SDRF IG orders deployment of gazetted officers to oversee rescue operations during accidents

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Following the recent bus accident in Gholtir, Rudraprayag and the cloudburst in Silai Bend, Uttarkashi, inspector general of police of Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Arun Mohan Joshi directed that gazetted officers must be deployed at the sites of rescue operations to enhance operational efficiency.

Joshi conducted a surprise inspection of the SDRF battalion headquarters at Jolly Grant on Monday. During the visit, he held a meeting with SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, senior officers and personnel. The meeting focused on the review of monsoon preparedness, upcoming Kanwad Yatra arrangements and ongoing rescue efforts across the State. He reviewed the functioning of the battalion and acknowledged the ongoing relief and rescue work being carried out by SDRF teams across Uttarakhand.

He instructed that SDRF teams must reach incident sites in minimum possible time during any emergency and begin relief operations without delay. He emphasised the importance of collecting feedback from the teams after each operation and ensuring immediate supply of equipment wherever needed. He said that the SDRF headquarters control room must be equipped with advanced communication tools, real-time mapping and data analysis systems. This will enable the unit to function as a central guiding centre during major operations and ensure quick and accurate decision-making, he said.

The IG also instructed that the SDRF training unit should not be limited to training activities alone but should serve as a technical guide unit during disaster management and rescue operations. He claimed that this move will help field teams with technical support and decision-making during operations.

Earlier, Joshi inspected the SDRF post at Sahastradhara and reviewed the team’s preparedness. He directed that the post be strengthened to serve as a quick response unit for Dehradun district. He assured that the SDRF will be equipped with the necessary resources, technical assistance and training required for timely and coordinated responses in any disaster situation.