PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
World Bank managing director and chief knowledge officer Paschal Donohoe visited the State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) headquarters in Jolly Grant, Dehradun, with a high level delegation on Wednesday to review Uttarakhand’s disaster response system, training facilities and modern rescue infrastructure. The delegation inspected the administration block, training block, canine unit and control room and was briefed about the quick deployment of rescue teams during emergencies.
The SDRF commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi briefed the delegation about the disaster risks faced by Uttarakhand because of its geographical and geological conditions. He explained how SDRF teams are trained to respond to emergencies and carry out search and rescue operations in difficult locations.
He further shared with them the force’s communication and command-and-control system. The delegation was told how rescue teams are deployed, monitored and coordinated during emergencies.
The team also visited the SDRF canine unit. Officials explained the role of trained dogs in locating people during search and rescue operations.
The delegation was briefed about SDRF operations in mountainous areas, river valleys, landslide-prone locations and other disaster-sensitive areas. Officials explained the practical training given to personnel for locating victims, providing first response and conducting rescue operations.
Yaduvanshi also presented Donohoe with a case study book on the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation. The book covers the challenges faced during the operation, rescue strategies, coordination between agencies and lessons learned.
