NDRF 10th Battalion to celebrate Raising Day on January 19

The celebration of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) 10th Battalion's Raising Day on January 19, as highlighted by Commandant Prasanna Kumar, offers a crucial opportunity to delve into India's robust disaster management framework. The reported achievements of saving 67 persons and evacuating 1,634 people in major operations in 2025 underscore the indispensable role of the NDRF in safeguarding lives and property across the nation. This event is not merely a ceremonial observance but a significant marker of India's evolving capabilities in disaster response.

Historically, India's approach to disaster management was largely reactive and relief-centric. Major calamities like the Latur Earthquake in 1993, the Gujarat Earthquake in 2001, and particularly the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, exposed the limitations of this approach. These events served as critical catalysts, prompting a paradigm shift from a relief-centric to a holistic, proactive, multi-hazard, and technology-driven strategy. This led to the enactment of the landmark **Disaster Management Act in 2005**. This Act provided the legal and institutional framework for effective disaster management in India, leading to the creation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at the apex level, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).

The NDRF was formally constituted on **January 19, 2006**, under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is a specialized force, comprising battalions drawn from various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles. Each battalion is multi-skilled and capable of responding to diverse disaster situations, including earthquakes, floods, cyclones, building collapses, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. The NDRF's primary mandate includes specialized response to disasters, search and rescue operations, community awareness and preparedness programs, and providing assistance to civil authorities.

Key stakeholders in India's disaster management framework include the **National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)**, headed by the Prime Minister, which sets policies and guidelines. The **Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)** serves as the nodal ministry for disaster management, overseeing the NDRF's administrative control and operational deployment. State governments, through their respective **State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF)** and SDMAs, work in tandem with the NDRF. At the local level, District Collectors/Magistrates head the DDMAs, ensuring ground-level coordination. Local communities, NGOs, and volunteers are also crucial first responders and play a vital role in preparedness and relief efforts, forming a comprehensive ecosystem of disaster resilience.

The significance of NDRF's operations for India is profound. Firstly, it enhances **national disaster resilience**, reducing the loss of life and property, which in turn minimizes the economic burden of disasters. Proactive deployment and rapid response capabilities ensure faster recovery and continuity of essential services. Secondly, it bolsters India's standing as a responsible global citizen, often providing humanitarian assistance in neighboring countries, such as during the Nepal earthquake in 2015, demonstrating India's 'soft power' and regional leadership. Thirdly, effective disaster management contributes to **internal security** and stability, as large-scale disasters can often lead to social unrest and resource competition. Lastly, it builds public trust in governance, showcasing the government's commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens.

From a constitutional perspective, while there isn't a specific article solely dedicated to disaster management, the **Disaster Management Act, 2005**, draws its legislative competence from various entries in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. For instance, the Union List (Entry 28: Ports; Entry 29: Lighthouses, etc.; Entry 81: Inter-State migration; inter-State quarantine) and the State List (Entry 23: Relief of the disabled and unemployable; Entry 24: Charities and charitable institutions) provide indirect bases. More broadly, the Union Government's power to legislate on matters related to national security and public order, as well as its power to issue directions to states under **Articles 256 and 257** to ensure compliance with Union laws, underpin the centralized framework of the Disaster Management Act. Furthermore, grants for specific purposes, including disaster relief, can be provided to states under **Article 275**.

Looking ahead, the NDRF faces evolving challenges, primarily driven by **climate change**, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and cyclones. This necessitates continuous adaptation, technological upgrades (e.g., use of drones, AI for predictive analysis, advanced search equipment), and enhanced training for specialized urban search and rescue operations. There is a growing emphasis on strengthening **community-based disaster preparedness** and integrating early warning systems more effectively. The future will also see greater focus on international collaboration, sharing best practices, and capacity building, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global disaster risk reduction efforts. The NDRF's consistent performance, as celebrated on its Raising Day, is a testament to India's commitment to building a safer and more resilient future.