The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh graced the occasion as Chief Guest and lauded the work of NDRF during calamities and disasters. Shri Rajnath said that the NDRF personnel have done commendable jobs in different disasters by rescuing people in distress like J&K Floods, floods in Assam and Meghalaya, landslide in Malin gaon and at other places. Shri Rajnath Singh mentioned that NDRF is working with 10 battalions and the Government is keen to provide all possible assistance to the Force including the increase in its strength.
The Union Home Minister mentioned that in order to check natural disasters, people should make judicial use of the available natural resources. He also mentioned that there is a need for increasing co-operation in different agencies dealing with disaster management and relief assistance to the affected people. During the function, Shri Rajnath Singh presented the Police Medals to NDRF personnel. A souvenir and a Postal cover on the 10th raising day were also released.
Earlier in his welcome address, DG, NDRF Shri O.P. Singh highlighted the role of NDRF in pre and post rescue and relief operations in different parts of the country. He mentioned that the NDRF responded to various disaster situations such as earthquake, cyclone, floods, landslides, building collapses and train accidents. DG, NDRF further added that force saved more than 4 lakh precious human lives in its different operations. DG, NDRF asserted that besides the quick response in disaster, the force has made a dent in global arena of Disaster Management. He mentioned that recently one MoU has been signed between AIIMS and NDRF to strengthen the capabilities of the Urban Search and Rescue Team. On this occasion, Dr. P.K. Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary, PMO delivered a lecture on “Disaster Preparedness and Response: Some Insights.” He highlighted the role of NDRF and NDMA in the disaster management and relief and rescue operations.
NDRF organized an impressive demonstration to showcase the capabilities on earthquake scenario in Hamsadhwani open air Theatre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi in the afternoon. The Minister of State for Home Affair Shri Kiren Rijiju participated in the function as the Chief Guest. He also visited the exhibition on this occasion and appreciated the role played by NDRF in various relief and rescue operations. He said that NDRF personnel are saviour for those who are trapped in natural disaster. Raising Day Celebration of NDRF was attended by the Heads of premier disaster management institutes, Chief of the CAPFs, Heads from various Stakeholders, Secretaries of different Ministries, SDMA and SDRF personal and Civil Defence volunteers.