(a) whether Government proposes to provide dedicated air support to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to help reduce time in reaching disaster spots;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the salient features of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between NDRF and AIIMS;
(d) whether the Government is considering integration of fire services, civil defence and home guards with NDRF for comprehensive response to disaster; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a) to (b): As per vulnerability profile of the country, ten battalions of NDRF have been deployed across the country. NDRF has been equipped with specialized equipment and is well trained to deal with natural or manmade disasters. After getting the requisition from the States, NDRF reaches the spot in the quickest possible time. If required, the Ministry of Home Affairs arranges air support to NDRF through the Ministry of Defence. At present no dedicated air support to NDRF is available. However 02 MI-17 V5 helicopters under procurement are proposed to be located at Delhi for disaster relief, VIP duties, NSG operation and other commitments.
(c): NDRF and JPNATC (Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre), AIIMS have signed a MoU on 14.01.2015 for capacity building initiatives in disaster management with particular focus on providing medical care for disaster response either inside or outside the country. As a part of the MoU, medical experts from AIIMS including specialized nurses, para medics shall be part of medical component of NDRF response team to improve the efficiency of medical personnel of NDRF, training will be organized with JPNATC to get on job training and hands on experience in handling emergency cases.
(d) & (e): The Government is exploring the possibility to synergise the functioning of fire services, civil defence and home guards with NDRF for comprehensive response to disaster.