Haryana Accelerates Establishment of Dedicated State Disaster Response Force Under Disaster Management Act, 2025 – Dr. Sumita Misra

Chandigarh, January 19 – Haryana is fast-tracking the establishment of a dedicated Haryana State Disaster Response Force (HSDRF) in full compliance with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. A crucial high-level review meeting was convened today under the chairpersonship of Dr. Sumita Misra, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, to assess progress and chart out a comprehensive roadmap for operationalizing this specialized force.

During discussions, officers reviewed the existing disaster response framework and discussed the strategic transition towards establishing a fully equipped HSDRF. The review focused on infrastructure development, manpower deployment, specialized training protocols, and operational readiness to ensure swift response during natural and man-made disasters. The emphasis was on creating a force that exceeds benchmarks in operational excellence and response capabilities.

During the meeting, Dr. Misra apprised that government has decided that one new SDRF Battalion is to be formed with the maximum number from the Agniveers. She informed that one Quick Response Team (QRT) each will be ensured in all divisions across the state to tackle any sensitive situation.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, notified on March 29, 2025, empowers states to constitute State Disaster Response Forces dedicated exclusively to specialized disaster response operations. Haryana has initiated comprehensive inter-departmental coordination, directing police and home departments to operationalize the force. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has prepared detailed guidelines covering SDRF establishment, organization, training, and deployment, providing a robust framework for building a professional disaster response force aligned with national standards.

Haryana possesses a strong foundation of trained disaster response personnel. The 1st Battalion of IRB Bhondsi functions as the nodal disaster response unit, with 594 police personnel trained in Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue, Flood Rescue, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response. The National Disaster Response Force continues providing critical support through advanced training programmes, ensuring personnel remain at the cutting edge of disaster response techniques.

The meeting examined conditions laid down by the Government of India for establishing a dedicated SDRF, including exclusive sanctioned posts for disaster management, dedicated infrastructure, specialized uniforms and equipment, and senior-level leadership. The Home Department has sanctioned a full battalion comprising 1,149 posts, providing a solid foundation and positioning Haryana for rapid operationalization.

Dr. Sumita Misra provided clear direction, instructing all departments to submit a comprehensive proposal detailing timelines, resource requirements, infrastructure development plans, training schedules, and phased implementation strategy. By establishing a dedicated, professionally trained State Disaster Response Force, Haryana will significantly enhance its capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to all disasters and emergencies, reinforcing the state government's commitment to public safety, disaster resilience, and citizen welfare.