Pune-based NDRF 5TH Battalion to have specialized training in landslide and CBRN emergency

Pune : NDRF is stand-alone specialized response force of Government of India which was raised to respond during natural and manmade disasters. 5 Bn NDRF is having operational responsibility of Maharashtra and Goa and is located at Sudumbare, about 40 km from Pune, in Maval taluka, near Talegaon.

NDRF has global recognition. During Nepal earthquake rescue operation 11 out of 16 lives were saved by NDRF. The feat was recognized globally. Now NDRF is been identified as ‘Champion of Disaster Response.’ In next few months, India will host the BRICs conference on disaster response and management in New Delhi. India will also host the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Government has great faith in and expectations from NDRF. Hence it has added two more battalions to NDRF. On other hand, nature of disaster is changing. New equipments and training are needed to acquire constantly to provide techno based response. NDRF is having state of the art equipments of global standards. NDRF also review its own inventory to discard absolute equipments and add new innovative equipments. Recently NDRF has submitted the proposal of Rs. 52 crores for new equipments. It already has 12 NETRA. If advanced version is available, NDRF will try to acquire it.

New infrastructure will now provide office, training and accommodation facility for 18 teams of NDRF.  It’s first phase of construction and has provision of Rs. 87 crores. Construction will also have 180 men barrack, training block, store block, NBC shelter and training ground. The construction is expected to be completed in 18 months. Sh. S P Selvan, DIG, South Zone, Chennai and Sh. Anupam Srivastava, Commandant 5 Bn NDRF also graced the occasion.