Telangana to set up State Disaster Response Force

The State government is establishing a Telangana State Disaster Response Force to take up rescue and relief works effectively during natural calamities. Chief Secretary A Santhi Kumari held a meeting in this regard with senior officials, including DGP Jitender, Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar and others here on Tuesday.

It may be recalled that in view of the recent floods and drowning incidents that occurred in the State, the Chief Minister had instructed to constitute the Telangana State Disaster Response force by utilizing 10 teams of Fire department and 10 companies of Telangana Special Police Battalion and to put together a force of about 2000 personnel. Accordingly, the required budget has also been sanctioned.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary stressed on the need



to train the personnel enabling them to be ready to take up works in case of any floods, fire mishaps and other such calamities. The first batch training of personnel should begin from November first week. The meeting also discussed about the procurement of vehicles, rescue equipment, personal protective gear and other tools which are required for the rescue operations.

DG Fire Services Nagi Reddy informed that 10 teams of Fire Department would be upgraded to SDRF stations by providing requisite equipment and trainings. Similarly, 1000 personnel from TGSP Battalions (each company comprising of 100 personnel) would be trained on par with Fire department personnel, besides stationing them as standby in the respective locations during required seasons and emergencies. The services of NDRF would also be utilized for training, he added.