Question : Strengthening of NDRF

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps recently to strengthen the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and its capabilities; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) and (b): To strengthen the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the country, Government of India had approved the raising of 04 additional battalions of NDRF, that increased the number of NDRF battalions from 12 to 16, which are strategically located as per vulnerability profile of the country to provide immediate response during disaster or threatening disaster situation.

In order to build and continuously upgrade the capacity of NDRF personnel and to provide them holistic training, NDRF Academy has been set up in Nagpur in 2018. Apart from it, strengthening of NDRF is monitored and reviewed at regular intervals in view of unforeseen disasters occurring in the country, which inter-alia include the following:-

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L.S.US.Q.NO.3160 FOR 22.03.2022


(i). Government of India has approved the Umbrella Scheme namely “Infrastructure for Disaster Management” from 2021-22 to 2025-26 at a total financial outlay of Rs.949.81 crores, for infrastructure Development in NDRF Battalions and NDRF Academy.

(ii). NDRF is equipped with state of art equipment to deal with various manmade and natural disaster situations.

(iii). Capacity building programmes of NDRF as well as of various stakeholders including school safety programmes are undertaken to enhance preparedness of the community.

(iv). International workshop/ field exercises are also undertaken by NDRF to acquaint the Force with the latest international standards. NDRF personnel are also nominated to participate in various international events i.e training courses/seminars/ workshops etc., which benefits NDRF personnel in updating their skills about best practices in Disaster Management, knowledge of sophisticated equipment & techniques being adopted globally.

(v). The Central Government is providing all support and assistance to the NDRF for upgrading the force capability by providing requisite approval for purchase of advanced equipment as and when needed.
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