Over the years, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) of Himachal Pradesh has been at the forefront of saving lives and minimizing the devastation caused by natural disasters. In a state prone to earthquakes, landslides, flash floods, and other calamities, the SDRF has consistently demonstrated courage, skill, and professionalism in carrying out critical rescue and rehabilitation missions. Their unwavering commitment to serving the people has not only strengthened the state’s disaster response capabilities but also established them as one of the most respected forces in the country.
Recently, this dedication received national recognition when the Himachal Pradesh SDRF secured the first position at the National-level SDRF-CSRR competitions organized by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended his heartfelt congratulations to the team for their outstanding achievement, noting that it was a proud moment for the entire state.
Acknowledging the complex geographical challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhu praised the SDRF’s critical role in safeguarding lives during natural disasters. He emphasized that the State Government is fully committed to further strengthening the SDRF by equipping it with modern technology and state-of-the-art rescue equipment. The goal, he said, is to ensure that the force remains ever-ready to tackle any emergency with greater efficiency and speed.
In a significant move to enhance the capabilities of the SDRF, the Chief Minister directed the Home Department to establish a dedicated dog squad within the SDRF. The introduction of specialized rescue dogs is expected to significantly boost search and rescue operations during disasters like building collapses, avalanches, and other emergencies where quick location of survivors is critical.
Further demonstrating the government’s proactive approach, Chief Minister Sukhu also instructed the immediate recruitment of 700 Home Guards to augment the state’s disaster response manpower. This will not only strengthen the SDRF but also ensure better preparedness at all levels of disaster management.
The contribution of the state towards modernizing disaster response infrastructure was further highlighted by ADGP Satwant Atwal, who heads the Home Guards and Civil Defence Department. Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister, she thanked him for allocating Rs. 12 crore for the procurement of the latest equipment for the SDRF. She proudly noted that the cutting-edge equipment acquired with these funds was showcased during the Ghaziabad competition and played a pivotal role in the team’s national triumph.
The victorious team, consisting of 18 members from the Shimla, Mandi, and Kangra companies of SDRF, first claimed the top position in the North Zone competitions before clinching first place at the national level. They triumphed over strong teams from seven other states, underlining the high level of training, preparedness, and morale within the Himachal Pradesh SDRF.
Chief Minister Sukhu’s recognition of the SDRF’s achievements sends a strong message about the government’s focus on disaster resilience and public safety. As natural disasters continue to pose significant challenges, Himachal Pradesh’s investment in its disaster response infrastructure stands out as a forward-thinking initiative that other states can look up to. This latest honor reaffirms the SDRF’s role as a backbone of the state’s emergency response system and inspires continued excellence in service of humanity.
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