Trained disaster response force: All dressed up, nowhere to go

‘‘More than 180 kinds of specialised equipment are required for the new force, which is expected to tackle all kinds of disasters—natural, nuclear, biological and chemical. The Home Ministry has not even started the process of procuring the equipment,’’ disclosed a senior official.

Cleared in 2003 by the NDA government, the NDRF got the impetus after the tsunami tragedy last year. Its focus also shifted somewhat to handling the aftermath of natural calamities. ‘‘Initially, it was perceived to be largely a force to tackle nuclear, chemical and biological emergencies,’’ added the official.

Though the training of the eight battalions began early last year, their operationalisation is still nowhere in sight. Two battalions each have been drawn from the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Central Industrial Reserve Force for training to mount a professional response during disasters.

The best officers of these units were selected and trained in specialised courses in Israel, US and UK. They also underwent training at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre to respond to nuclear disasters. These officers, in turn, have been training their subordinates in disaster management.

Most of the training related to counter-terrorism was carried out in close cooperation with Israel. Some courses, especially those dealing with nuclear warfare, were conducted in the US, and part of the training—to handle natural calamities like earthquakes was in UK.

Sources said that the eight battalions would be stationed at Arrakonam (Tamil Nadu), Mundali (Orissa), Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Chandigarh, Barasat (West Bengal), Guwahati, Pune and Gandhinagar.