Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while praising the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), urged the force to strive for achieving the goal of zero casualties instead of minimum casualties during natural disasters. Shah made these remarks at a ceremony where the President's Colour Award was conferred upon the NDRF at its 8th Battalion headquarters in Ghaziabad's Kamla Nehru area.
NDRF's Global Recognition
Shah stated, "The NDRF should work towards the goal of 'Jaan hani shunya, sampati nuksan nuntam' (zero casualty, minimum property damage). It is a matter of pride that over the past 20 years since its inception, the NDRF has provided relief to people affected by both natural and man-made disasters, not only in India but across the globe. The NDRF has placed India on the global map in the field of disaster relief."
The 8th Battalion of the NDRF in Ghaziabad was involved in a rescue operation in earthquake-hit Turkiye in 2023, which also included its elite dog squad.
Proactive Disaster Response
Shah highlighted the shift in disaster response over the years. "There was a time when the state's response to disasters was reactive and limited to providing relief after the event. However, in the last 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the approach has become proactive, with NDRF teams reaching the spot before natural disasters strike, be it cyclones or floods. An ecosystem has been developed for providing relief from the panchayat level to the central government. The sight of NDRF personnel in a disaster zone is enough to instill confidence in people. Such is the reputation the NDRF has earned," he added.
Challenges and Preparedness
Striking a cautionary note, Shah warned of future challenges for the NDRF due to global warming and climate change. He emphasized the need for capacity building and community participation. "Now we have the capability to predict many natural disasters with support from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), risk mapping, and early warning systems. With community participation, disaster relief is becoming a national characteristic. The 10-point Disaster Risk Management outlined by the Prime Minister serves as a reference point for achieving this," said Shah.
The NDRF Battalion strength has increased from 8 to 16. The force is also involved in training State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, Apda Mitra personnel from the National Service Scheme, and fishermen.
Infrastructure Development
Shah also laid the foundation stone for six new NDRF centers across the country, which will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 111 crore.
The President's Colour is one of the highest honors granted to military or paramilitary forces in recognition of their exceptional service to the nation. The award is symbolized by an emblem, known as the 'Nishaan', worn on the left-hand sleeve of all unit officers' uniforms.
