Haryana plans to establish HSDRF with battalion, Quick Response Teams, and trained personnel under Disaster Management (Amendment) Act 2025.

Haryana is moving swiftly to establish a dedicated Haryana State Disaster Response Force (HSDRF) in full alignment with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. A high-level review meeting was held today under the chairpersonship of Dr. Sumita Misra, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, to assess progress and develop a detailed roadmap for operationalizing the specialized force.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the existing disaster response framework and outlined a strategic plan to establish a fully equipped HSDRF. Discussions focused on infrastructure development, manpower deployment, specialized training protocols, and operational readiness to ensure rapid response to both natural and man-made disasters. The aim is to create a force that exceeds benchmarks in operational efficiency and response capability.

Dr. Misra informed that one new SDRF battalion will be formed, with the maximum number of personnel recruited from Agniveers. Additionally, a Quick Response Team (QRT) will be deployed in each division across the state to address any critical situation.

Also read : Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Directs QAA to Ensure Accountability in Haryana’s Infrastructure Projects

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, notified on March 29, 2025, empowers states to constitute SDRFs for specialized disaster response. Haryana has initiated inter-departmental coordination, directing the police and home departments to operationalize the force. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued detailed guidelines on SDRF establishment, organization, training, and deployment, providing a framework for building a professional, nationally aligned disaster response force.

Haryana already has a strong foundation of trained disaster personnel. The 1st Battalion of IRB Bhondsi serves as the nodal disaster response unit, with 594 personnel trained in Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue, Flood Rescue, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) operations. The National Disaster Response Force continues to provide advanced training to ensure personnel remain equipped with the latest disaster response techniques.

The meeting also reviewed conditions for establishing a dedicated SDRF, including exclusive sanctioned posts, dedicated infrastructure, specialized uniforms and equipment, and senior leadership. The Home Department has sanctioned a full battalion of 1,149 posts, laying a strong foundation for rapid operationalization.

Dr. Misra directed all departments to submit comprehensive proposals detailing timelines, resource requirements, infrastructure plans, training schedules, and phased implementation strategies. With the establishment of a professionally trained HSDRF, Haryana aims to enhance its capacity for swift and effective disaster response, underscoring the state government’s commitment to public safety, disaster resilience, and citizen welfare.