Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Days after a five-storey building collapsed in South Delhi's Satya Niketan, leaving seven dead, the national capital is set to get its own State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has initiated the process of setting up the dedicated force, aiming to strengthen the city's preparedness and response during emergencies.
Why Delhi Needs An SDRF
Until now, Delhi has remained dependent on the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Delhi Fire Services, and local police for specialised assistance during major disasters and emergencies. The proposed SDRF aims to reduce response times, improve coordination among agencies, and strengthen Delhi's capacity to deal with crises.
"Most states in the country have already established an SDRF; having one for a densely populated metropolis like Delhi is the need of the hour," Chief Minister Gupta said.
"Due to various reasons, this vital system could not materialise during the tenures of previous governments. The Delhi government will now move forward in this direction to reduce reliance on external aid during disasters and to bolster local capacity for immediate response," she added.
Gupta noted that the objective extends beyond post-disaster response, adding, "The goal is not only to respond after a disaster strikes, but also to make Delhi fully prepared and capable of handling such situations proactively."
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Key attendees included Delhi Government Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma, NDRF Director General (DG) Piyush Anand, Inspector General (IG) Narendra Bundela, and senior officials from various departments.
During the meeting, NDRF officials briefed the Chief Minister on key aspects regarding the force's formation. They informed her that an SDRF battalion could be raised in Delhi, comprising up to 1,100 personnel. This unit will operate under the state government, deploying rapidly on its orders to swift and effective relief and rescue operations at disaster sites.
Satya Niketan Building Collapse
This decision comes days after the Satya Niketan tragedy, where a five-storey building being used as a Paying Guest (PG) facility for boys collapsed, leaving seven dead, including five students and two labourers.
(With Inputs From Agencies)