster response. It operates as a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency organisation, recruiting personnel from various branches of the Indian military and other government agencies.

NRDF force plays a crucial role in executing rescue and relief operations during natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and landslides. Additionally, it extends its services for humanitarian assistance in internal emergencies like riots and terrorist attacks. Formed on January 26, 2006, with an initial strength of 10 battalions, the NDRF has since expanded to 12 battalions, boasting a team of over 65,000 well-trained personnel.

NDRF Overview

Let us quickly get the idea of NDRF through this Overview Table:-
Term Full Form
NDRF National Disaster Response Force
Formation January 19, 2006
Operational Authority Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
Motto "Saving Lives and Beyond"
Headquarters New Delhi, India
Role Disaster response, relief, and recovery
Deployment Rapid response teams across the nation
Training Facilities Specialized training centers nationwide
Strength Multiple battalions with skilled personnel
Equipment Modern tools and technology for rescue
Collaborations Coordination with national and int. agencies

What is the full form of NDRF?

NDRF Full Form is National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a specialized force in India that comes into action during times of calamities. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is made up of individuals from various branches of the Indian military and other governmental agencies. Established on January 26, 2006, with 10 battalions, it has since expanded to 12 battalions, boasting a skilled workforce of over 65,000 personnel. The primary role of the NDRF is to actively participate in rescue and relief operations during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, and more. Beyond that, it also lends its support during internal emergencies such as riots and terrorist attacks. The force is well-equipped and trained to provide humanitarian assistance and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens in distress.

NDRF History

In the wake of the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in India, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act.
  • Establishment: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was formally constituted on January 26, 2006, under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
  • Need for Formation: The formation of NDRF was a response to the realization of the growing frequency and severity of natural disasters in the country. It aimed to enhance the nation's ability to respond promptly and effectively to such calamities.
  • Initial Strength: Initially, NDRF started its journey with the establishment of 10 specialized battalions, each trained and equipped to handle diverse disaster scenarios.
  • Mandate: The primary mandate given to NDRF was to provide specialized response and relief during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, and other emergencies.
  • Composition: NDRF is a multi-disciplinary force, comprising personnel not only from different branches of the Indian military but also from various government agencies, bringing together diverse expertise to tackle disasters comprehensively.
  • Evolution: Over the years, NDRF has evolved to meet the changing dynamics of disasters, continuously updating its strategies, adopting new technologies, and incorporating lessons learned from each response operation.
  • Expansion: Recognizing the critical role played by NDRF, the force has grown over time, and as of now, it consists of 12 battalions, strategically positioned across the country.

NDRF Composition

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.

Defence Exams Related Links
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NDRF Full Form FAQs

Q1. What is the full form of NDRF?

Ans. The full form of NDRF is the National Disaster Response Force.

Q2. When was NDRF established?

Ans. NDRF was established on January 26, 2006.

Q3. How many battalions does NDRF have?

Ans. NDRF currently operates with 12 battalions.

Q4. What is the primary role of NDRF?

Ans. The primary role of NDRF is to engage in rescue and relief operations during natural disasters and provide assistance during internal emergencies.

Q5. How many trained personnel are there in NDRF?

Ans. NDRF consits of a skilled workforce of over 65,000 trained personnel.
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